Quick intro from a New Guy with a 3A

[Shalka04]

Hey Everyone,
Thought I should throw my hat out there and introduce myself.  I'm John from New Mexico.  It's been 25 years since I last owned a Willy's and back then even just finding an oil filter could involve a trip to an old hardware store in another state.  Thanks to the internet I just bought another one.  It's a '53 CJ3a.  Since it's got a serial number so low I figured I had better do this one up right so it's all broken down and headed off for sand blasting tomorrow.  It's number 10002 for those who are wondering.

Here are some pics:
http://www.pbase.com/shelka04/cj3a
The one on the left is day one, the one on the right is a week later, and the one that's missing is of everything laying in little groups all over the parking area ready for refinishing.

[athawk11]

Shalka,

That's a fine looking Willys. �Reminds me of mine on day one.



We all love photos. �Keep us posted on your build.

Tim

[calvinhunt]

Welcome Shalka04,
  It's good to have another member on board.  It'll be great to watch your progress.  And you'll find lots of good info here.

[Shalka04]

Here's more to my story, as I know everyone loves a good tale.

Dad bought the Jeep from the dealership and just used it around the farm and to hunting in the hills.  So when he said it sat in a barn and only had 31,000 on it.  I believed him as it sat in a barn under an inch of dust.

In 1990 the son thought he was doing dad a favor and replaced the radiator fluid with just water.  Soon there after the block cracked.  So the dad used this as one of lifes lessons and had the son go out and buy the neighbours engine.  Then they had it professionaly rebuilt.  However before the engine got installed the son moved away.  So alas my jeep sat for 22 years under dust waiting with a fresh engine sitting in the back.

I'll kep the group posted and will provide pictures often.

-John

[Bob W]

Hi John,

What is the serial number prefix? More photos please!!!!!! We love pics  

[Carls_jeep]

Welcome to the site and thanks for saving another Jeep. It looks like it's in better shape than mine. I suspect mine has over 100,000 miles on it and it was used hard. Two teenagers used it to drive to school and the family owned it for many years. The next owner used it for hunting on his farm and other things.

[3aJeeper]

Good to have you here. As mentioned by others, yours looks better than mine too! Lots of good folks here with great advice. As you go thru your restore, someone else has likely encountered most of the issue/questions you'll experience, so you get to reap the benefits!

Of course, pics are always appreciated!

Good Luck!

[CJPilot]

John, � That�s a nice looking jeep to start with. I�m sure you�ll enjoy getting it back togeather.

Steve

[Shalka04]

Hi John,

What is the serial number prefix? More photos please!!!!!! We love pics �:)

Hey Bob,
Here's a shot of my serial number.

I'll post more pics ASAP.

-John

[Bob W]

Very cool, the second 1953 CJ-3A made!!! Can't wait to see the photos  

[garage gnome]

[size=72]Way cool!!!!!!!!!!!!![/size] '53 was the best year. �;)

[Bedrock]

That's a great looking jeep to start with.  The low serial number is great.  I hope you eep everyone posted on the progress....with plenty of photos.