146: Keith Hershberger’s 1948 Willys Truck
I purchased this truck (sitting in a field) about 10 years ago. I have always wanted a military Jeep, but was not able to find one at the time I was looking at a price I could afford. Of course, like many, I thought I would be done with the rebuild/restoration in a year. It took me about 7 which included a complete “Go Devil” engine tear down and rebuild.. as well as all new brakes, lines, cylinders, gas tank, etc etc. Rear fenders, seat frames were located over the years as I scavenged junk yards while on the road for work. My kids love the “munitions carrier” as we have camped out in the back (and did even when it was on blocks in the garage) Had a recent opportunity to pose it in front of several WWII Warbirds (not the most original I suppose)… but it gave the truck even more of the look I was going for. Hope you like it as well!!
– Keith Hershberger
Have Willys Jeep photos? Submit them to our blog webmaster.
Get Connected. Stay Inspired. Build Your Willys.
Keith ,looks great all it needs is some badging ,stars and i.d. numbers would finish her off nicely. Nice work.
Keith ,looks great all it needs is some badging ,stars and i.d. numbers would finish her off nicely. Nice work.
Very nice looking flat fender Willys Pickup! One question is the hood numbers on the Jeep. WWII Army Jeep numbers always started with the number 20 then six more numbers. Just wondering.
Very nice looking flat fender Willys Pickup! One question is the hood numbers on the Jeep. WWII Army Jeep numbers always started with the number 20 then six more numbers. Just wondering.
Mmm…. anything in OD Green looks great! Excellent job on the restoration. Even though it’s not exactly period for any particular war, it sure looks like it belongs with the rest. Way to bring her back to her glory!!! She’ll appreciate it and treat you right drive after drive. The ultimate girlfriend! 😉
Mmm…. anything in OD Green looks great! Excellent job on the restoration. Even though it’s not exactly period for any particular war, it sure looks like it belongs with the rest. Way to bring her back to her glory!!! She’ll appreciate it and treat you right drive after drive. The ultimate girlfriend! 😉
Keith, great adaptation. I have a fully restored ’42 GPW and would park next to you anytime. Very cool.
Ed, Oakland CA
Keith, great adaptation. I have a fully restored ’42 GPW and would park next to you anytime. Very cool.
Ed, Oakland CA
WE HAVE THE CLUTCH FOR THIS JEEP.
WE HAVE THE CLUTCH FOR THIS JEEP.
Very nice truck! I know those warbirds, belong to the Collins Foundation. Had the opportunity to fly in that B24 for about 75 miles last year. What a ride!!!!
Very nice truck! I know those warbirds, belong to the Collins Foundation. Had the opportunity to fly in that B24 for about 75 miles last year. What a ride!!!!
Great job on the truck. I got to fly on the B-17 in the photo when the War Birds visited Lexington, KY. As I was entering the hanger, an elderly gentleman with a WWII hat stopped me and said, “I advise you not to fly on that aircraft. It’s too dangerous.” He then commented, “I was a B-24 pilot,” and laughed.
Great job on the truck. I got to fly on the B-17 in the photo when the War Birds visited Lexington, KY. As I was entering the hanger, an elderly gentleman with a WWII hat stopped me and said, “I advise you not to fly on that aircraft. It’s too dangerous.” He then commented, “I was a B-24 pilot,” and laughed.
I was not aware that the Willys pickup were used my the military, does anyone have any more information on these trucks. I have one and I have not decided how to finish it. I belong to the Military Vehicle Preservation Association and would like to finish the 50 Pickup as a military vehicle. Thanks to anyone who can help.
I was not aware that the Willys pickup were used my the military, does anyone have any more information on these trucks. I have one and I have not decided how to finish it. I belong to the Military Vehicle Preservation Association and would like to finish the 50 Pickup as a military vehicle. Thanks to anyone who can help.
Keith, This restoration is amazing!!! I just bought the same 48′ Willys “Jeep Truck” and plan to restore it in the same military genre as you. The truck was originally in CA. and the buyer paid $4000 to have it transported here to western NY where it was then sold off to a guy who kept it in a barn. He began the restoration but had too many irons in the fire so I bought it a couple of days ago. He took off the body which is in amazing shape and stripped it down. Everything is there and intact so basically I need to continue the stripping of the cab and then get busy with painting…mechanical etc.
I’ve restored 2 44′ MB’s…and 2 M-38’s…always fun projects!!!
I’d love to pick your brain on this project and maybe get some close-up photos. Please email me at woodlandwampum@yahoo.com
Thanks so much
Dave
Keith, This restoration is amazing!!! I just bought the same 48′ Willys “Jeep Truck” and plan to restore it in the same military genre as you. The truck was originally in CA. and the buyer paid $4000 to have it transported here to western NY where it was then sold off to a guy who kept it in a barn. He began the restoration but had too many irons in the fire so I bought it a couple of days ago. He took off the body which is in amazing shape and stripped it down. Everything is there and intact so basically I need to continue the stripping of the cab and then get busy with painting…mechanical etc.
I’ve restored 2 44′ MB’s…and 2 M-38’s…always fun projects!!!
I’d love to pick your brain on this project and maybe get some close-up photos. Please email me at woodlandwampum@yahoo.com
Thanks so much
Dave
Keith….Great work on the truck!!! I’m doing a restoration in the same military genre and was wondering if we could talk. Love to see more pics etc.
My contact info is : woodlandwampum@yahoo.com
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks much
Dave
Keith….Great work on the truck!!! I’m doing a restoration in the same military genre and was wondering if we could talk. Love to see more pics etc.
My contact info is : woodlandwampum@yahoo.com
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks much
Dave