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!