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.

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.