We picked up this 1945 Willys MB last year and trailered it home. After a new starter, we had it running. The previous owner converted it to 12 volt, and burned out most of the lights, and electrical circuits, so the only thing wired now is the ignition circuit. That is about to change, however…
I’ve replaced the fuel system back to the original type, re-built the original Carter WO Carburetor, and repaired the radiator and replaced all of the hoses back to the original type. I’ve got a new wiring harness, and stacks of parts, and will be purchasing more in the future. I’m going to take the vehicle back to the old Mil-Specs and 6 volt system. Once it’s all back to original, I plan on tearing it down and stripping and painting each part and reassembling the entire vehicle. I’ve painted the unit numbers on the bumpers and bumperetts (no pics of that yet) to reflect my son-in-law’s Army unit. I’ve also researched and found the correct hood number. I’m kind of torn though about completely restoring… I like the slightly rusty, dirty look! That’s how a Jeep SHOULD look!
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – David Hlatko
If you would like to share your Willys Jeep Story please send us a line. We ‘d love to meet your Jeep.
Like Us. Facebook
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!
Motor Pool Class, shows signs of real use! I agree, that’s the way a Jeep should be! Great Jeep!
Motor Pool Class, shows signs of real use! I agree, that’s the way a Jeep should be! Great Jeep!
Return to stock then, is a true restoration and will be something to be proud of.
Return to stock then, is a true restoration and will be something to be proud of.
Dear Sir,
The jeep does not look too bad the way it is. This is a really old one when the gas tank filler spout is under the seat. As far as the 6 volt system goes as long as the ground strap is under the generator it should always start well, cold or hot. Some people are just plain stupid when they start modifying vintage vehicles.
Dave
Dear Sir,
The jeep does not look too bad the way it is. This is a really old one when the gas tank filler spout is under the seat. As far as the 6 volt system goes as long as the ground strap is under the generator it should always start well, cold or hot. Some people are just plain stupid when they start modifying vintage vehicles.
Dave
love it the way it is, fix what is non op and leave the look.
You can always make one look new but the look you have now has to be earned.
love it the way it is, fix what is non op and leave the look.
You can always make one look new but the look you have now has to be earned.
Hi…I’d get it back to stock and enjoy it the way it is…not too many ‘originals’ around anymore in that condition !!
Hi…I’d get it back to stock and enjoy it the way it is…not too many ‘originals’ around anymore in that condition !!
looks great ! I keep my jeep dusty but dry. The look is real military jeep wear. if you enjoy getting it out and driving it, it will just get dirty again anyway. I would vote to keep it as it is. More character !!!
looks great ! I keep my jeep dusty but dry. The look is real military jeep wear. if you enjoy getting it out and driving it, it will just get dirty again anyway. I would vote to keep it as it is. More character !!!
Sir: I am not a “factory roll-out” perfectionist; however, I cannot tolerate rust/cancer. Looking rough is one thing; cancer is another. IMHO keep the character blemishes and get rid of the rust. Enjoy your piece of history with your family! Thanks. R.
Sir: I am not a “factory roll-out” perfectionist; however, I cannot tolerate rust/cancer. Looking rough is one thing; cancer is another. IMHO keep the character blemishes and get rid of the rust. Enjoy your piece of history with your family! Thanks. R.
Hi,
I also agree ! A Jeep should have some wear and tear ! Yours looks so darngood….I’m jealous.
Bring it back to old stock ! Good for you !
Regards,
Normand
Hi,
I also agree ! A Jeep should have some wear and tear ! Yours looks so darngood….I’m jealous.
Bring it back to old stock ! Good for you !
Regards,
Normand
A beauty. I am an all original fan.
A beauty. I am an all original fan.
David, Great looking Willys– keep the “patina of experience”… anything can be painted to look new, but the look of experience can never be painted.
David, Great looking Willys– keep the “patina of experience”… anything can be painted to look new, but the look of experience can never be painted.
Hi David
Great Jeep indeed ,Looks are looks n sure concern wud be to ensure no further
rusting. Suggest untill u dcide please get a couple of clear matt spray bottels and
spray over the rusted parts to arrest further deterioration from weather.
this protects the jeep and also maintains the great looks .
Hi David
Great Jeep indeed ,Looks are looks n sure concern wud be to ensure no further
rusting. Suggest untill u dcide please get a couple of clear matt spray bottels and
spray over the rusted parts to arrest further deterioration from weather.
this protects the jeep and also maintains the great looks .
I agree that a jeep should look used. Rust is another matter. My M38A1 is better mechanically than the two M151’s I was issued. But, nice jeep. keep it original.
I agree that a jeep should look used. Rust is another matter. My M38A1 is better mechanically than the two M151’s I was issued. But, nice jeep. keep it original.
You have a great project ahead of you. Take the time and take it apart and do it right . You will enjoy playing with it more later ! Whatever you decide, it is a very nice Jeep .
You have a great project ahead of you. Take the time and take it apart and do it right . You will enjoy playing with it more later ! Whatever you decide, it is a very nice Jeep .
COMPLIMENTS !. Try to find the Original rims!
Split rims is allmost inpossible and less good!
COMPLIMENTS !. Try to find the Original rims!
Split rims is allmost inpossible and less good!
What a beauty.
Mine is all 6-volt just as it was intended to be and has never let me down over the 40 years that I have had it.. Thankfully, KW has all the bulbs and everything to keep everything working. You have a lot of work ahead of you, but I would love to have that problem. Good Luck.
What a beauty.
Mine is all 6-volt just as it was intended to be and has never let me down over the 40 years that I have had it.. Thankfully, KW has all the bulbs and everything to keep everything working. You have a lot of work ahead of you, but I would love to have that problem. Good Luck.
Nice looking Jeep. The pose you have. Reminds me of a friend. Who I took a picture of in Di An,Viet Nam in 1970. He worked in the motor pool. We were in the 3/17 Air Cav 1st Avaition Brgd. Again,nice looking Jeep. I almost have my bronc on the road and I guess when it starts getting warm. I ,ll start on the 67 Jeep out back.
Nice looking Jeep. The pose you have. Reminds me of a friend. Who I took a picture of in Di An,Viet Nam in 1970. He worked in the motor pool. We were in the 3/17 Air Cav 1st Avaition Brgd. Again,nice looking Jeep. I almost have my bronc on the road and I guess when it starts getting warm. I ,ll start on the 67 Jeep out back.
i agree with those who said to leave it original – dust and all – I repainted my M38 in 2013 and for a couple of years I worried so much about keeping it clean. A few gravel roads later, and I prefer it a little dusty – and so do the folks at car shows !! Shows you enjoy it – and it gives a jeep real character
i agree with those who said to leave it original – dust and all – I repainted my M38 in 2013 and for a couple of years I worried so much about keeping it clean. A few gravel roads later, and I prefer it a little dusty – and so do the folks at car shows !! Shows you enjoy it – and it gives a jeep real character
I have a ’47 Willy’s and rebuilt my carburator several times. This ethenol fuel is murder on them. Finally gave up, replaced it with a new Solex from Kaiser Willy’s. Out of the box, no twerking (adjustments), my jeep purred like a Singer sewing machine. I recommend it highly. FYI Keep an eye on your head bolts. Readjustments/retorqueing Is a Necessity.
I have a ’47 Willy’s and rebuilt my carburator several times. This ethenol fuel is murder on them. Finally gave up, replaced it with a new Solex from Kaiser Willy’s. Out of the box, no twerking (adjustments), my jeep purred like a Singer sewing machine. I recommend it highly. FYI Keep an eye on your head bolts. Readjustments/retorqueing Is a Necessity.
If the owner knows enough to put the ground strap underneath the generator the change to 12 volts is unnecessary. I twill start below zero with good ignition parts.
If the owner knows enough to put the ground strap underneath the generator the change to 12 volts is unnecessary. I twill start below zero with good ignition parts.