The Montambo Family’s Willys CJ-2A Restoration

This was purchased by my dad from a local farmer in the UP of Michigan on April 2, 1957. The Jeep has now been in the Montambo family for nearly 72-years. It was used frequently during the winter snowstorms and later in the woods as the family was in the timber business. It got a workout during that time of logging under some severe cold winter temperatures.

The last of my parents passed by 2001 and the Jeep remained at the hunting camp property for years being used exclusively for hunting by other family and pulling a mower in the summers to keep the camp road grass in check. While living in Charlotte, NC I got possession of the Jeep in 2009. My youngest son and I flew to Michigan to pick it up and return it to Charlotte, NC in a U-Haul to begin restoration.

Tried to maintain some original parts of the body for patina. Body is new as are the front fenders. The windshield along with hood, radiator and tailgate saved from the original body and were in decent condition.

Pre-painted the ‘bottom sides’ of body parts prior to assembly knowing I would never have a clear shot at painting them once installed. Once assembled on the frame however, returned the entire unit to the painter to do the tops and anything else that needed to be covered prior to finishing details. This plan worked out extremely well.

The aluminum top was riddled with rusted steel tube framing, so had a welder with the skill to maintain the shape and dimensions of the original aluminum top was hired to splice in replacement tubing as needed. Have never seen an aluminum top like this one since the 1950’s, but is sure is a nice addition to the last of the post-war Jeep family thus retaining the original components of the vehicle and full cab. Thought the original doors were lost, so built 2-new doors with aircraft hinges allowing the pins to be pulled allowing removal of the doors. Used barn door access latches which work just fine.

Same engine and drive train. Engine was overhauled once in the late 1950’s and running great since that time.

Took about 7-months to redo the Jeep less aluminum full-top cab.  Should have stretched it out a bit for worked on it each night and all weekends during the restoration! The top was a separate project deferred for a few months rest, later returning the Jeep to its original glory.

I later titled the Jeep to my oldest son so his children could drive the Jeep and enjoy its character, both good and bad. With the popularity of the smaller Jeeps today it is no wonder everyone likes to see the older ones at car shows and parades honoring a veteran. Then a WW2 emergency vehicle siren was installed in front of the grill as well as a Model-A Ford horn under the hood, added as items current for the time but fun today.

Kaiser Willys in Aiken, SC was instrumental in providing needed parts during the restoration. Being close to Charlotte provided quick delivery of components to keep the project going without interruption. Without their support it would certainly have delayed my progress to where it is today.

Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Roger Montambo

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