NEWBIE REHAB PROJECT - '51 3A

[Ryan_M]

Hi Guys - I acquired a "family heirloom" 3A last month and have jumped head first into a rehab project. This Willys was purchased brand new by my great grandfather and used on his farm/summer cottages in Maine. He sold the farm in the late '70's and the Willys stayed with it. The new owners used it around the property primarily to drag a gang-reel mower around the fields right up until October 2011 when it was replaced by a shiny new Kubota. I bought it from them, dragged it home, and immediately stripped it right down to the frame. �I have never tackled anything like this before and without the info on forums like this I would never have even dared attempt it. Each time I work on any component the first step is pouring through the forum archives to figure out what the hell I'm supposed to be doing.

With the exception of the body, I am doing all the work myself. I am on a limited budget so I've had to pass over some things that I would liked to have done otherwise. My skill level is basic at best so mistakes have undoubtedly been made along the way...but I'm OK with that... at least for now. This is not a "restoration" but more like a "refurbishment". The goal is to get it roadworthy again by spring and tinker with the details as time and money permit. �I have thousands of pics so if anyone's looking for a close-up of any original(?) details let me know. The motor was replaced roughly 20 years ago with a supposed "new/old stock" L134. I posted a few of the ongoing project if anyone is interested:

http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z403/rmurdock2121/51%20Willys%20Jeep%20CJ3A%20Rehab/

-Ryan

[p3ferris]

Ryan  I would say your skills are pretty good.  What info you do not get here you can try the cj2apage.com  too as there a lot of them over there that own these also

[Ryan_M]

Ryan �I would say your skills are pretty good. �What info you do not get here you can try the cj2apage.com �too as there a lot of them over there that own these also

A lot of what I did find for info was on a 2A page as there seems to be a much bigger following for them. Any idea why? Are there more of them out there? Or just because it is the original "CJ"?

[Bob W]

Ryan,

Nice project  

What is the serial number of your CJ-3A? What is the serial number on the engine?

Thanks!

[Ryan_M]

Ryan,

Nice project �:)

What is the serial number of your CJ-3A? What is the serial number on the engine?

Thanks!

The SN on the tub mounted tag is 451-GB1 28433.

I can't find a SN on the block. Casting number is 908756 and from what I've read these were used as replacement motors and in industrial machines and some of the DJ's. This motor was installed in my 3A about 20 years ago. The original blown motor still exists and is in a crate in the barn where this 3A lived all it's life. I've been told I can have it and intend to pick it up next time I'm down that way.

[Bob W]

Thanks!!!

[Gunslinger]

Ryan,
Looks to me like both you and that garage have done something like this before.  I like your build, and that body is in very nice shape, much nicer than mine was.  Good build, keep it up, nice to have you in the family.

PS you can get some answers to your population question in our malarky section, there is a recent post there by Carl that explains a lot about the differences in post quantity between here and the 2A.  And yes, there were a alot more 2As made than 3As.  but most of us are members there as well, for the same reason as you, there is  alot of shared info due to commonalities in the vehicles.

Todd

[athawk11]

Hi Ryan.

Looks like a real nice project. �It's not everyday that an undisturbed Willys is found. �I was in your same boat. �I am just working on the finishing touches with mine. �

To answer one of your questions/thoughts: �Why a large following at the 2A site? �I am not sure of the exact number, but there were far more 2As produced than 3As. �To make it worse, �the 3A production was overlaped at the begining and end. �In 1949 when the 3A came to be, they were still making the 2A. �And the 3B overlaped the last year of production for the 3A in 1953.

I may be biased, but I think the 3A is by far the nicest looking flat fender ever produced. �And though I have found the 2A site helpful, I am fond of this site. �This is always my first stop.

Great job on the Willys. �Good luck on the rest of your project.

Tim �

[Comanche_County]

Nice work sir!

[Ryan_M]

Ryan,
Looks to me like both you and that garage have done something like this before. �I like your build, and that body is in very nice shape, much nicer than mine was. �Good build, keep it up, nice to have you in the family.


Todd

LOL...no, never before, I swear. The garage was pristine prior to my first-ever "spray paint gun" massacre. I think I got more paint on the floor and on myself than on that frame. Engine hoist was borrowed for the re-installation after I nearly killed myself with the jury-rigged chain apparatus to pull it out.

Thanks to everyone else too for the input and words of encouragement.

Ryan