THE 1ST REINCARNATION
Whether or not you believe in reincarnation, it matters not. But I can attest that it is so.
I personally rebuilt this 1953 model CJ-3B twice myself, so that it may endure on and on.
During the mid to late 1970’s I had rebuilt my very first jeep, a standard 1948 CJ-2A.
Yes at the time I was quite pleased with the 2A as my sole daily driver.
However by the early 80’s I knew it would only be a matter of time and the national speed limit would increase.
I loved the Go-Devil but simply knew I would soon need the power upgrade that a Hurricane engine could provide.
I first spied this 3B back in 1982. It was exactly the model of jeep I had been searching for. As you know the 3B is essentially just like a 2A but having more power plus many other minor upgrades.
The 1953 was barely running and somewhat worn down at the time but the body looked real good and so I bought it.
I know not of its earliest incarnation from 1953 to 1982. But I have come to know it intimately from that time onward.
Like my previous 2A, I decided an extensive full frame up rebuild was in order.
I spent ample time in the outdoors and the initial build direction reflected my ideals.
Pics from those days are extremely few.
"This pic was taken after the Jeep was well into it’s second life.
The initial tires were a set of 6.00 x 16” Denman NDT’s that lasted just over 30K mikes.
By this time they had already been replaced with a second set of 6.50 x 16”s.
The 1953 CJ-3B is seen hauling a load of 20' long Lodgepole Pine (tipi poles) up from my canoe which is somewhere down below along the Missouri River.
I spent ample time using my Jeep and canoe on the river back in those days.
Attached to the half cab and to the drawbar are my custom built canoe racks. (the front bumper rack was not normally used.)
Easily fastened, a 17’ canoe would rest on top for many miles. Front of cab rack is bolted at windshield -- as the cab itself is thick gauge.
"The Koenig Deluxe halfcab (with additional quarter panel windows) is kept warm in winter with a 'fresh air heater' and is trimmed inside with wooden door and roof panels. The seats are covered in grey cordura nylon.
The shift tower dust boots are leather, and a custom map holder was mounted to the dash. Note the custom outside rear view mirror for use with the hard cab, and the windshield is correctly painted black. The doors are easily removed for the summer time breeze.
As you can see I always like to put the Universal to use in outdoor activities. "Here I am in about 1986 running a mink trapline with my trusty '53.
"Note the rear mounted spotlight that makes reverse in dense dark woods a pleasure. Also a whip CB antenna mounted to the rear rack. That's right... a 3B with a CB! The CB radio was mounted onto the center of the cab's roof.
This 3B has original ALA marking lamps installed as blinkers on the rear. The spare wheel is mounted to the rear of the cab inside the mini bed. Rear corner bow sockets and the side spare mount were removed.
Seen here the chaff screen can be unsnapped in the winter months and replaced with a vinyl cover. Radiator air flow is controlled by adjusting the cover (not shown) for really cold weather. The headlamp stone guards are a heavy-duty custom fabrication. No hood blocks were needed as the W/S was never folded down.
"The 1953 had been modified using 12-volt Willys electrical components. It has both front and rear Powr Lok differentials. The transfer case has the 1-1/4" intermediate shaft and the Jeep also sports a Warn overdrive unit."
And yes in the late 1980’s I got it up to 81 mph wide open throttle on flat ground. That comes out to 4000 rpm.
I’m this pic the Jeep sports its 3rd set of 6.50 x 16” tires and has racked up over 80K miles both on and off the road as a daily driver.
A lot of good memories from those days. Like attempting to drive the Jeep solo across the flood plain back during the great flood of 1993. My county sets between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Nothing but telephone poles rising along the roadbed to guide my way in a sea of brown waters for the next 10 slow wet miles. Water half way up up engine I turned back after a couple miles of nerve racking anticipation.
The Jeep was eventually ready for a second complete frame up rebuild in 1995 due to a rod knocking. The rod journals had never been sized when I built that engine a dozen years prior.
Since 1995 the 3B had sat for many years while I collected more Jeep parts and built additional 3B’s. As time passed my ultimate Willys daily driver plans changed many times over. Since 1995 I sold off 2 fully rebuilt 3B’s with lots of rare options. But this was my first 3B and felt I might just hang onto it until my ultimate Jeep projects are complete.
So yes this jeep has sat in the garage fully completed as my emergency back up plan until my final jeep goals are realized.
For now it has come to my rescue; with me being in need of dependable transportation.
Although I had initially envisioned its current incarnation for serious work. Mainly log skidding and possibly for off road rescue and recovery work.
So what’s it take to build a Willys log skidder / off-road rescue recovery Jeep ?
Stay with me and we’ll address it’s current details next.
