1951 Ground Zero Project

[Avila51Willys]

These are the first photos and what I plan on turning back into a useable road-worthy CJ3A.  I pick it up in about a month.  I am looking forward to the challenge.

[athawk11]

Wow.  The sheet metal looks to be in very nice condition.

[Avila51Willys]

I don't know.  To be honest, I think it looks daunting.  But, I told my grandfather I was going to resurrect it and paint it Grabber Green.  He always had his vehicles painted green.

I don't think it has any bad rust since it has been in the San Joaquin valley for most of it's life span.  Spent the last few years with my dad in Arizona.  So, I think the rust will be mostly surface.

I just bought an engine to at least get it running.  A Chevy 283 small block.  That was what was in it.  My dad and uncle did some modifications on it back in the early 60s.  My dad put on the bumpers and the roll bar.  He says my uncle changed out the engine and transmission.  I think he is reminiscing as I take on this project.

[64CJ5]

Looks like a good place to start. Take lots of pictures of the project.  Label the parts and nuts & bolts that go to gather.
Show us us progress.   

[Avila51Willys]

Is Kaiser Willys the best place to order parts from?  I get my CJ3a in about 10 days but it needs a gas tank.  Thanks!

[64CJ5]

I have had good luck with Ron Fitzpatrick Jeep Parts.
Best, sure covers lots of areas.  They have the parts and shipping from Oregon to Wyoming was quick. 

[Avila51Willys]

Great, I'll take a look.  Thanks!

[aboyandhisdog]

Walcks is a usual go-to source for a lot of the guys here but shipping from Pa can sometimes take a while to the western guys.   Same with KW shipping from SC.  For certain things, sometimes you'll find a closer vendor (and maybe cheaper) by searching ebay and even Amazon.  Worth a shot.  For a lot of wear parts, Rock Auto can't be beat on price and they warehouse around the country.

[Avila51Willys]

Thanks!  I ordered a lot of stuff.  I'm looking forward to putting this beast together.  I'll post some pics with the engine in now.

[Avila51Willys]

So, I picked up my 1951 Willy's from my dad's place.  Apparently, at some point it had an abundance of modifications.  I was not looking at doing a pure rebuild and thank goodness for that.  This is what it appears I have inherited:

1.  1984 AMC 20 axles (which the left rear shows signs that one was once broke and the rebuild was shoddy).  So, I have new bearings and seals in the machine shop for pressing and replacing.
2.  1984 CJ7 power steering gear.  But, the pump is out of a 1985 Chevy truck.
3.  Steering column is a tilt wheel out of a 1984 CJ7.
4.  Transmission is 1960 Chevy (T10) 4-speed manual. Built by Borg Warner.
5.  Standard manual disc brakes from 1984 CJ7.  Bendix front caliper.
6.  Alternator is 1985 Chevy pick up.  68 amp.
7.  Chevy small block 283 from 1960 Chevy C10.
8.  Clutch is 10 1/2 inch.  Hydraulic clutch assembly from 1960 Ford F100.

I have been shaking down my brother and my dad to find out the nomenclature of the modifications that they made along the way. 

Immediate concerns: brakes, axle leak, figuring out the gear ratio, crank shaft pulley, drive shaft no longer fits, new transfer case (T20).

Parts I recently got/ordered: passenger seat, gas tank and associated parts, battery, windshield brackets and thumb bolts, AMC bearing and seal, wheel cylinders, brake shoes.

I have a lead on a rear seat and a T20 transfer case.

Wish me luck.

[Avila51Willys]

Some pictures:

[Avila51Willys]

More pics:

[Avila51Willys]

If anybody has a good transfer case (T20) within 100 miles of San Diego.  I would be interested in it.  Border Parts has one, but it looks pretty well used.  Although, they do warranty their parts for a year.

[Avila51Willys]

Making progress.

[Avila51Willys]

Making progress.