Looking at purchasing a CJ-3B, What are your toughts about this one?

[multichamp123]

Hey everyone, I am a new member here. For a while now I have wanted to purchase a CJ3B in as close to original condition as possible. This one from streetside classics really caught my eye, but looking at the underside scares me a little. First I just want to say that I have no intention of paying the asking price, but if you guys could tell me your thoughts on it that would be much appreciated.

Looks like the axles are leaking, as well as the oil pan, and maybe more. It also has a 4 speed transmission. I contacted streetside to see if I could get more information about the jeep, but apparently they have no knowledge of the its history.

Based on what you can see, does this seem like a vehicle that will need a lot of attention to get in good shape again?

https://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/4348-phx/1954-willys-cj3b

Thank you!

[Rus Curtis]

multichamp,
Welcome! First post!  Not afraid of the leaking.  Gaskets wear out.  What's funny is they spent a whole lot of time on glossy stuff but left the leaks.  No time right this minute, but I see a lot.

When I have a few moments, I'll come back and add.  Yeah, asking price way off for me.

[multichamp123]

Thank you!

[Rus Curtis]

The CJ's have developed through the years of manufacture.  The CJ2A had multiple changes.  Then there were other changes significant enough to call the next jeep a CJ3A.  The CJ3B had a very noticeable change with a different engine and body change to fit around it.  I have a 1954.  I see things that have been added/changed. Without seeing it personally, I can't really comment on everything - just some of the obvious things from my incomplete observations:

The body is either partially or wholly aftermarket - some details missing (could've been filled in).  I don't understand the slope I see on the front edge of the hood (angles back from top down towards fenders).  Sticking out too far from the radiator guard - another sign of aftermarket. No holes for the spare. There's a hole missing for the drivers wiper motor.  Incorrect donor steering wheel.  I see a significant difference between the passenger and driver's windshield clamp - another clue something is bent or another fitment issue.  Serial Plate is missing.

Description lists 134 flathead.  It is clearly an F-head - overhead intake valves (rocker arms under valve cover).  That may be a truck/wagon engine with the breather on the valve cover.  Hard to be certain, but I don't see a PCV system so it may have a draft tube. 

It appears to have an alternator 12V system and the carb appears to possibly be a Solex.  Spin on filter vs. canister. I can see some changes in the wiring harness under the hood and wonder how well it was routed and complete it is.  No dimmer switch and electrical components dangling from under the instrument panel?

I feel real confident all flatfender jeeps had a 3 speed transmission.  So, some changes in the drivetrain.  Condition of the brakes, gear lube, etc.  Just 50 miles may point to drivability.

Why weren't the leaks addressed?  The leak at the bell housing could either be a rear main seal or the main drive shaft (front) on the transmission.  Spending that much on a body, seat covers etc. and not fixing the leaking suggests maintenance is in the future.  Maybe a lot.

I can nitpick and say the horn isn't right, the rearview mirror isn't right, there's a weird plug up on the radiator guard.  How is the aftermarket hitch receptacle braced? There's not much contour to the seat, so for me, it's a stretch to call it a bucket seat.  The loop in the brake line on the front axle is just plain sloppy.  It's also frustrating to see the brake/clutch pedals installed backwards.  Many more minor things but none of this would detract from driving.

To me, I get the sense someone is trying to recoup what was spent.  I personally wouldn't pay near this much for this jeep.  Maybe a $7000 neighborhood jeep if the drive train is sound.

Are you looking at other markets?

[multichamp123]

Wow thanks for the info! Yes I am looking all over for a nice one.

I kinda like that there is not a spare tire on the side, and the fact it has a 4 speed, since if I got a 3 speed I would definitely add an overdrive. But the possibility of the body being aftermarket scares me even more. I really like the look of this jeep, thats why it caught my eye.

[Rus Curtis]

Keep in mind, the final drive ratio is set.  Most transmissions reach 1:1 final drive ratio.  Then everything else factors in. 

The engine has rpm/torque limitations and if the axles haven't been changed, they have 5.38 gears.  This is the biggest factor on your road speed.  If that 4 speed transmission is really a 3 speed with O/D (I doubt it), things are different.  So, depending on engine condition (remember it's leaking so probably none done so far) like rings, bearings and depending on how hard it was driven before advertised, you could be disappointed on remaining life span.  Does it smoke?  What's the compression test results?  It is possible to drive 60 mph (max limit from your placard on dash) but that's hard on the engine.  Without upgrades, most stick to lower speeds.  My sweet spot was always around 45 mph.  I do have an OD but that's way down the road.  But the end goal is to be able to cruise at around 55 mph.  And who doesn't want another stick shift?!

[SteveKfl]

Welcome, multichamp.  The more the merrier.
 
WOW Rus, what a great job of detailed observations.  One thing in the video, tranny wise, I noticed the driver went from "normal first gear" location to 2nd, not a four-speed pattern.  Also, when he stopped, I was concerned how the driver had to yank it out of gear, as "if" possibly the clutch wasn't cooperating, or the tranny linkage sticking???  Either 3 or 4 speeds, it should just glide in and out of gears normally.
 
FYI... West coast Florida has a branch of that vendor's namesake.  There, they also have "high prices and high commissions" added for their reputation and advertising and storage coverage.  They only cater to high end cars there tho.  No "leakers" in their show room.  Keep in mind, "shipping" is extra too.
 
One has to really like "green everywhere" with that one.  I suspect it will be available for a while, giving you time to shop around and to "think about it".  Someone once said... Jeep stands for "Just Empty Every Pocket".  Worth the price and effort?  THAT is a "personal choice".  Have you checked out eWillys.com for "options", or other listings like Craig's List, of even FB???
 
Happy Hunting!

[multichamp123]

Thank you both very much for all the information! I don't know what I was thinking with the 4 speed, that makes sense the ratio would still be 1:1

I will definitely be passing on this jeep. I have looked all over, but yet to find one to my liking. I will just keep looking until one pops up!

[Chuck]

I have a project if interested. '59 original with aftermarket carb. Will come with tub to address non-existant floorboards. This is a project, not a pristine trailer queen.