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.