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For sale, again.

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 03:22:56 GMT

Well, it's 2006 now. I'm living in Nashville, and dont have the time or money to put into my two oldest Jeeps. I've tried selling them here before, but I'm going to give it one more shot before parting them out on Ebay and calling the scrap man to get whatever is left. I hate to do that, but I hate for them to sit and rust any longer.

First, these vehicles are located about 10 miles west of Lexington, TN. They dont run, and have not ran since I bought them. They're parts cars.

What I have is a 1948 CJ-2A with a complete drivetrain and beat to death body that I removed, and what I can only guess is a '51 CJ-3A. It's just a body, windshield, frame, suspension and axles. I think the steering gearbox is still there.

Photos are now located here.

Like I said, these things are parts trucks. The CJ-2A has a complete 8000 pound Ramsey winch mounted on it, and from the best I can tell the winch would be functional if the vehicle ran. All the controls, linkages and drivelines for it are there. Due to the labor involved, I would rather not remove the winch to sell it seperately.

I do not have a title for the CJ-3A, but I do have a title, along with all the gauges and interior bits I removed for the 1948 CJ-2A.

If you're interested, send me an email at blakelbrown@(Removethisnospamsection)comcast.net

Thanks!

Jeeps, trucks, and a 6x6...

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 03:56:44 GMT

Well, here it is in December and things have changed yet again.

I did move to Murfreesboro, then would up re-relocating back to Nashville because fuel costs were negating any rent savings. I brought my truck up here to help with the moving, and wound up keeping it because I just missed my truck, and I was finding it to be far more practical, despite it's size. So, I decided to sell the Cherokee.

I'm 5 months from my graduation, and the old Willys still need work, and new homes. Not only do I not have the time to care for them, but their space at the homestead is now being clamored for. My stepfather is in search of a 2.5 ton 'Deuce and a half' 6x6 truck. He needs it for doing some work around the farm that our pickups just cant do. Unfortunately, neither of us really know where to look for one. I figured I could ask here, and perhaps one of y'all might be able to set us in the right direction.

Thequalifications are pretty basic: Deuce and a half, possibly with dump bed and/ or a winch. Located around the Nashville/ Jackson/ Savannah, Tennessee area. Travelling is an option, depending on price.

Doesanyone know where we should look?

Thanks

Long time, no news...

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 00:35:38 GMT

Well, it's July of 2005. I've owned my three old Willys for a while now, and made no real progress on them.

Within the past year, I had several life altering changes. I got a full time job and became a supervisor, then realized that I was underpaid in a dead end job. So I became a certified locksmith, but that didnt work out because business was very sporadic.

So, I packed all my belongings into my '94 F-250, and moved to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Nashville Auto Diesel College. I've been up here about two months now, and am looking at moving again to Murfreesboro due to cheaper rent. I also took the F-250 home and came back in a more 'civilized' 2000 Jeep Cherokee.

I'm sure by now you're wondering what any of this has to do with an old 4 cylinder Willys. Well, I'll tell you.

I started seeing Jeeps in some of the big car shows up here, and going "Wow, that could be me". I started seeing folks riding around in newer YJs and TJs with the tops off, and went "That'd be so much more fun in a flatfender".

It's time to focus. As much as I enjoy the Jeeps, I cant feasibly give them the attention they need right now. So, I'm going to be selling/ parting out the half of a 1951 CJ-3A, and most likely doing the same with the 1948 CJ-2A. In return for this, I intend to acquire another CJ-2A, in more 'restorable' condition. I've found a couple of rolling chassis for sale, with non-running engines and no bodies. I'm pursuing a lead on an undetermined model of flattie.

I'm also pursuing a frame! I believe everything on my CJ-3B is restorable, with the exception of the frame. The frame itself is fine, however, the previous owner replaced the front leaf springs with the rears out of another old flattie, and relocated the spring mounts when he did. Well, when he removed the mounts, he did considerable amounts of damage to the frame. It might be repairable, but I dont have the proper tools to go about attempting it. If I can locate a frame, I intend to clean and paint it, then rebuild the drivetrain and slowly assemble a CJ-3B.

However, due to the 'uncommon-ness' of the Tuxedo Park Jeeps, this one will basically become a trailer queen, with occaisional sunny day jaunts to local car shows. That does nothing to alleviate my desire for a 'daily driver' flattie. Hence the need for another 2A, or even better, an old 3B. I like the little high hoods.

I've located one in Kentucky that I can have, possibly. The guy isnt sure what model it is, but said the hood was exceptionally tall. That could be the frame that I'm looking for, if not an entire Jeep.

As far as the 2A and 3A that shall be parted out, I'm not sure what kind of shape to claim they're in. They're major projects, or parts machines. The 3A has no engine, transmission, or transfer case. It does have front and rear axles, alond with driveshafts. The 2A is mostly complete.

If you need parts, or are interested in them in any facet, please contact me via email at theclassicmag@aol.com and I'll do my best to asnwer your questions. However, I am currently three hours away from my Jeeps, and it's been a long while since I've seriously done anything with any of them. But dont let that keep you from contacting me, as I am a college student and do tend to go home whenever feasible.

I guess that's all I've got right now. Y'all be safe out there.

For sale?

Tue, 06 Jul 2004 23:26:30 GMT

Well all, the time may be coming to send one or more of my beloved Jeeps on to new homes. I've recently become unemployed, so my finances are strained. The doesnt concern me much though, as a new job should be coming soon. But I'll be so busy playing catch-up on bills with that money, that my dream of purchasing/ owning/ building an Early Bronco may not be realised...and my mother is getting tired of yard clutter. So if I want a Bronco, at least one Willys will have to go to finance it and provide yard space- but I have no idea what these fine old vehicles are worth, so I'm hoping someone can help me.

First up is a 1948 CJ-2A. It's complete, minus the seats. It doesnt run, as I purchased it out of a field where it had been sitting for years. I havent even tried starting it. I removed the body right after I got the Jeep in a zealous attempt at a restoration. The body is here, but it's shot. I attacked it with a Sawzall when I removed it, but only because it was rusting. The previous owners had attempted to fix it by pop- riveting sheet metal over the rust. However, despite all this, the Jeep does have an 8,000 pound PTO driven Ramsey winch on the front of it, complete with the driveshaft and gearbox. It also has locking hubs on the front axle, as opposed to flanges.

The next one isnt really a Jeep, it's just kind of a half- Jeep. The body is a CJ-3A body that the previous owners said was modified for a Chevy 350. All I have is that body, a frame, the suspension, and the axles. The front axle also has locking hubs.

The last one, and the one I'm most reluctant to let go of, is a 1958 Willys CJ-3B Tuxedo Park. It runs, though it does need an engine rebuild. The front axle kingpins need rebuilding, as the Jeep has steering issues. This tub also has issues, but it would be salvageable with a lot of work. Like the other two, it needs paint and seats. I have a steel halfcab for it, though.

With the current market and such, what could I expect each of these to bring, if I were to sell them, or trade them?

Thanks,

Blake

Jeep updates

Sat, 10 Apr 2004 01:37:12 GMT

Well, here it is on into April. The CJ-3B semi-runs now. The carb need rebuilding, and the left hub on the front axle wont turn to engage or disengage. I mean the actual Warn hub, not the hub assembly.

Research shows the Jeep to be a 1959.

On my next day off, I'm planning to drive to Krage Jeep Motorsports and see about getting a rebuild kit for the carb, along with finding out just what's wrong with my locking hub.

A while back I had an offer to buy a CJ-3B with no hood, grille, or tailgate, and a Buick V6 for 100 bucks. I need to speak with the gentleman and see if the offer is still valid. If so, the parts will have to wait. I'd just as soon buy the semi- whole 3B and flat- tow what's left of it home and use pieces off of it.

Dad's purchased a new welder, so once he gets the time we're going to remove the front springs that are currently on the 3B, reocate the mounts, and install the proper springs. We'll probably install a different front axle as well. The kingpins/ bushings are shot in the current one, but we dont have the time or knowledge to go about rebuilding it yet. Eventually, the current front axle along with the engine, steering, etc...will all be rebuilt, restored, and returned to showroom condition.

As of this moment, I have both locking hubs removed and the carb should come off tommorrow.

Probably oughta post this...

Well, it's been a while...

Wed, 10 Dec 2003 17:46:09 GMT

I reckon I oughta update. I didnt make the Willys run, nor have I done any Jeep things lately. I've started playing paintball again, and I'm actually developing an active social life- both of which pull time and money from Jeeps.

I've considered selling the Jeeps to finance my paintball habit, but I'm not sure I want to do that just yet.

My hard top half cab did arrive, and I'm a bit disappointed. It appears to be assembled from two different cabs and doesnt fit the 3B- well, my Dad and I cant get it to fit the 3B, anyway. For now, the cab is disassebled and resting inside the cab of a '64 F-350.

The 3B has developed carb problems, from not being started lately. It runs, but only if you play with the choke for a while. I think I'll use my income tax refund to have the engine rebuilt, or buy the parts and do it myself, if for no other reason than I need the Jeep.

As they do every hunting season, hunters have begun trespassing on our land with ATV's without permission. Since Dad has finally found work (albeit in Texas) I'm responsible for running them down and asking them to leave. Due to the distance of their point of entry, it's about impossible to go on foot. I was using the 4x4 Suburban, but I kind of slid it sideways into a tree on the logging road and did some body work to the passenger side door...The Suburban is just a tad large to try and follow a Polaris 500.

I was a bit disappointed that I didnt see any old Willys' in the Lexington Christmas parade Monday night. Of course, I was pulling the float for the library, so there's a lot I didnt see.

Just had an idea...my German Shepherd just had puppies that I intend to sell- that money will rebuild my engine, then the tax refund will fix the steering.

Well, as for now, I must post this. I'm coughing, my chest hurts, and my nose is running. I have a doctor's appointment at 8:15 tommorrow...

Runnin' on empty...

Sun, 21 Sep 2003 01:40:02 GMT

Well...woo?

Storm blew in the other day, and Dad got in a rush to move the Jeep. And the battery got hooked up backwards.

"Blake, buddy, I've seen chicken at the Colnel's that wasnt this fried"- About my alternator, at the rebuild shop.

Sidenote! If anyone ever needs starter/ alternator/ exhaust work, Precise Rebuilders on 22 South right outside of Lexington Tennessee is the place to go. Excellent work, and prices. Replaced everything in my alternator except the armature, stator, and front half for 20 bucks.

I've been talking with a gentleman in San Diego about purchasing a half cab and doors for my 3B. I mailed him the money order Thursday. According to my mother, a Postal Worker, he should get it today or Monday at the latest. I put a piece of paper in it with a note asking him to notify me when he got it and shipped the cab, and included my phone number...my only phone number.

We'll be shipping it via Fed Ex, because my uncle gets a discount from them- he was an American Freightways truck driver until Fed Ex bought them out- now he drives for Fed Ex.

Todd seems like a nice guy to do business with. I've not had any problems with him, and he's worked with me completely to find the cheapest rate of shipping. I cant wait until my cab gets here- according to my uncle, it should take four working days for it to arrive once it gets shipped. So I should have it in time for the October Willys Run in Savannah.

Of course, the alternator wasnt the only roasted part. It also got the condensor. Or the capacitor. I cant remember which does what...either way, Napa has one waiting on me.

I wish I could deal with Krage's for everything, but sometimes I just have to go with availability. Napa is 10 minutes away, where Krage is an hour. I can be to Napa and back in the time it takes me to get to Jacks Creek, or Enville.

We've decided to put the springs from under the spare 2A/ 3A frame under the front of the 3B- they all had the same frame and basically the samfe front axles, so they should work until I can afford new spring packs.

in other news...Today was my last day as an employee of Dodges Chicken Store. I dont really feel bad about quitting, either. They called me in on three days off, then worked me 23 days straight, then cut me down to four hours a week. I talked and talked with Joey (our manager) about it, and he just said he was switching to 'winter hours'.

It wasnt worth it to get up at 4:30 AM, get ready, and drive 20 minutes to work to make that little. I'd have spent it all on gas in the truck.

Ah well...

Reckon that's it...

And yet one more update...

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 02:05:58 GMT

Well. Progress has been made.

I have my busted radiator hose off. I'm going to attempt to find a replacement at conventional auto parts stores tommorrow.

Recently, I've been talking to a gentleman around Memphis who is in need of a CJ-2A body tub, and he's installing a Chevy 350 engine in the same Jeep. I just happen to have a 2A tub that someone modified for a 350 in the yard, on the spare 2A frame and body. I need to get him some pictures of it, so he can decide what a fair offer is, or if it's even in good enough shape for him to mess with it.

My father and I have figured out why the Jeep doesnt respond properly when given more gas- the fly weights in the distributor are rusted solidly in place. According to my dad, that means it can't advance the timing to burn the extra fuel properly. It sounds like it makes sense.

If I ever get the money, it will need a new tub to be show- quality. There's a lot more rust than I anticipated...but I didnt find it until I dug an inch or so of dried mud out of the floor pans.

Well, I meant to say something else here. But I got started typing up a reply for a gentleman on the CJ-3B bulletin board and completely lost my train of thought. Hrmm.

Well, I reckon that's it...

Actually, it isnt.

I want to say thanks to everyone who has taken the time to contact me about the Jeeps, or this webpage. Some have offered encouragement and advice, others have been seeking some help themselves. Everyone has been very positive. And while I'm hardly as qualified to help someone as some of the other folks who've been working on these old Willys' for years, at least I can point them in the direction of someone who can help them now.

And I reckon that's it...

Blake

Update

Sun, 07 Sep 2003 01:25:58 GMT

Well, fixed the steering column today. The two bolts that hold the actual steering box to the frame. The bottom one has a slot milled in the box mount to allow the steering column to move up and down. Loosened the bolts, held the steering wheel in place with a bungee cord, and re-tightened them. Then put the bottom half of the support back on the column dash mount.

Next? Take it for a test drive.

At stop one in the field for a photo, my sister noticed something leaking around the driver's side fender. I was expecting oil. I got anti- freeze. Appearantly, the bottom radiator hose was in bad shape, and chose today to give up the ghost.

Solution? Tied a rag around the hole, and headed back to the house.

I stopped coming up a hill, to take another picture. Got back in, and let out on the clutch in first...and the Jeep took off slowly, with a slight 'grrr' sound from somewhere, almost like the clutch was slipping by itself.

I hit third coming back up the road to our house (private gravel road in the middle of 40 acres). Scary thing, with worn kingpin bearings and the Jeep steering itself a bit.

Got it home and gave it a damage inspection. Other than the hose, it leaks oil out the valve cover, and the oil filter canister. The front springs, which are actually rear springs out of another Willys, are compressing too much and allowing the crankshaft pulley to hit the top of the front axle on the driver's side.

So Monday I'll try to get two new radiator hoses, and a valve cover gasket. My dad and I are going to get the front springs out of a CJ-2A frame I have and re-weld some hangers (put them back where they need to be) on the 3B frontend to fix the pulley hitting the axle problem.

Looks like it'll be on the trailer to Savannah.

I'm talking to a gentleman now in California about buying a steel half- cab for it. As soon as we figure out the cheapest and best shipping option, I'll send him a check. With any luck, I'll have a half cab on the Jeep at the Savannah show.

Reckon that's it for now...

Click the link...

Tue, 02 Sep 2003 21:35:36 GMT

If you dont mind. It was given to me by a friend.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/batalie/118794.html

Hmm

Mon, 01 Sep 2003 01:43:35 GMT

Got my steering box back on...

No major improvement, and minor problems.

The gentleman at Krage told me that due to the significant wear on the arm, new bushings may not make a lot of difference. But I didnt have the money for a complete rebuild, so I got bushings.

Still slop in the box from the worn arm.

And now, my steering column doesnt line up for the bracket under the dash. It's about an inch and a half too low, and no way wants to voluntarily line up. I remounted the box in the exact same holes.

On that note, I have to re- remount my box. It moves when the steering wheel turns. Yes. The box moves away from the frame. And this is after I used a 1/2 drive socket and rachet to tighten down on it, and I'm notorious for over- tightening. I think the bolts may actually flex. So, I'll buy and use bolts that I know are Grade 8's.

On another note...they -are- a 7/16 bolt with a 5/8 head, right? That's what I think came out (not too great at sizing) so that's what I used.

I have decided that my steering must be rebuilt before the engine. Because the Jeep doesnt like to steer.

Next in my attack- list is the left front side of the axle. Hub is stuck, one broken lug- stud, and probable king pin bearing problems. I would consider taking the Jeep somewhere with a oil- burning engine, but not if I cant trust the steering.

Seeing as how my father just got out of the hospital today from a blood clot, it may be a while finishing our re-wiring. Which is fine.

When I rebuild the engine, I'll get a proper replacement harness. This wiring has a switch to turn on the fuel pump, a switch for the alternator to charge, and then an on/ off switch with a push button for starting.

I dont think a keyed ignition is original, but that's what I'm putting in. And I need turn signals.

In other news, I found out the 'handheld radio' needed for the October trail ride is a normal, FRS radio. At least I know. But unless I get the 3B running and steering, I wont be on the trail ride, so it wont be too important.

I'm not so worried about killing myself to have it there. I may not have it this year, but next year it'll not only be there, it'll be in amazing, like- new condition.

I dont know if I want to go 100% restoration, or make it a nice little 3B. Resto means a lot more work, and a lot less fun...but it means I get to buy another 3B to build a daily driver out of.

However, what fun is having a Jeep if I cant drive it? Resto is nice, dont get me wrong, but I want something that I can drive back and forth to church (7-8 miles) and make the occasional trip to work or town in (15- 20 miles) or drive to Savannah to see my friends or attend Jeep things.

I may just build a nice little Jeep out of my Tuxedo Park Mark 4. Or I may buy another, more original 3B and put the Tuxedo Park emblems on it and restore it.

I just noticed, according to their card, Krage is closed on Saturdays. Dont know if they'll see this or not (doubt it), but thanks guys for not saying anything and taking around an hour of your time to sit and talk with me and explain stuff. I guess I should've taken the hint when I walked in the front door and some lights werent on, but I'm dumb like that. Either way...thanks.

And that seems to be it for now...

Well...

Sat, 30 Aug 2003 17:18:04 GMT

I'm back from Savannah.

Went by Krage. I got steering box bushings, a gasket, and information.

Appearantly, my Tuxedo Park 3B is very...uncommon.

So it's going back original. I also have the name and phone numbers of two gentlemen he reccomended contacting for my F-head rebuild work.

The gentleman said my steering problems were likely because of worn kingpin bearings or similar, and not necessessarily my box. But the bushings werent too expensive, and I have the box out, and there is some play in the shaft...so why not go ahead and redo them?

I have to figure out how to set the pitman arm back on the box and make sure it's centered. I may put the front end up on jack stands to test and make sure both tires turn the same amount. I.E. 35* left and 35* right.

It may not be 35*, but that's just an example.

Reckon that's it for now...

Well...crud.

Fri, 29 Aug 2003 02:49:37 GMT

Dad just called. Told me not to pull the box out, he knew what my problem was. Not a worn bushing.

This is -after- I pull the arm off the side, the side cover off, and clean out all the grease.

When I turn the steering wheel, the shaft coming out of the box moves forward, backward, and up and down. I have checked and I feel I think what would be two bushings in the place the shaft goes through.

What else would the problem be? I saw the adjustment screw, but I dont see how forcing the shaft harder against the worm grear on the column will keep it from moving. I'd prefer to just fix it right.

But he's decided if I remove the box and take it to Krage, I'll 'ruin the Jeep'. I dont see how, but it's pointless to argue.

Oh well...

Nerve- wracking

Fri, 29 Aug 2003 01:42:03 GMT

Got the puller(s) rented.

Some kerosene, PB Blaster, and a hammer...the pitman arm puller got the arm off the shaft, though I had to hit it much harder than I anticipated. I guess 40 years or so of just sitting can cause that.

I have the cover off the box, trying to figure out how to take it off.

It appears the steering wheel must be removed. That much I remembered from the box on my 2A. So, while in the Zone, I got a 3- arm puller. Problem 1 with it- steering shaft is hollow. I solved that by putting the nut back on (loosely, several open threads between it and wheel) then putting the bolt part of the puller inside a 1/4 drive socket turn upside down. Problem 2- the puller arms are too short. I almost rented the 5 ton puller, but I figured the two would do it...the two is too short.

So, when I return the pitman puller and the 2 ton, I'll have to get the 5.

So, I figure I'll pull the steering wheel, then unbolt it from the frame. Once I get it off the frame, I'll slide it down and out, put the box back together, and take it to Krage Jeep, because I should be in Savannah on Saturday morning, I hope. If they dont have the bushing, I may just replace the box.

I unbolted the brace that holds the steering column to the dash, and now when I turn the steering wheel, the column acts bent, and moves in a circle. I'll have to check into that.

While at Krage, I think I'll pick up a horn button assembly. Mine is missing, with just the nut there. Maybe. I dont even think the horn is on there, so I may not.

Funny...one little steering quirk now has me digging much deeper than I planned into it. Oh well.

I'm taking my Jeep to the River Run. I just am. I'll go to the bank and get a loan if I have to. It's going. It is -going-.

I need to send in my registration email, but I have to find out if my parents or sister want to go, and then find out if 'handheld radio' means a CB, FRS, FM, or scanner. I have all of the above, but I'd like to know. XP I also need to nail down the year of my 3B. And figure out if I'll be trailering. I doubt it, for I have no trailer, but...better safe than sorry. I may camp at Pickwick, just for the experience of camping with my Jeep. I only live an hour from Krage, but I'd just as soon camp.

Been musing over what I can sell to earn Jeep money fast. Other than paintball stuff, I aint coming up with much.

I want to go to the Run. I want to take my Jeep. I -will- go to the Run. I may not be able to take my Jeep, or go on the trail ride, or the Shiloh ride, but I will go.

I could sell my truck, drive the Suburban, and redo the...no. Cant sell the truck until the Jeep is 100 percent reliable, and street legal.

I'll have to do something...start with this goofy, death trap steering.

Reckon that's it, for now...

I dont remember my last update...

Thu, 28 Aug 2003 21:19:04 GMT

So I'll start here.

Last Sunday, I bought a late- model 3B. It rans, and I drove it home.

Steering is funny at best...a dip in the road, and the little B dove that direction. The engine needs a rebuild in the worst way.

Then yesterday I went on a goose chase after a '57 3B in a junkyard, complete with hard top, doors, and everything.

"Someone told me y'all had an old Willys Jeep..."

"Yeah, but you're too late. It got sent to the crusher last month..."

Oh well, huh? Depressing, but...

I emailed a gentleman from the West Tennessee Willys club today...once I nail down some more info on my Jeeps I'll send him everything he needs for me to join. So...exciting.

I tore into my steering today. The shaft that comes out of the box has a bad wobble...bushing, I'm thinking. So I'm working on pulling the box. I have the fender off, the nut off the loose shaft, but I need a crow's foot to get the arm off. I'll try and run to Auto Zone later and borrow one.

If I get this little thing steering right and running again, (it died after I got it home...no spark) I'll drive/ drag it to the Tennessee River Willys run. May not be able to make the trail ride, but it's going.

Or then again, I could go on the trail ride...I'd just have to be the last Jeep, due to my built- in misquito fogger. Hehehe

I think the B's transfer case either needs a rebuild or someone pulled the pin so it has 2 Low. Will have to get stuck and see, once it runs.

I'm scrambling for more hours at work, selling everything I can (anyone want some paintball stuff?) and saving to hopefully, maybe, just maybe get the engine rebuilt before the River Run. I doubt I do, but I'm doing my best. If I can get it steering properly and running, I'll grab my sunglasses, flop the windshield, and head for Savanaah for the Run.

Why flop windshield? Because the seats in it are out of a school bus, and due to my height (6'2) I see directly into the metal across the top. Very irritating.

The U joint in the PTO driveline of my 2A is stuck. The collars arent moving. Solution? I'm taking a Sawzall to the U joint, then I'll deal with it once I get the PTO off the case. Then I can get new collars, joints, and drivelines to put the winch in my 3B, once I get the engine done.

Once I get the PTO off, I'll either put the 2A's case in the 3B (with 2wd Low modification) or rebuild the 3B's case. Probably pull the 2A's and do it that way.

The 3B has 31" tires on it, which surprised me.

Gotta play some, though. The 3B has no title. So I'm putting VIN plates off the 2A on it, because the 2A has a title. Then later I'll try to get a title for the 3B...

That's a way off.

I need to replace the left lockout on the 3B with one of the 2A- it's stuck.

This all seems familiar, maybe I already posted it here...

I'm so excited that I'm going to meet other Willys owners, and actually (eventually) go on an organized trail ride.

Have to put and exhaust on the 3B...it has none. It dumps under the driver's seat, no muffler. I have an old muffler my grandfather bought for his Ramcharger and hated (too loud) so it and some electrical conduit (the metal EMT type) will make a temporary, jerry- rigged exhaust.

That's it for now...I guess...

Yet another update...

Mon, 25 Aug 2003 02:30:05 GMT

Well, we brought home the 3B today. It looks like a promising project.

To start with, there is definately an engine rebuild in it's future. It has a lot of blue smoke, and no oil pressure.

The steering box/ mechanism is in poor shape. The box itself looks like it's loose, or maybe even broken off the frame. It does steer the Jeep, but it's very sloppy.

The transfer case should be a Spicer/ Dana 18. Which means left stick all way forward is 2 wheel drive, right stick all way back is high range. The right stick should have 3 positions. I can only get it in two. I have a feeling the case will be removed around the time the engine is pulled for a rebuild.

The body is in...okay shape. Overall pretty good, no rust in the floorboards, etc...fender mounts look borken/ rusted away, the body has pop- riveted patches throughout it.

On the hood, there are badges that say 'Tuxedo Park Mark IV' or similar...dont remember exact wording. It has permenantly attached channels on the windshield for a top of similar. One on each side (going down the back/ inside) and one horizontal across the front.

The seats are out of a school bus. I dont know if I'm too tall (6'2) or if it's the seats, but I cannot see out the windshield. I see right over it, into the metal above it. Must remedy that. I would just flop the windshield down, but I'm afraid vibrations might break it by beating the glass against a hold- down loop.

The exhaust is not complete, as it exits directly under the driver's seat. For now, I'll just tack- weld some electrical EMT to it and make a couple of hangers, but when I pull the engine it'll get fixed right.

That's all for now...

Long time update...

Sun, 17 Aug 2003 01:53:55 GMT

Woo.

The two '48 models are still in the same situation as my last update... No work has been done.

I have started a job, working at a gas station. I went to Krage Jeep in Savannah.

Guy kinda had a bad attitude, but good prices. I guess they might be a bit leery of a 16 year old in a 78 model pickup coming in and asking questions. Oh well...

I have a reputation now.

Johnny, is the guy from church who had the red flattie I first saw. He came in the store the other day.

"Wanna buy another old Jeep?"

We think it's a '52. It's a CJ-3B. Rebuilt steering, new front leaf springs. It 'needs an engine overhaul, but it runs.'

He said he figure up what he had in it, and it was mine for that.

It has nice, good paint as best as I can tell, but...

I went to look at it the other day, but Johnny didnt seem to be home and the big Rottweiler kind of kept me from getting out of my truck...period.

I also found another one.

I found a 1951 CJ chassis and drivetrain under a home- built body for sale. I test drove it today for about half an hour...my first Flattie driving experience.

Fired up on the first hit of the key, all the gears work and the case seems good. Body is nice...not factory, but I like it. It had tool boxes built into places.

After I bring the 3B home and get it into daily- driver stauts, I want to go get the '51. It wouldnt be restored, just a toy around the house. I might eventually tag it and paint it, but I want to keep that body. It gives it character.

He wants around 2K for the '51 I drove, but I know I can get it for less.

I was surprised by the power the little 4 cylinder had. Took off in 3rd gear fine, not a problem in the world. I didnt road test it though. No tags or insurance, but they turned me loose in the field behind the lot. No speedometer. Oh well...my pickup doesnt have a working one either.

My sister, who's 12, has caught the bug. Upon hearing of my discoveries, she promptly stated "I want a flattie."

So, I told her if she's willing to help fix one and learn to repair it, I'll get her a flatfender. I figure by the time she turns 16, it should be perfect for her.

The fellows down at Krage have a...41, I believe, MB/ GPW cross. They say it runs, but needs brakes. It has a swapped- in four banger out of a 40's model Willys car. They want 1500...maybe, eventually...I can trailer it home.

Johnny knows where I can get a hard top for the 3B- I dont know if it's just a top, or a complete Jeep. If it's complete, I want to get the entire thing. If it's just a top, I reckon I'll buy it anyway. XP

The 3B confuses me. Johnny said it runs fine, no smoke, but it lacks power and oil pressure. That leads me to believe the rings are okay, but I dont know where else to start. I would say it's in the ignition (Not firing on one cylinder) but that doesnt explain low oil pressure.

I'll have to look into it...check spark, change oil, etc...If anyone has any advice, etc...I'd be very grateful.

Thanks!

Update

Thu, 22 May 2003 14:50:10 GMT

Well, after much figuring, I know how to remove my PTO unit.

The winch driveline U joints have to be destroyed. After sitting for at least 10 years in the open, any clips, caps, or otherwise are rusted tight or gone- and I couldnt find any to start with. Therefore, I shall take the Sawzall and cut the joint at every place it goes into an ear on the driveshaft.

Or, I could just cut the driveshaft and have a replacement made.

First I have to find a source of replacement winch U joints.

Well...

Tue, 13 May 2003 01:10:32 GMT

As is obvious, I havent updated in about a week. Why? I haven't touched the Jeeps in about a week. And I've had one heck of a week.

Sunday night, tornadoes came through our community (Jackson/ Madison County, Tennessee, Lexington/ Henderson County, Tennessee).

I spent Monday through Thursday volunteering, at the Lexington cleanup and the Humane Society (Animal Shelter). Thursday night I got sick. Friday I was miserable. Saturday night I was diagnosed by local doctors with what we believe to be a version of Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever. The medication I'm on prevents me from being outside in the sunlight.

Well, that isnt so bad, except I have no shelter to work on the Jeep under, and I just plain dont have the energy to work on them. the medication lasts ten days, so hopefully it'll clear up soon.

In the meantime, I've been brainstorming.

Assuming I live long enough, I intend to coat everything under the body, minus the engine, with POR 15. Transmission, transfer case, PTO...probably coat them, maybe not. I'll coat the frame, axles, steering components, the underside of all sheetmetal/ the body, and driveshafts.

I also have a new axle dream. If I can get the money, I want to have Currie Enterprises, or similar custom- shop narrow a set of Dana 44 axles, one front and one rear, to the same wheel-to-wheel length as the stock axles. That way, I can have power steering, 31 to 33 inch tires, and ARB Air Lockers without having to worry about breaking the stock units...because I dont think they'd hold up well.

The interior of the new tub will be coated with either POR 15 or a Rhino Lining style of liquid bedliner, then painted. The entire tub/ sheetmetal will be olive drab...probably.

Original? Not...exactly. But I'm not building a showpiece...well, I am, but...I'm building the Jeep I've always dreamed of. I'd like to stay fairly close to orginal, but...I'm changing a few things. Like, I want heavier runnind gear to withstand larger tires for off- road use. I want to go with Olive Drab instead of the factory Normandy Blue. I need power steering for larger tires, off road use, and differential lockers.

I'm also considering a suspension lift. Not a big one, mind you, I still want this Jeep to look at least semi- stock. Maybe 2 1/2 inches...just enough to clear either a 31 or 33 inch tire. The Jeep already has...well, I believe it's either a 31 or 33 inch tire on it now.

Tow hooks will be added, to the frame, at each corner. They're also going to be POR 15 coated, probably.

I need to find out what type of spare tire jack the CJ-2A's had, simply because I'm curious. I've about decided to get a black, 48 inch Hi-Lift 'bumper' style jack. I think it can be mounted to look original, and if not it'll just be un- original.

In time, I think I know where I might can get the hardtop and doors off what I think is a CJ-3A. The catch there, though, is that Jeep is owned by the father of a friend, who...no longer seems too crazy about me. The father, that is. But that really isnt Jeep related.

I've been trying to find some auxillary driving lights that I could mount to look semi- original. I'm also trying to find a way to mount a CB radio and mobile scanner in it. I'm thinking, with those, I can make a 'console' type enclosure out of a military surplus ammunition can, and make it removable. That way, my electrical equipment can be taken inside or somewhere safe if the Jeep will be sitting alone.

Of course, to run all the electrical stuff, I'll need to convert to 12 volt. Since my original battery mount is rusted, I want to grind those rivets out and put another original mount on there, attached to the frame, then mount an actual four- sided battery box on it, and possibly tied to the passenger fenderwell. That box is probably going to house an Optima Yellow top battery. Now, that battery is designed for high- draw applications, so I have no worries about it powering my lights and communication equipment. I would even be willing to trust it to run a heavy (15,000 pound) winch on top of all my electricals, but since this Jeep has the PTO winch, I'm not concerned about it holding up.

Of course, I still have to research a good, reliable alternator for such an application. I'm also thinking about electrical ignition, and a K&N air filter.

I've thought about tweaking with the exhaust and all, but...the Jeep, when I got it, has an (to the best of my knowledge/ memory) almost completely flat underbelly. So, I want to keep it that way. It leaves fewer things to drag, break, bend, or get hung up on off road...and a larger diameter exhaust just wont fit, it seems. If it were to, there would have to be a lot more bends, I think. The one on it now is shaped basically like a J. A gentle curve down from the manifold, then a straight shot out the rear. The fewer turns, twists, and bends, the less the exhaust gasses are inhibited, thus increasing flow, thus increasing power.

I'm also prowling new approaces to safety. There -will- be a minimum of one fire extinguisher in the Jeep at all times. If money permits, I want to see about a handle- activated Halon system. I'm also putting in a main- battery cutout switch, for a few reasons. Number one, it's a safety feature. Cutting off the electrical flow in an accident can help prevent fires. Number two, convienience. No more pulling a battery cable to remove or switch electrical components. Number three, theft deterrent. Let's face it, our Jeeps arent as secure as a full steel bodied car, and most of them (in my opinion) are much nicer than the newest offering Cadillac or Mercedes- Benz can offer. So surely there's some scumbag out there just waiting to get his hands on one. So, if I mount the cut off switch in an easy to reach, yet hard to see place, I can cut it off when I turn off the engine. That way, if he manages to try and hot- wire it, it still wont work. Sure, I know it's not much, and if he's determined he'll have my Jeep anyway, but I'm going to make it as difficult as possible.

Anyway...

Updates

Sat, 03 May 2003 01:02:32 GMT

I removed both dront and rear driveshafts today. I also pulled the brake master cylinder and unhooked the clutch linkage. As you can tell, work is slowing down.

I need to remove the Ramsey Winch PTO unit before I can pull the case, transmission, and engine. The catch is...I havent got the faintest idea how to take out the U joint out of the driveshaft that runs from the PTO to the winch right at the PTO. I cant see any sort of clip or cap to remove, and I'm beginning to consider taking a Sawzall and cutting through the U joint. I dont really care to do that, though, because I'd risk damaging the ears on the driveshafts and I still wouldnt know how to put the new joints in...assuming I can even get new joints. Any ideas out there?

The tag on the PTO unit says it's made by Ramsey Winch Co., and it's model PTl-T. I'm not sure if it's model PTl (Lowercase L)- T, or PT1-T.

Anyway...

Yushyness

Gettin' after it...

Fri, 02 May 2003 00:58:59 GMT

Got some Jeep related stuff done today.

First, I got all the gauges and a handle/ lever on the dash (more on this later) removed from Jeep A's body tub. I only have a few more small pieces to get off of it before it's just a tub. I wound up not cutting the dash face out, too. I laid on an old rug and some towels, and with the tub sitting on the ground I could fit my upper torso under the dash enough to get a pair of Vise- Grips on the last remaining wingnut on the back of the speedometer. Note: No matter how good of an idea it seems like, never put wing nuts on studs in enclosed, cramped, small spaces, especially when the vehicle has no top. They're a serious pain to remove.

After removing the gauges, I pulled the steering column support out, along with the throttle/ gas pedal linkage that attaches to the front of the body tub. I also removed a silver handle from the dash. To the best I can guess, it's some sort of parking brake...maybe. The cable from it on the other side (engine bay side) of the firewall was broken, but I saw a piece of the same type cable going somewhere beneath the transmission/ transfer case unit. I'll post some pictures in the next entry, if I can get my digital memory card reader to work right.

Also, while under the dash, I found out what color my CJ-2A was originally. Now, right now it has a layer of black paint, some olive drab, red, and a bit of blue in places. While I was contorted up under the dash, I saw where the uderside of the cowl was painted a very deep, dark Pearl Blue...at least, I guess it'd be pearl blue. It was too dark under there for my camera to get a picture.

I've also made a decision concerning my cracked frame, after looking over Jeep B's frame.

The frame on Jeep B has been...modified. The body is mounted backwards, and there are welded body supports in odd places. The steering axle is still in the front of the frame, under the rear of the body. The steering linkage and box is all there, too, but the box has been moved, via several brackets welded to the frame, to face toward the front of the body to facilitate rear steering. Now, I'm all for rear or four wheel steering, but...manual rear steering? Seems a bit...misplaced, to me.

Anyhow- Due to the condition of Jeep B's frame, the size/ extent of the damage to Jeep A's frame, and the fact that the Ramsey PTO winch on Jeep A appears to be welded, yes, welded to the front of the frame, I've decided to just repair the frame on Jeep A.

Of course, that threw me another curve...How? I considered using my father's MIG welder to weld it, but I dont like that idea for several reasons. First, I dont trust my welding nearly enough to do that. Second, I'm concerned the heat may cause damage to the temper of the frame. Third, it's already had any sound metal within 1/4 inch of the damage ruined by a previous attempt at welding, leaving nothing to weld together except an old welder puddle.

The soultion? A splice/ support beam. I considered some 1/4 inch thick, 1 1/2 inch wide flat iron, until a better idea came to me.

I intend to take a piece of rectangular tubing, with a wall thickness of 3/8 inch, and a total OD (outside diameter) to just fit on the inside of the Jeep frame, and bolt it in. It's going to run from roughly one foot to the rear of the break (Where the frame starts to curve upward for the spring/ tire/ axle stuff) to just behind the bolts closest to the crack on the front. Overall, an estimated 2 1/2 to 3 feet of tubing. In essence, I'm boxing that section of frame by bolting a box into it. The bolts will be at least a minimum of 1/2 inch, Grade 8 fine thread bolts. Once they're on and tightened, I'm going to drill through the bolt and nut and install a cotter pin to keep it from rotating and loosening due to vibration. Yes, I will use lockwashers, but I'll probably pin it just to be safe.

That way, I'm tying into good, solid metal hopefully far enough away from the original repair that it wouldnt have been affected by any heat damage. In order to keep the interior of the box repair tube from rusting/ getting junky, I'm going to weld a plug into one end of it before I install it, then fill it with some sort of foam or moisture absorber, then weld the opposite end closed and install it.

In other news- I contacted the gentleman who owns/ operates TheCJ2APage.com, and he agreed to put a link to this journal/ blog on his site. That should not only increase traffic here, but bring a few people with knowledge of some of the things I'm going to experience while rebuilding this old vehicle.

I'm going to make a photo entry as soon as I get them uploaded from my camera, resized, uploaded to the web, then I'll link them here, I have pictures dating from the As- Found shots, through the entire tear- down, to where it is now. There's even one of Josh holding the tub up sideways as we were removing it. XD

Anywho...

Yushyness

"Dude, we got so freakin' hosed..."

Thu, 01 May 2003 02:36:50 GMT

I didnt get much done on the Jeep today.

But the frame and running gear are clean. I got the hose this morning, and set about cleaning it...and wasted about an hour. Solution? Get the pressure washer.

Another hour, and both the Jeep and I were dripping wet. I cleaned the PTO/ Winch drive unit entirely to reveal a small tage riveted to the casting that says 'Ramsey Winch Co.', then some other things I dont remember right now. I also found a tage on the transfer case identifying it as a Spicer 18.

After a lot of high- pressure washing, I got the transmissin to pop into 3rd gear and reverse. The transfer case range shifter still only goes into two positions, when there should be three if I understand the data plate on the dash right.

I still havent cut the dash free and pulled the gauges. I may do that tommorrow, and then set Jeep A's body up on blocks to load it with everything that's in Jeep B.

I've also decided that the Jeep needs a name. Calling it 'Jeep A' just seems a little unfitting of a machince with the history this one has. Anyone with a name suggestion should comment and let me know. XD.

Anywho...yeah

It's tubbed! Well...de- tubbed

Wed, 30 Apr 2003 02:23:08 GMT

Started on the Jeep again, my project de- tubbing it, aka removing the body. I pulled all the bolts I could find, then started lifting it, alone, by hand.

I didnt get far. So, I decided to tow it around back with my truck to pull the body off with our lift. This would've worked, had I not been A, pulling the Jeep backwards with a strap, and B, had a way to steer abovementioned Jeep.

Solution? Call my aunt, borrow their trailer. So off, I go, greasy, dirty, and shirtless, grinding my truck into gear and flying to their house at who knows how slow. Hooked up the trailer, and got Josh to come help me. The plan was pull the Jeep onto the trailer, then take it to the lift and remove the body. There was only one flaw.

The Jeep, even though it's narrower than a normal Jeep, was still too wide to fit on the trailer. This is not good. What now? Take Josh's advice, the two of us just pick up the body by hand and set it off on the yard. Nice plan, in theory. First, we had to clean and cut. The floor pan by the brake pedal had to be cut away, an exhaust hanger was cut off, along with a small U- bolt and some associated wires, and a brake line. Then, after several bouts of lifting and heaving, I enlarged the hole in the floor around the transmission/ transfer case/ PTO shifter.

Well, after a while it was decided this approach just wasnt going to work. What next? Flip the body sideways off the frame. Nice idea, except for all the tools and junk floating around in the body. Okay, toss it all on the trailer. Got a plastic tarp and put beside the frame, just to catch all the really small junk.

We got on the drivers side, and heaved. And it moved. So we heaved again, and it moved...again. Yay! Progress! Maybe? After several minutes of heaving and pulling, the body shifted drastically, resting on the rear passenger side tire. Solution? I got my digital camera and started snapping pictures. After more heaving, it was decided (Josh's idea) that instead of flipping the tub off upside down, we lift it and sit it on the tarp the right way. Good thinking. Lift, turn, lift, turn, lift, drop. The body was now on the tarp, off the frame, and I was...unhappy.

When the body came off, I found a crack in the frame, where it had been broken in half and very, very badly welded up. So, that frame is junk at the moment. I'm going to try and use the drivetrain from Jeep A, the frame and axles from Jeep B, and all new sheetmetal.

So now I have a body tub and a frame sitting in my yard. Idea? Load the tub onto the trailer and haul it back to where it was, then load the Jeep. Easier said than hauled. We loaded the body, which was a pain in the rear, then unloaded it...bigger pain in the rear. Kudos to Josh for actually doing most of the thinking/ lifting while I drove the truck.

Well, there was no way the frame/ axles were going onto that trailer. So, what now? Roll it, on the tires, to it's place. Only problem was, we still couldn't steer it. So, josh attached a pair of tow straps to a corner and pulled in the direction we wanted to turn while I pushed. It didnt turn much, but after about half an hour we got it semi- close. However, it still wouldnt turn. Solution? Push it around with the truck bumper. Once more, big thanks to Josh for pulling the strap/ steering/ thinking while I drove the truck and tried not to run everything over. We pushed the entire thing sideways, one end at a time, until we rolled it by hand to where it sits now.

Tommorrow, all the parts off Jeep A that are in Jeep B are going into the tub we took off Jeep A, so the tub/ body can come off Jeep B and I can look at the frame and see if it's useable. If it is, then the engine/ transmission/ transfer case/ PTO/ winch all come off Jeep A's frame and will begine being painted/ repaired/ inspected. Then, they'll be installed onto Jeep B's frame and suspension and axles, then topped off with a new tub...a correct CJ-2A, painted olive drab. I also have to finish getting my gauges out of Jeep A's dash...it is a huge pain to get under there, so I'm taking the Sawzall and cutting the dash out.

Thanks to Milwalkee Tools, for without a Sawzall reciprocating saw this would've been...not impossible, but very painful, bloody, and a huge pain in the end.

Yushyness

Jeep Updates

Tue, 29 Apr 2003 13:59:15 GMT

http://www.livejournal.com/users/radarsjeep

The Current state of the Jeeps

Tue, 29 Apr 2003 13:57:33 GMT

Well, currently my prizes are in varying states. Jeep B is in the same position it was when unloaded, only full of parts from Jeep A.

I've removed the windshield frame, steering column, seats, hood, front fenders, clutch pedal, and gas pedal from Jeep A. All that's left is to remove the heater core and gauges in the dash before I can unbolt the tub from the frame and heave it off.

Once the tub is removed, the frame is going to be shifted around a bit, then the engine will be lifted out and carried 700 yards to our storage shed/ garage where it will wait for a rebuild. The trnasmission and transfer case will be dropped and carried to a professional for inspection and any repairs they may need. The frame will then be set on wood blocks or a custom built frame for me to drop both axles, the driveshafts, and remove the suspension (leaf) springs. Once that's done, I shall find a way of removing the winch from the front where it's welded on. Once it's down to the bare frame, I'm going to sandblast/ wire brush it to bare metal and coat it with POR 15, a supposedly un- chippable undercoating/ paint. On tope of the POR 15 will be a coat of flat black.

I'll order a new body kit, which include a tub, tailgate, hood, fenders, and other stuff I dont remember right now and have it shipped to either my home, or probably to a body shop in town for primering, then a few coats of Military Olive Drab. The engine, transmission, and transfer case will all be paited black, along with both axles. Then I'll replace all the bushings/ bearings and put things back together. Every part of this Jeep will be gone through and over. While it's apart, I intend to upgrade to disc brakes on all four wheels and probably get some new leaf springs, and selectable lockers if I can get them for what I believe are Dana 27 and 30 axles. The body will have a few modifications, though. I'm putting MB style axe and shovel holders on the lefthand (drivers) side, and going to a fold down/ roll out windshield if that isnt what the kit has. It may not be a military Jeep, but it'll look like I want it to.

My goal for all of this is by Christmas, 2003.