Farewell to the 1957 Willys Jeep CJ5

Compare & Contrast : Rear of the Willys

Annual Fall Wrap Up

Every Autumn I wind things down with the Willys as Winter approaches.  To cold to work on the Jeep, and most of the work is body work which does not get done when the temps are under 50F.  So winter brings a break.

So here is where we are, Fall 2012

Rear Valance Installed!

Great stuff.

The Rear Valance is the last piece to be installed.  The Rear Valance is what holds the Tailgate and the rear floor.  It attaches to the rear bumper and is welded to the sides of the Willys.  The welding part has not happened yet as it is being held on by clamps.  But we are close.

The clamps are straightening it out.  It came from the 1957 Willys and it is a bit out of shape.  I had to fix it up when I took it off.  So it was not perfect. 

Once I get some welding in, I think the clamps could be removed.  Can't wait to attach the Tailgate! 

Wakefield Willys 5.13

Very exciting.  Rear Panels are installed.  Needs some spot welding, but they are bolted in.

The plan to get them in changed last minute.  The rear side panels have been sagging probably for decades.  Common problem on pickups, rust eventually causes the rear side panels to fall apart and lean outward.

To correct this, I was going to weld them to the rear panels, but that is a lot of pressure.  So I drilled holes and bolted them together slowly.  This is correcting the problem and bringing it back together.

I think it is looking much much better.  Now for the rear valence!

Rear Panels Being Installed

Wakefield Willys Update 5.12

Progress, and new challenges.

The frame is painted, the rear of the willys is painted.  It is time to assemble the 3 remaining pieces of the jeep.  2 rear panels, and the rear valence with the tailgate.  I wish it was as easy as bolting them to the rear bumper, but it is not.

If you look closely at the rear panel attached and the rear corner they don't match up.  Not surprising considering the age of the tub and it has probably been sagging for decades.

So what to do?  See the engine crane lying there in the background.  I think it maybe time to reassemble it and use it to lift of the rear corner.  I might have to do it on both corners, I am fairly certain both sides will need some help.

So I am going to attach the other rear panel and see how bad it is, and then probably decide to erect the engine crane.  Exciting times, glad the tools are here to work with.