I just finished a two year project building my 1955 Cargo Loader CJ3B. The day I bought it the original body was rust free and the Willys was in great shape to start a build but the drivetrain was in need of attention.
I installed a Kubota 2.4 Turbo Diesel and a rebuilt T90 Transmission and Dana 18 Transfer Case from Kaiser Willys to solve the drivetrain issues. To make as clean of an install as I could I had to move the engine forward 2" to clear the firewall. I had to locate an exhaust manifold and oil supply lines that would move the turbo forward enough to get the exhaust to clear the firewall also. Then came the ugly saginaw power steering pump the old owner had installed along with a saginaw gearbox., I did not have enough room down low out of sight to hide the pump from view and making the brackets and buying the pulleys was becoming impossible if I wanted a clean look. So after many sleepless nights thinking about it I remembered a Volvo I had once worked on with an electric power steering pump. I did some homework and the math added up, the pump would work. I installed the pump under the front bumper to grill cover flipped a switch and I had power steering. So nice to sleep again. I am lucky enough that my M - F job is still going strong but with all the time I have now due to the virus making it impossible for the wife to drag me out on the weekends I was able to finish it.
I am trying to figure out the true value of the Willys because I always end up selling my projects after they are done so I can find something else to play with. Not saying I will sell this one, I have a bond with it.
Thanks, I checked out your Willys. You put a lot of time in it. Looks great. Do you know where I can go to get a true appraisal of my Willys. Not some inflated appraisal. We have Jeep Beach down here and I would like to see if I can get top dollar to start a FC170 next. Just thinking about it. I have build a lot of cars and always enjoyed the build more than the drive but this one I seem to enjoy it all so I am on the fence.
I just bought a 2020 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited Diesel last month and thats my first Wrangler. I am really enjoying that also. It's like I found my home. I just got rid of my 2019 Corvette and don't miss it a bit and my Hellcat before that.IMG_5138.jpg.
That is a stunning 3B! The Kubota turbo was a wise choice your build, and that was a great idea for the power steering solution. I can understand that the build is your passion, but this gem has hit a sweet spot in your heart. Our 2A is like a member of the family, and I could not part with it no matter how much money was offered, despite it being an ugly duckling. An FC170 build would be a fun for us to follow along with though. You might end up with a stable full of Jeeps.....
As far as worth, you might look through Hemmings motor news for a reputable auto appraiser. If you follow Barrett Jackson auto auction, that will give you a false sense of worth. It would be nice to get 30,000 for a custom Willys, but the likelihood in the real world is low.
bmorgil,
I will get you some close up pictures of Bimini sun top. It is very easy to have made and I think it was only $250 installed. It is very easy to take on and off but the Florida sun this time of year will bake you without it. I am like you. I don't want to cut uo the body for a true roll bar and a bolt on does very little if it's ever needed.
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