My Willys 3A and 3B Community
How To Join => Once You've Joined => Topic started by: SteveZ on February 07, 2014, 11:23:56 PM
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Bought this last week. Someone installed a 1964 AMC 196 Inline 6 in it. It was advertised as a '49 Willys. Has a Warn Overdrive installed. VIN is: 3J27107
Figuring out pic posting so bear with me please! I live in NE Ohio and off-road with a Highly modded Dune Buggy. I love the outdoors and am an avid firearm collector of early s&W, Colt and old Rugers. Collection is at 178 at the moment.
Here's my Willys: Any info appreciated.
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Photo 2
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Photo3
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Interestng, your VIN is a 3A engine number.
You probably know the windshield is a 2A style unit. it appears to lean too far towards the rear. If you have a soft top and it fits poorly that might be why.
Would love to see under the hood.
Measure the wheelhouse tops, the 3a ones are about 2 inches shorter than the earlier 2A ones, I think it is 32 vs 34 inches from memory but I could be wrong.
Anything specific you'd like to know more about?
Lets see the dash and rear views, and maybe under the hood to see that awesome AMC mill. Looks like Saginaw steering too, that is good.
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You frame is a 2A frame. I see frame horns on the front. I'd like to see how they stuff a straight 6 in there... And as Bill, said, your VIN is a 3A serial number. The driver seat looks like a 2A, so I bet you have a 2A tub.
Welcome to the site!
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Interestng, your VIN is a 3A engine number.
You probably know the windshield is a 2A style unit. it appears to lean too far towards the rear. If you have a soft top and it fits poorly that might be why.
Would love to see under the hood.
Measure the wheelhouse tops, the 3a ones are about 2 inches shorter than the earlier 2A ones, I think it is 32 vs 34 inches from memory but I could be wrong.
Anything specific you'd like to know more about?
Lets see the dash and rear views, and maybe under the hood to see that awesome AMC mill.� Looks like Saginaw steering too, that is good.
I'll get more photos today. It is being stored at a friends house while we work on it. I appreciate the help thus far!
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Dash
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Welcome, I'm new here also. Your Jeep's upgrades look well done compared to most. You'll have fun with it! John
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Other than measuring the wheelhouse tops are there any numbers on the frame I could locate?
The engine is a '64 AMC 196 with a single barrel Holley 1909. It actually runs really well as is. Even with the 8,000 hose clamps. :D
I plan on going over the entire engine when it warms up a bit here.
Thanks again! Just figured out I can post more than two photos in one post. Doh! I'm an idiot.
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The 3A had no frame serial numbers that I know of. The 2A had a derail number plate attached to the left front frame rail ahead of the grille. It had two rivets holding it on with the holes about 1.75 inches apart, horizontally. If you are lucky you might find it there....later jeeps in the 3B era had a frame number stamped on the actual frame rail top surface, passenger side frame rail behind the motor mount but I'd be surprised if yours was that late a frame.
I thought I saw bumper gussets too Nate, but I wasn't sure. Perhaps Steve can get a close up of the frame rail ends for us.
Key switch location on the dash and the three holes for the in dash keyed coil of the 2A are another clue. Radiator mounting and motor mounts are also a good clue but.....with the AMC engine I don't think you'd have any remnants of that left.
I can't tell the 2A seat from a 3A seat as well as Nate can.. Nate, let us in on the secret...
What am I seeing on the rear panel above the left tail light?
Has the jeep been registered and on the road recently? Do you have a title in your name for it yet? That would be my first priority as well as making sure the VIN you have been given is actually on the jeep somewhere. I don't know how fussy your state is (where are you??) but some would have a huge problem with registering a jeep if the numbers on the paperwork are not actually on the jeep somewhere. Other states couldn't care less.
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Ok, now I see your dash picture..
See those small holes in a triangular pattern around the key switch?? They held the keyed coil bracket to the back of the dash on a 2A.
So.. looks more like a 2A....at least the dash panel.
On a 3A the key switch is over by the steering column. (Yours appears to be some sort of modern car one)
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Thanks for the help! Yes, I have it Tilted already. Vin is on a tag on the firewall. 3J27107
27" tire wells. Here are more photos.
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If it isn't too much trouble go ahead and post a pic of the ID plate.
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Everything I see screams 2A.
Frame, windshield, driver seat, keyswitch location.� If the driver seat fits right, then it is a 2A tub.
The VIN plate would have said CJ3A 27107.�
3J27107 is a legitimate 3A engine serial number.�
Here is a possible train of events...
-Originally a 2A.�
-Original Data plate misplaced. Source for original VIN lost forever.
-It gets a 3A replacement L-134 engine at some point. (very common)
-With no data plate, it was titled using this engine serial #. (fairly common)�
-New data plate added with new 3J27107 VIN #.
-Engine gets swapped out in favor of the AMC.
-3J27107 engine ends up at the scrap yard. Source for current VIN lost forever.
Again, just a possible theory.
Nice looking Willys!
Tim
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Here is the plate attached to the firewall and removed for cleaning.
Thanks to everyone for the help! Hopefully this doesn't mean I'm going to banished to the 2A Forum? :'(
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I agree with Tim, and the plate is definitely NOT a Willys stamping, although it is a Willys plate or a good copy. (EDIT: I can see shadows of the original number...that is scary.)Been there a while, I wouldn't worry about it. I would stamp that number in the frame somewhere I could be sure it would not be easy to remove with a grinder, yet where it can be seen fairly easily.
By the way, measure from the inside of the rear rail on the tub to the top front edge of the rear wheelhouses, should have made that more clear.� Front fenders are basically the same where you measured, some differences around the battery area.
Does the frame have a reinforcing strap spot welded to the top of each frame rail? That's also a 2A feature.
In any case we are glad to have ya here and don't mind it if it really is a 2A.� ;)
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Thanks I'll definitely stamp the numbers on the frame. I am replacing the master cylinder and all wheel cylinders tomorrow and I'll check the frame spot welds and measure the rear wheelhouses. What should they measure on a 2A?
Again, thanks so much for all the help in identifying my new girl. I really appreciate it.
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Welcome
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This just came up today but may be helpful to you since you have a 2a frame, pretty nice deal this guy has to address a weakness.
http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=233444
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This just came up today but may be helpful to you since you have a 2a frame, pretty nice deal this guy has to address a weakness.
http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=233444
Daniel (Uglyjeep) is a stand up guy, he also posts those in the member created parts section of the 2A page.
While our 3A frame is not as vulnerable to damage in the same area for a jeep with a winch or plow a similar plate might still be a good idea. For those cracking crossmember ends it also adds some support. Note that welding them in is best some with a skip bead, (inch of weld, space, inch of weld, etc..) not solidly welded in.
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Here is the plate attached to the firewall and removed for cleaning.
Thanks to everyone for the help! Hopefully this doesn't mean I'm going to banished to the 2A Forum?� :'(
Nah, this place is like the HOTEL CALIFORNIA, you can check out but you can't leave!