New Jeep owner - Confused ??

[SteveZ]

Bought this last week. Someone installed a 1964 AMC 196 Inline 6 in it. It was advertised as a '49 Willys. Has a Warn Overdrive installed. VIN is: 3J27107

Figuring out pic posting so bear with me please! I live in NE Ohio and off-road with a Highly modded Dune Buggy. I love the outdoors and am an avid firearm collector of early s&W, Colt and old Rugers. Collection is at 178 at the moment.

Here's my Willys: Any info appreciated.

[SteveZ]

Photo 2

[SteveZ]

Photo3

[F Bill]

Interestng, your VIN is a 3A engine number.

You probably know the windshield is a 2A style unit. it appears to lean too far towards the rear. If you have a soft top and it fits poorly that might be why.

Would love to see under the hood.

Measure the wheelhouse tops, the 3a ones are about 2 inches shorter than the earlier 2A ones, I think it is 32 vs 34 inches from memory but I could be wrong.

Anything specific you'd like to know more about?

Lets see the dash and rear views, and maybe under the hood to see that awesome AMC mill.  Looks like Saginaw steering too, that is good.

[garage gnome]

You frame is a 2A frame. I see frame horns on the front. I'd like to see how they stuff a straight 6 in there... And as Bill, said, your VIN is a 3A serial number. The driver seat looks like a 2A, so I bet you have a 2A tub.

Welcome to the site!

[SteveZ]

Interestng, your VIN is a 3A engine number.

You probably know the windshield is a 2A style unit. it appears to lean too far towards the rear. If you have a soft top and it fits poorly that might be why.

Would love to see under the hood.

Measure the wheelhouse tops, the 3a ones are about 2 inches shorter than the earlier 2A ones, I think it is 32 vs 34 inches from memory but I could be wrong.

Anything specific you'd like to know more about?

Lets see the dash and rear views, and maybe under the hood to see that awesome AMC mill.� Looks like Saginaw steering too, that is good.

I'll get more photos today. It is being stored at a friends house while we work on it. I appreciate the help thus far!

[SteveZ]

Dash

[Oilleaker1]

Welcome, I'm new here also. Your Jeep's upgrades look well done compared to most. You'll have fun with it! John

[SteveZ]

Other than measuring the wheelhouse tops are there any numbers on the frame I could locate?

The engine is a '64 AMC 196 with a single barrel Holley 1909. It actually runs really well as is. Even with the 8,000 hose clamps. 

I plan on going over the entire engine when it warms up a bit here.

Thanks again! Just figured out I can post more than two photos in one post. Doh! I'm an idiot.

[F Bill]

The 3A had no frame serial numbers that I know of. The 2A had a derail number plate attached to the left front frame rail ahead of the grille. It had two rivets holding it on with the holes about 1.75 inches apart, horizontally. If you are lucky you might find it there....later jeeps in the 3B era had a frame number stamped on the actual frame rail  top surface, passenger side frame rail behind the motor mount but I'd be surprised if yours was that late a frame.

I thought I saw  bumper gussets too Nate, but I wasn't sure. Perhaps Steve can get a close up of the frame rail ends for us.

Key switch location on the dash and the three holes for the in dash keyed coil of the 2A are another clue. Radiator mounting and motor mounts are also a good clue but.....with the AMC engine I don't think you'd have any remnants of that left.

I can't tell the 2A seat from a 3A seat as well as Nate can.. Nate, let us in on the secret...

What am I seeing on the rear panel above the left tail light?

Has the jeep been registered and on the road recently? Do you have a title in your name for it yet? That would be my first priority as well as making sure the VIN you have been given is actually on the jeep somewhere. I don't know how fussy your state is (where are you??) but some would have a huge problem with registering a jeep if the numbers on the paperwork are not actually on the jeep somewhere. Other states couldn't care less.

[F Bill]

Ok, now I see your dash picture..

See those small holes in a triangular pattern around the key switch?? They held the keyed coil bracket to the back of the dash on a 2A. 

So.. looks more like a 2A....at least the dash panel.

On a 3A the key switch is over by the steering column. (Yours appears to be some sort of modern car one)

[SteveZ]

Thanks for the help! Yes, I have it Tilted already. Vin is on a tag on the firewall. 3J27107

27" tire wells. Here are more photos.

[F Bill]

If it isn't too much trouble go ahead and post a pic of the ID plate.

[athawk11]

Everything I see screams 2A.

Frame, windshield, driver seat, keyswitch location.� If the driver seat fits right, then it is a 2A tub.

The VIN plate would have said CJ3A 27107.�

 3J27107 is a legitimate 3A engine serial number.�

Here is a possible train of events...

-Originally a 2A.�
-Original Data plate misplaced. Source for original VIN lost forever.
-It gets a 3A replacement L-134 engine at some point. (very common)
 -With no data plate, it was titled using this engine serial #. (fairly common)�
-New data plate added with new 3J27107 VIN #.
-Engine gets swapped out in favor of the AMC.
-3J27107 engine ends up at the scrap yard. Source for current VIN lost forever.

Again, just a possible theory.

Nice looking Willys!

Tim
� �

[SteveZ]

Here is the plate attached to the firewall and removed for cleaning.

Thanks to everyone for the help! Hopefully this doesn't mean I'm going to banished to the 2A Forum?