Front spring shackles?

[Ryan_M]

So someone look at that craigslist link above and give me a few comments. I've been to see that jeep 3 times. Probably would have bought it yesterday as I took a trailer with me, but we could not come together a price. You won't hurt my feelings!!

What is it that you want to do with it? If you're looking to do an authentic restoration you obviously have a substantial amount of body work to do and a motor that needs to come out. Someone also went a little nutty with the welder and "custom" metal work. If you're just looking for a fun rig to drive around then that changes its value to you. Almost anything can be a good deal if it fits what you are looking for and can be had at the right price. �Not sure what price the seller is stuck at but if you want to return a 3A to its stock form you can probably find something a little more original for a lower price. Just my $0.02.

[1955CJ-5]

OK That is good information. So, the housing on the 3A that I'm looking at(I wish i had taken a picture) is potentially correct. It is a 1953 3A but made early in the model year, if I remember right the vin is around 600....that would be 10600...

So IF i end up with this jeep and IF I can find an L-head with the correct front plate/motor mount, I won't need to also find a bell housing.....

[1955CJ-5]

So someone look at that craigslist link above and give me a few comments. I've been to see that jeep 3 times. Probably would have bought it yesterday as I took a trailer with me, but we could not come together a price. You won't hurt my feelings!!

What is it that you want to do with it? If you're looking to do an authentic restoration you obviously have a substantial amount of body work to do and a motor that needs to come out. Someone also went a little nutty with the welder and "custom" metal work. If you're just looking for a fun rig to drive around then that changes its value to you. Almost anything can be a good deal if it fits what you are looking for and can be had at the right price. �Not sure what price the seller is stuck at bit if you want to return a 3A to its stock form you can probably find something a little more original for a lower price. Just my $0.02.

I would like it to be fairly original. No car shows or parades. �

I would at least:

Find original size wheels/tires.

Lower the suspension, it's about 4" higher than stock right now.

I'd remove the roll bar, rear seat, diamond plate and mud flaps and return the spare to it's correct location--and that area looks good and intact. The baffle is there along with the curved hat channel. won't really know until the diamond plate comes off..it is bolted in place. I would also remove the front "brush guard". The plate is pretty firmly attached...

There are a number of holes. I wish I could figure out how to post a picture, I'd show you the dash....I use photobucket on other forums.

And you may be correct. There are probably better examples out there that would be a better starting point.

Here is a pic (I hope)

[Bob W]

It is getting complicated. Late in 1952 the CJ-3A bellhousing changed to a type not shown in any of the previous photos.

[Ryan_M]

The two big holes in the instrument panel are not original. Looks like one was for a radio and maybe the big oval one for a speaker? Floor looks good from above but I'd be curious to see what's going on on the underside of those floor pans. All good stuff you can use to haggle a lower price......

[1955CJ-5]

The under side of the front floors look good, and the tool box is intact. The hat channels are not perfect under there but they are very serviceable. The left front fender has a seam right near the top, with a corresponding flap underneath, but the right fender has no seam which would indicate filler. All four body mounts across the rear cross member are broken right at the curve.

Right now the seller will only knock $100 of the asking price. I'm thinking something a little closer to 3K.  With nearly 1K for tires and wheels, a possible 700 for springs and then body work not to mention a L-head and hood.....it adds right up.  

It would be a great farm jeep or just a putter around jeep just as it sits...I want more originality.

I'm hooked on the lack of rust, as everything else I've looked at is rusted through the floors and toolbox..

[athawk11]

1955,
 
I am never going to be a Willys basher. �I think they are all awesome. �Well, I'm not a fan of what a Rock Crawler does to any Jeep.
 
That said, and with all do respect to you, at $3,600.00 I would expect it to have the L-134 engine with decent running gear. �A fairly clean tub would be a bonus. �These are the expensive parts in this hobby.

I got mine for $1,500.00 �I was able to drive it home. �It had a good engine, frame, tranny, T-case and axles. �The sheet metal, electrical and brakes were a mess.

 
Based on what you have described in your wish list, for a decent engine, its components, wheels, tires...you've just spent �a couple grand. �Simply put, you can, and will find a very close to stock Willys for these combined expenditures. � ($5,600.00) or less. �You just may need to be patient.
 
 Have you visited www.ewillys.com �?? �You might like it.

Tim

[athawk11]

Here is a good example....


http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/3486326390.html

Found on ewillys.

[1955CJ-5]

Here is a good example....


http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/3486326390.html

Found on ewillys.

We have called about that jeep. it is about 3 hours away in good weather.

That is not a big deal, but the number on the jeeps title is an engine number, and that number does not match either the currently installed engine's number, nor the vin number on the firewall plate, so there are complications....

When titling in another state (the jeep is in Oregon) the vin will need to be inspected.

Patience....I need to make that my mantra....!


I visit ewillys every morning, then craigslist and then ebay.....ewillys is great and Dave is a wealth of jeep info...repeat after me...patience...


Your jeep looks great! Maybe I'll find one like that someday....

[athawk11]

Yeah,  I hear you on title issues.  I've walked away from an otherwise perfect 2nd Willys because they didn't have a clean title.

Maybe the 3A with the F-head is a good choice for you.  I say, go with your gut on this.

Good luck...and good hunting.

Tim

[1955CJ-5]

Thanks,

I'll let you know what happens..

Randy