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Topic Summary

Posted by: binthere
« on: October 31, 2019, 06:02:43 PM »

Well, that looks like a really nice score! Now the fun begins.  :)
Posted by: Squishymonster
« on: October 31, 2019, 01:00:26 PM »

Arrived this morning. Purchased sight unseen so I'm pleasantly surprised that it is in the condition represented in the photos. The body is surprisingly solid. I knew the passenger floor and tool box would need replacing and was bracing for worse. The tub has some minor dents, and the bed has the typical sag down around the cross member.

Posted by: Squishymonster
« on: October 30, 2019, 03:38:06 PM »

For me, another BIG reason to get moving on a drive-able CJ is the arrival of my first child. I've been driving a dual sport adventure motorcycle for the last 6 years or so. My wife can hop on the back and we can go for the odd Sunday cruise, etc. But over the last year+ the motorcycle has pretty much been off limits for her, and we're not squeezing our 9 month old daughter into a side-cart :) Beyond that, I need to play it extra safe just to make sure I stick around and stay healthy.

It seems to me that the old CJs solve most of those problems pretty well, including upgraded safety (relative to a motorcycle) - especially if a roll bar and head rests are utilized - and Jeeps are about as close as you can get to that feeling of connection with the road.
Posted by: athawk11
« on: October 29, 2019, 12:30:46 PM »

Looking forward to the pictures of your '53.  Don't be shy with the 2A either. 
Posted by: Squishymonster
« on: October 29, 2019, 10:57:29 AM »

Hi folks.

40 year old computer programmer in central Illinois (Champaign County). My new-to-me 53 cj3a is arriving tomorrow or Thursday from MO. I also have a 48 "cj2a" that is in parts. I bought it in my early 20s for $400 without a title, stripped it, and the frame was in pretty bad shape, so I've pretty much been sitting on it this whole time waiting to get brave and buy a frame for it. Plus I went broke around that time so... The bug bit again recently (and several times in between, but I never took action). I spotted the 53 for a good price, and it's much closer to operable than the 48, so I swiped it up. Maybe I'll end up doing both restores side by side. I'm interested in keeping the 53 drive-able as much as possible, and that means when I want to rebuild major components, getting a spare - or borrowing parts from the 48 - rebuilding the spare, swapping it, and rebuilding the original. That'd be a neat way to proceed, but I don't really like the idea of mixing between the two models. We'll see what happens.

Or maybe I'll do the 48 ground-up, and once it's eventually running, drive it and do the 53 ground up. That's like the 10 year/forever plan.

I've spent the last three weeks or so of my spare time getting my barn / shop cleaned up. Just got set up with air tools for the first time, and my C25 canister for my MIG. I originally bought the MIG back with the 48 for body patching but mostly have just done small non-jeep utility welding with it until now - just enough to learn how to use it. I've been watching lots of videos lately on butt welding and spot weld cutting.

Step one when the 53 arrives will be working out an issue with the engine running rough. We'll see if that turns into a year long project on it's own, or if its just carb / fuel issues. The master cylinder lines are also cut, so we'll see if I patch in some lines, or go for a full brake system rebuild. Or more likely, both back to back - but it depends where the engine is at.

Step next is making it warm so I can use it this winter. I have a plow with the 48 I might pick up (though it's a manual lift), and a Harrison heater from the 48, or I might put a more modern heater under the dash as a few of you have done.

I'll post some pics or video after it arrives.
Posted by: Forum Master
« on: October 28, 2019, 12:41:19 PM »

Welcome to the CJ DJ 3A 3B Willys Community Forum Squishymonster!

Tell us more about you and your Willys!

We love pics so don't be afraid to post pics of your Willys.
Here we like any kind of them!

You will find a lots of smart people here that are willing to help.
Enjoy your stay,
Pascal and all forum members