521: Roy Flores’ 1951 Willys CJ-3A
This is my 1951 CJ-3A. It has been in the family since 1967. Purchased by my dad in auction from National Airlines in 67. It was a luggage pull (mule) for the airlines prior to the mules they currently use. Just completed (this round) of redo. Original drive components except I replace the steering system (to rack and pinion) due to steering a poor performance. Has overdrive, and lockers.
Original steering gearbox box, bell crank, tie rods removed. Cannot show steering column “thrust/steady bearing”. It is a tapered bearing with home made clamp to tub front frame. But photo shows drive link. I believe this rack/pinion unit, drive links shown and tie rod ends were Flaming River components for a 92 Mustang. I cannot fully recall as I did this about 10 years and 12,000 miles ago. Had to shorten both sides about 3/4 inch (cut/tread). Note exhaust pipe from manifold had to be moved forward and towards motor to get proper clearance for drive link (heated and bent by O2/Acetylene torch) and clear oil pump.
Front brackets bolted through tubular cross member. See notches in grill mount. MUST have steering stabilizer as too easy to steer and if pot hole or 4 wheeling it will try to pull steering wheel from your grip.
More front height clearance, no stiffness nor wheel slack; very easy to drive.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Roy Flores
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The old steering system worked fine if you put the one piece tie rod on the vehicle. My first jeep was a ‘2A with a hudson steering sector and it worked well. A nice restoration job I miss mine like a friend. Dave Jones
The old steering system worked fine if you put the one piece tie rod on the vehicle. My first jeep was a ‘2A with a hudson steering sector and it worked well. A nice restoration job I miss mine like a friend. Dave Jones
Thank you for kind words and response. I never tried the one piece tie rod, but I repaired steering box several times. I had this manual rack and pinion from a 92 Mustang and tried it. I kept all the original components “in case”…But it is like power steering with the change. So much I put a 14 inch steering wheel on. Easy and very responsive.
Thank you for kind words and response. I never tried the one piece tie rod, but I repaired steering box several times. I had this manual rack and pinion from a 92 Mustang and tried it. I kept all the original components “in case”…But it is like power steering with the change. So much I put a 14 inch steering wheel on. Easy and very responsive.
Nice job, I am interested in your rack and pinion conversion. I am considering several different options for steering and would like to see your steering box install, can you post a picture or description of what you used?
Thanks,
Art J.
Nice job, I am interested in your rack and pinion conversion. I am considering several different options for steering and would like to see your steering box install, can you post a picture or description of what you used?
Thanks,
Art J.
What have you done on Rt Rear? Is that gas Cap?
What have you done on Rt Rear? Is that gas Cap?
Answers to some questions: Yes you see a gas cap. I have her fitted with a rear gas tank as well as one under drivers seat. Built a SS rear tank and made fill and vent connections. Both tanks route to selector solenoid valve under hood. Switch tank in use also switches gauge input. About 12 gallon capacity in rear tank.
The front view photo shows the rack/pinion installation. That is “gearbox”. Besides mounting the rack/pinion unit, the rest of the work was to modify the column’s lower shaft to have a support bearing (meaning original gearbox is gone) and then linkage from Steering shaft to pinion. Mostly bolt up, but some welds required for shaft mod.
No one asked, but this Willys has an OEM heater. For 51 CJ I find that unique. Advance Adapter OD. Under hood is L134 but has Weber 2bbl (primary/secondary set up) instead of the original Carter. I have the Carter but the Weber carb performs better.
Original drum brake set up, but felt underpowered. Read of going to larger drums, but instead I upgraded the Master Cylinder to a Wilwood tandem with the reservoir remote at the top of the fender. Great brakes now.
Answers to some questions: Yes you see a gas cap. I have her fitted with a rear gas tank as well as one under drivers seat. Built a SS rear tank and made fill and vent connections. Both tanks route to selector solenoid valve under hood. Switch tank in use also switches gauge input. About 12 gallon capacity in rear tank.
The front view photo shows the rack/pinion installation. That is “gearbox”. Besides mounting the rack/pinion unit, the rest of the work was to modify the column’s lower shaft to have a support bearing (meaning original gearbox is gone) and then linkage from Steering shaft to pinion. Mostly bolt up, but some welds required for shaft mod.
No one asked, but this Willys has an OEM heater. For 51 CJ I find that unique. Advance Adapter OD. Under hood is L134 but has Weber 2bbl (primary/secondary set up) instead of the original Carter. I have the Carter but the Weber carb performs better.
Original drum brake set up, but felt underpowered. Read of going to larger drums, but instead I upgraded the Master Cylinder to a Wilwood tandem with the reservoir remote at the top of the fender. Great brakes now.
I wish to buy a Wily Jeep of the sceond world wars’s period. Cheap but in good condition. I am from Malaysia.
I wish to buy a Wily Jeep of the sceond world wars’s period. Cheap but in good condition. I am from Malaysia.
Such a nice looking 2A and we love the colour! Can you tell me what colour it is? We are building a 1960 Willys pickup and that would be a great option.
Thanks!
Such a nice looking 2A and we love the colour! Can you tell me what colour it is? We are building a 1960 Willys pickup and that would be a great option.
Thanks!
This Jeep is a 1951 3A. The color is (supposedly) Hampshire Green-Metallic. A color from 1950-51. A PPG mix per their book for this name and year. It is a 2 stage paint, color followed by 2 clear coats. I wanted metallic, the PPG e-book listed Hampshire Green Poly and Hampshire Green Metallic. Most paint supply shops will make a 2oz color sample for about $12 (if you do 2 stage you may have to imagine the shine…).
This Jeep is a 1951 3A. The color is (supposedly) Hampshire Green-Metallic. A color from 1950-51. A PPG mix per their book for this name and year. It is a 2 stage paint, color followed by 2 clear coats. I wanted metallic, the PPG e-book listed Hampshire Green Poly and Hampshire Green Metallic. Most paint supply shops will make a 2oz color sample for about $12 (if you do 2 stage you may have to imagine the shine…).
I have a 1946 cj2 looking for a buyer perfect for project runs fine drives fine looking for about 5,000 bucks
I have a 1946 cj2 looking for a buyer perfect for project runs fine drives fine looking for about 5,000 bucks