Got the truck when my dad passed away.
Some body work needed due to use as a work truck by the original owner.
Original flat top switched out to a Chevy 350 due to the old engine being rusted out.
Had to shorten the drive line to fit the distance between tranny and rear axle.
Rear axle switched out to stock Chevy.
4 wheel drive unit needs to be replaced due to compatibility issues.
Still has the original 3 speed tranny, but needs repair/replacement due to losing second gear.
Runs great on backroads/city driving. Not the best to take on the freeway due to rattling at high speeds and the low gear ratios in the tranny.
Interior needs work. Seats are old and worn with holes in the material.
Floor boards starting to rust through.
Gas pedal footpad broke, welded on 2x6 piece of sheet metal, still works fine.
Replaced the head lamp floor dimmer switch due to rust.
Overall a nice looking truck.
Takes time to find parts for, but easy to maintain/repair due to the low appearance of electronic components.
Plan to restore it as much as possible and then turn into a tribute to my dad.
Feel safer in this than in my 95 Sable, 92 Festiva or my 78 Datsun.
Handling is a pain the the rear due to lack of power steering, but can by made easier with a trucker knob attached to the steering wheel.
Cabin a bit cramped, but it was built in a time of utility and not comfort.
You own a piece of American history. Please take good care of her.
When you do get 'er all done up, make sure to post some pics on a website like cardomain.com. Not too many Willy's vehicles on there for sure!
"...not the best to take on the freeway"
What an understatement.
Finish the truck and be proud.
Addition to my original post:
The vehicle will soon go under a major restoration that I hope to finish within the next 18 months. Haven't had much time to work on her mainly due to military deployment schedules. I will make sure that I post pics of the start and finish along with a lot of all the work being done so others will be able to get ideas from it and will update with another post that will have the pic address. Most likely cardomain. com since it is free and easy to use and update.
If you have any suggesting for parts or replacement panels please send them to Brownmj@cvn76.navy.mil.
I also own and restoring a Willy's jeep truck. A 1961 all original super hurricane flat head six. The truck was in pieces when I got it. Hope to put the puzzle together soon.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site