Wakefield Willys Update 3.21

Last update in 2010

Body Work
Since it is cold outside, work on the project has slowed down considerably. It usually does this time of year. However, I am trying to keep myself busy with a few small winter projects.

My current focus is the tub, specifically the 2 front corners where the windshield hinges attach. Like many Willys, rust has eaten away at the corners and metal behind the hinges looks like Swiss cheese.

So I have cut away all of the bad steel, and am preparing to weld in some new bolts as well as new steel plates to "rebuild" the front corners. It won't be pretty, but it will be strong, I can promise you that.

The pretty part is not so important, as most of the welding will be covered up. The picture is of the driver side front corner, and I am read to start the rebuild.

My only hold up is that air tools don't work well in the cold. The next few days the temps are above the freezing mark so I thought I would take advantage of the mild weather and get a little work done.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.20

She runs again!

Since late Sept. I have been fiddling with the fuel delivery system on the CJ5. Previous Posts tell the story and led to the replacement of the fuel tank.

I decided to go with a polyethylene tank instead of a steel one given the rust. The big problem I ran into was that the pickup is on the top, instead of the bottom. My fuel line did not reach, uggh, so I ran out to Pep Boys and got a new one.

After hooking everything up and a few strays of starter fluid she roar to life, again.

Sounds great, and looks like we have a mobile unit.

I am pumped, glad to have it alive again.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.19

Well as the air gets colder, the work on the Jeep slows down. But before it gets ridiculous, I am plugging along on some tub repair.

Body Work

Since the Front End is done, my next year or so will be focused on the tub, the rear section of the Willys Jeep. It is in bad shape and since I don't have $3K for a new one, we are going to fix this tub up. I am going to quite literally work by way around it starting on the driver side.

As previously mentioned, the floor under the gas tank was problematic and I thought with a few welds, I could repair it. I can not, too much damage and it really needs to be replaced. Fortunately Quadratec has a lot of floor replacement panels, so it looks like I am going to be picking some up over the winter. It will be a major project, so for now I will let it go and focus on other parts of the tub.

In the picture is the front tub corner where the windshield attaches. Both of my corners are in terrible shape and need to be rebuilt. I am starting on this corner, and so far so good, cutting away the rust and thinking through the steps to rebuild the first corner. I might have it done this fall, we will see.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.18

Fuel System

Well, the restoration has taken a bit of a detour. And there is a simple reason for that. The Willys has not been running.

I narrowed it down to the fuel system and began replacing parts. Started with the fuel filter (unbelievably dirty), replaced a fuel line, still nothing. Tested the fuel pump, working fine, it had to be the tank itself.

The tank was full of clay and that was the problem. It also had some pin holes on the top, so I thought I would replace it with another old fuel tank that I had repaired. I had purchased it some time ago when I bought the tailgate.

And this has led to a new axiom.

Axiom => Never replace vintage parts with vintage parts that need to hold fluids.

Even after my repairs, it is leaking somewhere else. I could try and repair it there as well, but will that do it and will I find another leak?

Given that the gas tank sits under the driver seat, and right over the exhaust system, I am going to install a new polyethylene tank.

Lesson learned. Wish I had discovered this when there were sales this past summer. Oh well.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.17

Salvage

The Rear Bumper is off. That should be obvious given the picture.

I broke a couple bulbs, but other than that, it is intact and in good shape.

This came off like the front bumper. Cutting some bolts, grinding, and a gentle touch with the sledge hammer.

And when I mean gentle, I mean that sarcastically.

The top will be the hardest to get off, but this was no easy removal. But it is off, and that is what counts.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.16

Other than a few small jobs on the 1960 Willys, the majority of the work is on the 1957 CJ5

Salvage Work

Stripped the Front Bumper of all unnecessary steel. It is fairly close to being ready to be restored, need to take the electric lights off, and we can begin grinding and sanding the bumper down. It could really use it before Winter as there are some serious rust flakes.

Started working on the windshield. Not liking what I am seeing, but am hoping to get it off to take a better look at it and see if it is restorable.

The Rear Bumper, like the Front Bumper is going to require a lot of effort to remove. My initial work and inspection tells me it is going to take several attempts. I am going to have to take the rear tires off, jack it up as high as I can get it, and then we may need the torch. Fun times ahead!

Salvage Work

When this project started 2+ years ago, this was the Willys we were going to restore. Since then it has been demoted to the "Parts Jeep" as it had a bad frame.

It has become a very valuable resource, and for the next few weeks I have plans to remove a number of components. The rims, the front bumper are already removed.

In addition, I need to get the rear bumper off, the top removed, the dashboard and windshield all need to be taken off and stored indoors.

So for most of the Fall, we will be doing salvage work. Rust! Here we come!

Wakefield Willys Update 3.15

Not much to share.....

From now until it gets too cold to paint / work, I am focusing on small jobs. Little projects to get me through the rest of the Fall. For now, the Jeep Tub will have to wait until the Spring. Too tired to start a major repair.

So a perfect example is pictured in this update. The 1957 Gas Station Willys had a heavy duty spare tire bracket that I thought was cool. The studs were rusted and it needed cleaned up. So I removed the studs, welded the new ones on and primed it. I will set this aside until I am ready to mount it on the Jeep.

These projects are fun, usually simple, and take a day. I spent just a few hours on this project. Not a bad way to spend part of a day.

Front End Project Completed (for the most part)

Wakefield Willys Update 3.14

Well, just a quick simple update.

Engine
I fixed the exhaust leak, but that was not the end of the engine work as previous thought. The coolant system was not working right. The water pump was not coming on.

So we replaced the thermostat, and that did it. The engine continues to run smooth, and the coolant system is operating normally.

Electrical
Even though we installed the alternator, the wiring is not correct and it is not charging the battery. So I have a decision to make regarding the electrical system. Do I replace all the wiring at one time, or do it in small steps which could be tedious? Since I am wiped out with the front end project, I think I am going to see if I can get the wiring hooked up to charge the battery, and leave it at that for the moment.

Body Work
Picture shows the progress. Putting it slowly together. The reason for that is simple. We have had a few engine hiccups, and I have been getting busier with work. So eventually we will get the hardware on the hood, and attach the fenders. Picts will follow when it is all put together.

Hurricane Engine (2.0)

Here it is. The new and greatly improved Hurricane Engine. Everything replaced, plugs, hoses, lines, etc.... Alternator installed, and it sounds fantastic. Started up on the 2nd try (I had drained the gas line so it took a little to get it primed).

Other than a little smoke coming from the exhaust manifold, I think we have this bad boy all done.

Now for the rest of the front end body parts to be installed and we will have this front end restoration project done!

The fix is on!

Since this Willys was acquired over a year ago, it has leaked oil. And I know exactly where and why.

A great online article was found to explain how to fix the oil leak, and I am going to follow it's instructions and repair it in the next few days. This is an important achievement for me. If everything works out well, I will have the last of the major fixes repaired. And I think I understand it enough that I can do it with out the Master Mechanic. We will see.

Very very exciting. Keep a look out for the fix. It is coming.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.13

It has been a few weeks since I have put up an update. Not much to show, but work is being done.

Body Work
Pretty much done, I have put bondo in the seam on the repair job previously mentioned and am sanding so I can prime and paint. Fairly easy.

Engine Work
This is the focus of the work at the moment. The picture does not give it justice, but I can assure you a lot has been done.

Oil lines being replaced
Alternator being installed
New belt & hoses being replaced.
Radiator being cleaned, and prepped for compression test.

Basically anything that is rubber is being replaced, and all gas lines, oil lines, vacuum lines are being replaced as well. Can't wait to hear it running.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.12

So back in July, I began making this repair and posted about the beginning stages. I set it aside to work on other mini projects, and got back to it today.

In the first picture, you can see the rusted panel and the need to replace it. It is where the passenger fender meets the jeep tub. And important and strategic fix.

The second picture shows the cut and the third picture shows the new panel in place after welding it to the rest of the tub.

It is not done, but we are getting close. I just need to grind down the welds (in process), bondo the seam, and sand it and prime it.

With the frame up to the tub completely sanded down and painted, the body work on the front end restoration is almost done. Wow. A lot of work, but I am sure it will look great once all assembled.

I still have a ton of body work on the tub, but this is a good start.

Do you remember when I found the mouse den?

So back at the beginning of June, 2 months ago, I posted on my blog about restoring the firewall and starting to paint. And in the process, I found a mouse den / cemetery.

When I opened up the heater in June, I found a nest, dead mice and other unpleasant things I won't mention. Anyhow, I cleaned it out and reassembled the heater and thought nothing more of it.

Until today.

Monday, the Master Mechanic is coming over to help with some engine work. In preparation of his arrival, I took the heater apart to get it out of the way. As I took it apart I found to my surprise, a mouse nest! How is that possible? I thought I cleaned that out and left it spotless? There is only 2 plausible answers.

Someone either was absent when I cleaned it out, or someone has moved in at a later date. I am guessing the latter.

Pictured is the resident, and I am happy to say he or she was not harmed in the relocation. And I am thinking we can not reassemble the heater, apparently, it is quite the location!

Oh the joys of restoration project!

Wakefield Willys Update 3.11

What a beautiful day in NH. The kinda days to work outside on a Willys.

Finally got the snowplow assembly off! Whoo Hoo!!! Thanks to the Master Mechanic's advice to pick up an air tool set at Lowe's, I got the last bolt off and the snow ploy assembly dropped to the ground.

This was important, as it is in the way, and kept me from getting to the frame to clean it up and paint it. Plus it made it difficult to use a jack to lift up the front axle.

With the plow assembly off, Drew and I started wirebrushing the frame and cleaning the firewall. Painted the firewall and painted the frame up to the front cross member. All in all a good day, and making progress on the front end. Pretty soon all we will have to do is the engine work! We are nearing the finish line on the front end restoration.

Pictured is the newly painted grill in natural sunlight. Looks better out of the tent, and gives a good indicator of what the front end will look like all painted up.

Painting (Day 3)

No pictures, as the body parts look virtually the same, red and shiney. All body parts are painted, and now drying in the shelter while it rains outside. Not the best weather to paint, but we have time on our side to let them dry and cure. I don't anticipate reassembling the front end for at least a month. There is engine work and a few other items to clean up before we begin the process of putting the front end back together.

Can't wait to see it all put back together.

Painting (Day 2)

Summary: It went better than yesterday. Had a few hiccups but over all it was fine. 3 coats on and then we will flip them over and do 3 coats tomorrow. Lots of work, but overall very satisfying.

2 pointers for others wanting to paint with a HVLP sprayer. First, keep an eye on the air hose, easily gets tangled and can be in the way.

Secondly, and I don't know if this is unique to my sprayer, but I will mention it. First application the paint started to slow down. After loosing the lid and letting air in, the paint flow improved. I realized that keeping the lid loose on the HVLP sprayer kept the paint flowing.

Overall, a good day. One more day to go!

Painting (Day 1)

In summary, it did not go well. The HVLP Sprayer clogged, air flow was terrible, and it took forever to paint the parts. Plus, it was HOT.

That is the bad news, now the good. I made the necessary changes to fix the air flow, and cleaned the HVLP Sprayer thoroughly, which meant taking it apart. And the parts are in the end, painted and ready to go.

So tomorrow I think it will go much better. I ran some tests, and it seems like a much better setup. I am actually looking forward to giving it a try tomorrow.

HVLP Sprayer Set Up, getting ready to paint

As you might gather from previous posts, I have been a little nervous about painting. That is mainly because I have never used a HVLP Sprayer.

After reading the manual again, I think I am ready. What you see it the picture is the HVLP Sprayer, Air Regulator and a Desiccant filter. It is the second filter in the air line to keep water from getting to the sprayer. That with low humidity the next few days we should be okay.

Painting will begin tomorrow with a special primer, to be followed with the first coats of paint. The paint shop is almost set up, I will take picts when it is ready.

In the line up are the 2 fenders, tailgate, grille and hood.

The hood has been sitting a long time, so it will need some cleaning. Check the blog, there is going to be some freshly painted parts!

Jeep Icon is primed

Of all the body parts on the Willys Jeep, nothing is more associated with the look of a Jeep than the Grille.

I have met folks who collect these, the grilles. They have evolved quite a bit and you can notice the differences to the well trained eye. Of the 3 I have, this one has a slight variation. An intake box inside the grille on the driver's side.

This concludes the restoration of the major front end body parts. The grille, the fenders, hood are all ready to be painted. Getting nervous, I want this to come out nice.

I am far from getting the body work done, but this could be considered a milestone. The angle grinder's contribution will be less now that these parts have been cleaned and primed.

Wakefield Willys Report 3.10

Body Work

So after the hefty bill at the restoration clinic, I need to do more of the work myself.

The last body piece that needs to be restored, is the grille. Probably the most challenging piece, and difficult to work on. The best for last!

Anyhow, I have 3 grilles, and settled on one to restore. All of them had imperfections, just the nature of parts that are 50+ years old.

In the picture is a technique I learned by watching a video by "Expert Village" I like their tutorials, and I thought this was clever.

Say you have a bad seam or rust holes. Take a piece of copper and clamp it to the finished side and weld the other side along the seam or hole. This will result in the weld to fill the seam but not bond with the copper. I remove the copper, and the finished side looks filled in, nice and smooth. Very cool, and very easy to do.

The picture is before I started welding, you can see the seam and the copper.

Finished the seam and the holes on the grille. Some more wire brushing and we will be ready to prime.

Inching closer to painting.

They have returned

So I finally picked up the fenders and tailgate at RMR Restorations. I spent way more $$$$ than I was planning, which was discouraging. But they are done, and ready for the next step, prep for painting.

Here are 2 of the body parts, previously sand blasted, and now polished by the wirebush attachment and the grinder.

First of many "Tub" repairs

This will probably be the only time I document this process from beginning to end. Too many steps, and too many pictures, as you can see.

For those who are not familiar with the term, the "Tub" is the large body piece that is the entire back end of the Willys Jeep. From the Firewall to the Tailgate, is all one piece. Finding a Tub in great shape is near impossible, so repairs are common. I have many many many little repairs all over the "Tub". This is my first attempt and I am thankful to be near the finish line.

So here is how this develops.

1. Find a bad spot, see if from the "parts jeep" there is a fix using it's "tub". Fortunately for me, I had a panel I could use.

2. Wirebrush the newly cut panel, and unfortunately found some holes in it. And the metal bracket behind was beyond repair.

3. Fabricated a new metal bracket and welded it to the panel. First time for me to have actually welded something and it not be practice. I think I did okay.

4. Grind down the weld spots, and use bondo to smooth out the panel.

5. Prime the panel, (not pictured) and get ready to install.

The installation will be handled in a separate post. A lot of work, but needs to be done. Can not move forward with out repairing the tub in this location. It comes in contact with the fenders, and that has to be repaired before putting them on.

Enjoy!

Wakefield Willys Update 3.9

Given my busy schedule next week, I decided to make the most of a beautiful Saturday in Nashua.

Body Work
Cleaned up the front of the "Tub" on the passenger side around the fake battery compartment. Primed it and ready for paint tomorrow or whenever I get to it.

From the picture it should be obvious, we removed the grille today and separated it from the radiator and frame. Looks good, but I see some more body work I was not expecting. Hopefully nothing serious...... famous last words.

Cleaned up the grill mounts, primed them.

I also have a small side project that is a repair for the "tub". Separate post is coming.

Overall a very very good day, lots done. The frame looks very good in the front, glad to see that up close.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.8

Body Work

Passenger Fender is off, took a lot of work, had to cut some bolts in order to get it off the frame.

Discovered some very bad body damage on the firewall, I have some repair work to do, that I was not prepared for. No problem, that is what happens when you work on an old beat up farm jeep.

I may have to use the mig welder sooner than I was planning on...... Stay tuned.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.7

As seen in previous posts, I have been doing some shopping, assembling components for our front end project. We are almost set to tear down the front end and rebuild it. Very exciting.

While waiting for some parts, I have begun cleaning up the Tailgate, the most valued body part we have. Hard to find, and we have a good one

Part of the reason it is solid is the paint. I am telling you, I have wired brush what feels like 20 lbs of paint. It is so thick I feel like I am slicing through the paint.

Here are some photos of the tailgate. The picts really tell the picture. Notice all the colors, Grey, yellow, red, green...... I wonder how many times this tailgate has been painted? Many many times I am sure.

Windshield Bracket Screws

Posting this pict to find replacement screws, so far I have not been able to find them.

New Alternator

So upon doing some research on electrical options, I decided to replace the generator with an alternator. Reading forum entries on earlycj5.com, I have settled on a Delco / Remy Alternator that would be for a 1976 Chevy V8 Pickup. More powerful and a very common part to find. Both local parts stores I visited had them in stock.

This will replace the broken generator, and supply electricity to the Willys. An outfit in AZ, willysworks.com has a retrofit kit to connect the Delco Alternator to the F-Head Hurricane Engine.

Looking forward to this upgrade and seeing electricity being once more produced by this old Willys.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.6

It has been a busy time with the project. Here is a brief update.

Body
Firewall has been cleaned up and painted on the driver side. Still need to clean up the other side, but we have made quite a bit of a difference. Looking forward to finishing the firewall.

Electrical
This is a new area, and frankly I stumbled into it by accident. This needs some explanation.

Some Willys either have a 6V or 12 V system, and there is no way to know by year or serial number if your Jeep has which type of electrical system. My battery died this week, and I figured out that the generator is not working. We confirmed it today, it is doing nothing. We think it is a 12V generator given the voltage regulator. But the preferred upgrade is to install an alternator. Which is what we are going to do. Was not planning on getting into this, but we do plan to replace the belt, and it will be a good time to switch this engine component given all the body parts will be off.

Busy time but good, and I like the idea of upgrades and finishing off certain parts of the project. Starting to feel like a restoration, and less like a rusty old Willys.

First Paint

Mark the date, an important milestone has been achieved.

I am calling it..... First Paint.

The hood is primed, the fenders are being restored to bare metal and the grille has not been touched. But none of those body parts have received a coat of paint.

When I attached the fenders, I do not want them coming in contact with rust and dirt. So the front of the tub, needs to be cleaned, primed and painted. Here is the very first part of the tub being cleaned, primed and painted.

SIDEBAR - the square holes to the left on the tub was where the heater was located. Made a big mess with antifreeze, and found a mouse den, cemetery. Not pretty.

Where the CJ Fenders are located....

So for those interested, RMR Restorations is doing the body work on the CJ Fenders. Located in Beautiful Hollis, NH they have some amazing cars in various stages of restoration. Check out their website.

Looking forward to see the end result of our vintage CJ Fenders. They felt they were in good shape, and can easily be restored to near perfect condition. Glad to see we are still moving forward.

Northeast Restoration Projects

After finding a lot of rust holes in my fenders, it has caused me to reflect on a cruel reality of being in the Northeast.

If you are going to restore a vehicle, getting one from the Southwest or California is the way to go. Less Humidity, less rust, less problems.

In contrast to a vehicle in the Northeast, which is almost impossible to find a vehicle with out some rust on all parts of the project. Rust has been the #1 biggest obstacle in my restoration project. I can only wonder if I was working on a Willys from Arizona if I would be a lot farther along.

Men and women who restore vehicles in the Northeast should receive a special recognition. Just my 2 cents.

Early CJ Fenders

So, here are the fenders I am HOPING to use for our front end restoration project.

At first glance, they are better than most, but on closer inspection and some wire brushing, you can see they are not as solid as I would have hoped.

Both fenders had a lot of paint, which hid the holes. There was also more bondo on them that I would have preferred. What it boils down to is this, I am not certain these are usable. Which is a real real real downer.

I am going to take them to a restoration outfit in Brookline, NH to see what there assessment is on the fenders if they are repairable. If I were a betting man, I would guess not, but we will see. Too be continued.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.5

Today was a fairly productive day.

First, I tried my hand at welding in the morning, not very successful, but learning.

Secondly, worked on the passenger fender that I bought on eBay. In worse shape than I would like. Found some bondo holes and one spot that was very lumpy. Not sure what I am going to do. Might have to get some expert help.

Not done cleaning it, but made a lot of head way. Still needs more attention from the angle grinder, a little spot welding and we should be close to priming.

Lastly, Drew and I removed the gas tank from the 1957 Willys. That is what is in the picture, and the remaining fuel. Smelled terrible, nothing you would want to put in your car unless you wanted to destroy the engine.

This is not a standard Willys gas tank, which is usually placed under the driver seat. This gas tank was mounted on the top of the rear fender on the passenger side. I can't help but laugh. A terrible place to have a gas tank. But if you think of it, neither location is good, really tells us that back in the day, safety was not a huge priority.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.4

As you may have noticed, there has not been much activity on the blog. I have been distracted with other projects around the house as well as traveling, and the Willys has fallen to the wayside.

Well I hope to correct that in the coming weeks, I am finishing the hood, and getting ready to take apart the front end of jeep. Hopefully this summer, we can get things moving.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.3

Beautiful weekend in NH, did a little work on the Willys Jeep.

This weekend was more a strategic planning time, thinking through the future projects, what we will need, and how to do it.

Our goal is to fix up the whole front end of the Jeep. Body Parts, Engine, frame, etc.... The basic idea is to have the whole front end restored.

But that is a lot of little projects. The engine alone has at least a half a dozen little projects. New ignition system, new oil lines, install a PCV System, replace belts, spark plugs, ignition wires, exhaust manifold, etc...... And that is just the engine. Never mind the frame work and body work.

The point here is I need to really really really need to think this all through before I start removing and tearing down the front end.

The newest skill I am working on is welding. Practiced for the first time this weekend. I was nervous, but am anxious to keep trying. The Master Mechanic was a good coach and encourager.

Its Back......... Original Hurricane Engine

Over the weekend, the Master Mechanic was doing some online research in regards to our oil leak out of the crankcase. His research came across a service bulletin from 1960 on how to fix it. Very cool.

Unfortunately, our current engine does not have the fix, so we need to do something or it will leak oil indefinitely.

Fortunately, the Original Hurricane Engine out of the 1957 Willys had the fix. But it has been at Nashua Engine Rebuilders for the last 2 years, sitting in a corner collecting dust. I decided it was time to retrieve it and bring it home. Here it is, all disassembled.

I have no need of it at this time, that is the reason it has been collecting dust. But it does have some valuable components, and is an engine that can be rebuild. I just don't have $3800+ to do it. I will probably sell it do someone who does. But for now, it will be put in storage, and will use some of its parts to improve the Hurricane Engine that is in the 1960 Willys.

Wakefield Willys Update 3.2

Beautiful Weekend, and we have been working on the Willys.

The top of the hood is done, as seen in the pictures. Grinding rust and layers of paint is hard hard work. But worth it in the end. A before and after of the front of the hood. It is primed, and resting for the moment.

Have had a chance to work on a front spring, cleaned it up and ready to be mounted. A gas tank, as well as some other odd items are still in process.

Yesterday I bought a fender on eBay. That will be a huge shot in the arm, as we are nearing the end of the hood restoration, I need more body parts. With the fender's arrival, we will have everything we need to finish the front end.

With the warmer temps, I am motivated to get this front end project going. Just hope I can get to the other projects around the house!

Inspirational Restoration on a 1956 CJ5

I spend some time at earlycj5.com, a website for guys like me. Some great guys, very helpful website.

Anyhow, a member is selling a Willys in AZ, and he has documented some of his restoration. Very very nice job. I need to learn from his work as I need to do some similar body work.

Here is the link to his restoration.

Learning Patience

Working with rusty bolts have a way of teaching patience.

Drew & I have been needing to get busy on the aluminum top on the 1957 Willys Jeep. It is bolted on to the tub and we need to remove it. Eventually, it will end up on the 1960 Willys.

It is very very very well bolted on to the Jeep. So rather than using penetrating oil, we are just going to cut the bolt off with a rotary tool. Drew did an excellent job cutting the bolts. He cut, while I supervised and finish the job of removing the bolt. 8 bolts down today, and one cutting disk destroyed. More bolts are waiting to be cut.

One of the things I like about this project is how it teaches patience. I have certainly learn patience, and Drew is learning it as well. Good life lessons for father and son.

The small things

Often when I put up a post, I focus on big projects. Brakes, removal of bumper, major parts purchased, etc.....

But a lot of my time is doing the small things.

For example, take a look at this picture. What you are looking at is the hardware associated with the hood and one battery top. These parts, like the big ones, need to be cleaned, primed and painted.

I have found if I only focus on the big projects and leave these small items sitting on the sidelines, when it comes to moving forward and reassembling the parts, I am rushing to clean up the small things. I really have tried to avoid that scenario. So if I have an hour or so, I will just work on the small things.

A Tale of 2 Tailgates

Over the weekend, Drew & I picked up a number of parts for our project. A gas tank, front springs and a few seat frames. All good stuff, but the real important purchase was an original "Willys" Tailgate with no rust holes.

Virtually an impossible find in the Northeast, but we found this one after 2 years of searching eBay, craigslist, and Willys forums.

I am very excited we finally found a good looking tailgate, now if I can find a fender like this we will be all set. The project is coming together.

I took this picture because I thought it was a great contrast. A 1960 or older "Willys" tailgate compared to a 2008 Ford "Super Duty" Tailgate.

The only similarity is that they are both stamped. Other than that, the size, weight and even technology are vastly different. The Ford has a camera, built in stairs and locking mechanism. The Willy is a simple steel tailgate, no thrills other than the hard to find "Willys" stamp.

Anyhow looking forward to cleaning this up and getting it ready for painting. Should be done by the end of the summer.

Craftsman Tool Box => Done!