1961 CJ3B "Gator"

[Rus Curtis]

On your first post, showing an image of the driver's side, are you referring to the white spoke wheel on the front or the black, solid disk style on the rear?  I did a quick search for jeep wheels on the net, and had too many options to filter through.

On a couple of posts back, I mention Harry Sheets of Midwest Willys.  I've gotten some used parts from him in the past (both in person and at the Reunions).  Talk with him to see if he can help with your missing parts.

[Bruce_W]

I did a search on here and the internet but not much luck in finding 15x7 steel wheels.  I have three on there now and a forth will work but too rough for my taste.  I want the wider track.  Anyone have a source they can share?

  I have two sets of 15”X7” wheels that I could sell. One set is a set of actual Jeep wheels, resembling the “Wagon Wheel” style as on the front in your picture, but these are factory wheels with center caps. The other set are what were once called “modular” wheels, chrome plated. If interested, I can send you some pictures.
BW

[Shark49]

Run the solid style.  I have 3 15x7 on it and a fourth the PO had but its pretty rough.  Seems impossible to find on the internet.  I found Wheel Vintages and US Wheel so hopefully they are able to supply.  Otherwise Ill go to a totally different wheel I guess.

Thanks Bruce but not what Im looking for sir.

Im wanting a little bit wider track so I can put a more modern mudder on it.

[Shark49]

After looking over the CJ3B.info page I realized that my CJ3B had the drivers seat frame that attached to the side lip of the tub.  Does anyone have a lead on this frame?  Can anyone provide a good photo of what it looks like?  I see there is a M38/CJ5 frame that looks like it could work but not sure.  Also, it has the pivot brackets that are about 3-4" back from the front of the tool box.  Does the standard CJ3A/B passenger seat frame work?

[Shark49]

Does anyone know what the three holes are for on the left side of the dash?  They look factory.  I found a diagram for the Universal Jeep dash but it doesn't give me info on numbers.  I can fill at least one with a light switch for fogs.  Also, what is the 2-1/2" cover plate for NW of steering column?

thanks,
Nate

[Rus Curtis]

After looking over the CJ3B.info page I realized that my CJ3B had the drivers seat frame that attached to the side lip of the tub.  Does anyone have a lead on this frame?  Can anyone provide a good photo of what it looks like?  I see there is a M38/CJ5 frame that looks like it could work but not sure.  Also, it has the pivot brackets that are about 3-4" back from the front of the tool box.  Does the standard CJ3A/B passenger seat frame work?

Nate,
Using the 3B Page is a great first step.  Lots of documentation with pictures!

https://cj3b.info/Seat.html

Using the images there, you can see how the front legs fasten, including the shorter front legs on the passenger seat (early seats will have legs too long).  If you've got the fabrication skills, it is possible to modify any seat to get it to fit - whether you start with an early style seat or an aftermarket seat.  You may want to see if you can track down a pair of original seats first.  Harry Sheets is a good start:  http://www.midwestwillys.com/

I've also called and visited a few salvage yards using this list: 

https://www.public.asu.edu/~grover/willys/parts.html
Don't bypass Garcia's list linked at the bottom.  Both are dated and, like me, you will find some locations are no longer in business. Phone calls are cheap.  You may find some that could be close enough to visit in person.

[Rus Curtis]

Does anyone know what the three holes are for on the left side of the dash?  They look factory.  I found a diagram for the Universal Jeep dash but it doesn't give me info on numbers.  I can fill at least one with a light switch for fogs.  Also, what is the 2-1/2" cover plate for NW of steering column?

thanks,
Nate

I found that image on a VIASA website (it appears to be the same address imposed over the image):

http://www.mb-cj3b.com/home_en/other_mb-cj3bs

I've taken a quick look at a couple of VIASA's and can't definitively say all have those holes.  That may be an image of a specific year group of that model where it may have changed (like the differences of the early and late instrument panel on the 3B).  One image I saw had the light switch and a couple of toggles and one other (possibly a push or turn knob).  See below:

https://bec7318a-a-62cb3a1a-s-sites.googlegroups.com/site/mbcj3bwillysviasa/Home/otrosmb-cj3b/0104_Dashboard.jpg?attachauth=ANoY7cqd7Gu1oiEfm3ZmOlxiU3zw0k30hmPrPSFJhCAp1jM7zaL-N5Fc0gN6CkCHwN0iSLRf5vvLA_BAg1n3HvZIPGZO2QoDGltu96ORfp4cKEAW1jEJOnOmqr9G-mrb7iMyvMpzohhCSWEw80VmYh9QakeXRZeMN6nm1MHbAdb8ip2wwFVjll_zkm9sh1teTdHHUUC3hA15x1MfBsr6KsXzxxbol32T2ltkZ7x3OG0zM_7IipgAWqw6o7eC3Hr3kk13gwiaCmCs&attredirects=0

(Notice where the hand brake handle is!)
I had an extra hole on that side when I acquired my jeep ('77).  It looked factory but wasn't.  I used it for a while as a horn button until I got the steering wheel button fixed.  For a while I thought of keeping it, but it no longer exists.

[Chuck W.]

Also, what is the 2-1/2" cover plate for NW of steering column?

Defroster hose from fresh air heater.

[Shark49]

cool thanks Chuck and Rus!  Onward and upward!

[Shark49]

Took the body off and this is what was on the back of the engine.  Not sure why it was on there too.

[Shark49]

Am I correct in guessing that this is a CJ2A radiator?

[Shark49]

Body is off and its in great shape.  Going to get it blasted then paint it.  Chassis is perfect.  Only real rust is the leaf springs.  Going to keep the engine red with black accents. 

[Bob W]

Looks like you have a CJ-2A frame. That explains how a bottom mounted radiator fits in there.

[Shark49]

I thought that as well but the tabs look shade tree welded on vs. factory.  The motor mounts are offset.  It also has the later brake line bracket at the front.  The tub isn't modified and fit perfectly on the frame. Who knows.  Im happy with it nonetheless less as its in amazing shape.

[Rus Curtis]

Shark,
Your jeep keeps adding surprises as this thread goes along!  I hadn't noticed the front bumper gussets before!!  That is an early jeep fixture that wasn't around by the time CJ3B's were made.  I've found surprises on my jeep.  Cross check the engine mounts to see if there's any evidence they were adjusted (to accommodate the later offset) on the frame rails. 

I wouldn't be surprised if you find more clues about unique choices made by all the Previous Owners (PO) that came before you!

I'm not really well versed on the earlier 2A's- 3A's.  There were lots of changes in the span of 5 years.  I've got my hands full trying to keep up with one jeep!

Bob W. has a deep well of knowledge (by all means, get a copy of his book, found here on his website):

https://cj3a.info/lit/Literature.html