This is my 1942 Willys MB. I’ve been restoring it for the last two years. I purchased it in California from an old lady who had it in a barn for the last 30 years. As you can see in the pictures the jeep was in very bad shape, but the engine was running well and amazingly still sounded very strong! The Jeep belonged to her late husband who was a WWII veteran; she explained to me that her husband was part of the US Marine Corps and also showed me some cool pictures of him beside a PBJ Bomber Airplane in the Guadal canal. Since I can remember, I’ve always liked Jeeps so when I spotted this one so ‘close’ to my country I had to buy it. This is my very first restoration project. I had no idea of where I was getting in and how challenging (living in Mexico City) it would be to restore a loveable car like this, an authentic jewel. I found out pretty fast why people just adore these old WWII Jeeps. They are cute-good-looking, smart, strong and simple.
Thanks to Kaiser Willys I’ve been able to take this project to the operational fun driving condition I have my Willys these days. I’ve not finished it yet, and honestly I think I never will since these little Jeeps demand (and deserve) care, love and respect but they will reimburse you in the same way at least; Lots and lots of fun driving, eye catching everywhere, and the joy to know that you own a piece of history.
Also, I would like to thank my friends who helped me to carry (literally) parts of this project starting with the tub removal, bringing parts from The States, etc… And of course thanks to my little helper, my 7 year old kid who will eventually inherit this lifetime project…
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Hector Acero Olivera
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Very cool story and enjoy the Jeep!!!!!!!!
Very cool story and enjoy the Jeep!!!!!!!!
Great job Amigo! This jeep is probably one of the coolest rigs in Mexico City, Having been there several times over the years I can honestly say I have never seen a restored MB running around. Some years ago I used to see beat up flat-fenders but they were mostly CJ2A’s and in very poor condition. This is now a jewel.
Great job Amigo! This jeep is probably one of the coolest rigs in Mexico City, Having been there several times over the years I can honestly say I have never seen a restored MB running around. Some years ago I used to see beat up flat-fenders but they were mostly CJ2A’s and in very poor condition. This is now a jewel.
very nice enjoy it there fun
very nice enjoy it there fun
It is a great story, I know that there wasn’t originally any MB’s in Mexico because fortunately your country was not involved that much in the great war.I can imagine it wasn’t easy at all to find one, CONGRATULATIONS!! It is a beautiful MB!!! I can see that you have been really taking it out for real Jeep action. You have done a great job putting it ready for off road.
This is what we love about the MB’s; that after about 70 years they can still do what they were supposed to do.
Have fun out there and live the Jeep life!!!
It is a great story, I know that there wasn’t originally any MB’s in Mexico because fortunately your country was not involved that much in the great war.I can imagine it wasn’t easy at all to find one, CONGRATULATIONS!! It is a beautiful MB!!! I can see that you have been really taking it out for real Jeep action. You have done a great job putting it ready for off road.
This is what we love about the MB’s; that after about 70 years they can still do what they were supposed to do.
Have fun out there and live the Jeep life!!!
I am looking at the grill on this Jeep and it tells me this is a Ford Jeep not Willies
I am looking at the grill on this Jeep and it tells me this is a Ford Jeep not Willies
As far as I know, the GPW’s (Ford’s) and Willy’s grills were exactly the same (and interchangeable). Please explain the difference between them.
As far as I know, the GPW’s (Ford’s) and Willy’s grills were exactly the same (and interchangeable). Please explain the difference between them.
Hi Ed, Out of curiosity… what is it about the grille that makes you think this vehicle is a GPW? Thanks for the reply!
Hi Ed, Out of curiosity… what is it about the grille that makes you think this vehicle is a GPW? Thanks for the reply!
Great job on the Jeep! You’ve got something to be “very” proud of…I’m restoring my ’49 CJ-2A Jeep now and I hope to have it done by next spring…Again, GREAT job on your restoration.
Great job on the Jeep! You’ve got something to be “very” proud of…I’m restoring my ’49 CJ-2A Jeep now and I hope to have it done by next spring…Again, GREAT job on your restoration.