1947 Willys CJ2A
I look for vintage jeeps that have not been modified from the way they came from the factory and are in restorable condition. This jeep met my requirements. The body and tailgate ACM numbers matched, the frame and body serial numbers matched, and even though the engine serial number had been machined away, the engine appeared to be the original one. I purchased the CJ2A project jeep in 2012 and completed the restoration in 2016.
History
- The jeep’s last title was issued in Oregon. It was purchased, disassembled, and transported to Newport, Oregon by a gentleman who intended to restore it. He stated it had not been licensed or driven since the mid-1980s.
- It was sold as a project to a gentleman in Hayden, Idaho who began the restoration by having every part sandblasted and powder coated black with the exception of the body and associated parts which were sandblasted and professionally painted WWII Army green.
- I purchased the uncompleted project in 2012 and decided to stay with the militarized theme, but ensure the jeep could easily be returned to it’s civilian configuration (Harvest Red with side mounted spare tire).
- The military markings are period correct for a jeep assigned to the 11th Air Force Emergency Rescue Squadron Commander in Alaska. As a retired military pilot who spent many years flying search and rescue in Alaska, I couldn’t resist.
Restoration
- The motor was completely restored to original factory condition to include: Cylinders bored and sleeved, valve guides and valves replaced, cracks repaired, head and block resurfaced, cam and lifters reground and polished, crank reground polished and balanced, new cam and crankshaft gears, new oil pump, new fuel pump, new pistons and rings, new starter, rebuilt generator, new water pump, rebuilt carburetor, re-cored radiator, and new hoses
- The transmission, transfercase, and rest of the drivetrain was disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and all worn or unserviceable parts were replaced.
- The brakes (and emergency brake) were completely rebuilt to include all hoses and brake lines replaced
- The entire electrical system was replaced with period correct parts
- A period correct heater with new core and motor was installed
- Period correct rebuilt vacuum wiper motor was installed
- Turn signals, emergency flasher, and military period correct taillights were installed
- Spare tire was moved to tailgate and a jerry can/with holder was installed per the Willys factory approved method (oak tailgate reinforcement boards)
- Seats were rebuilt, new foam, new canvas seatcovers, and military style seatbelts added.
- Period correct emergency tow rope installed on front bumper
