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.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Roy Flores
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Looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, Willys Jeep replacement parts, Willys Jeep body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place!
I have a 1946 cj2 looking for a buyer perfect for project runs fine drives fine looking for about 5,000 bucks
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…).
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!
I wish to buy a Wily Jeep of the sceond world wars’s period. Cheap but in good condition. I am from Malaysia.
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.
What have you done on Rt Rear? Is that gas Cap?
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.
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.
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