Willys Overland CJ2A CJ-2A

Willys CJ 1946 Description

A labor of love. At least that's what I tell myself this thing is. For auction is a restored, and reliable 1946 Early Civilian CJ-2A with approximately 3800 miles on it since restoration. Unfortunately, I just don't drive it as much as I'd like and it's time to pass it on to another who can love it. I made every attempt during restoration to get details factory correct. A few updates have been added along with period accessories. I drove this up to Nathrop, CO from Denver last fall (a 250 mile round trip) and the Jeep never missed a beat. Granted it was slow going over the passes, but it's not a race car! I also took it up Red Cone last year as shown in the last photo. Whether it's down town traffic in Denver, or getting up to the mountains, I have complete faith in the reliability of this Jeep to get me there. It just takes a while!
Body
The body has been completely repaired with new sheet metal where needed. Seams were painted with POR15 followed by TieCoat primer. All metal was then shot with self etching primer, epoxy primer, then PPG Deltron DBC base/clear. This Jeep gets driven on and off road and is not a garage queen. So there are a few nicks and scratches in the paint. I did the body work and paint as a learning experience so don't expect Barrett Jackson here. An extra quart of paint is included. Reproduction body tags were procured from Robert DeRuyter (DataPlates4U) in Holland. I also tried to use SS fasteners wherever I could. The seats were recovered with repro vinyl and foam cushions. Repro springs were not available at the time but are now if you want that bouncy ride. The vacuum wiper motor was professionally rebuilt by Ficken Wiper.
Electrical
A brand new wiring harness from Vintage Wiring of Maine was installed. Correct VRP-4007 regulator and rebuilt Autolite 6V generator power the Jeep. All electrical on the Jeep functions (even the fuel gauge). The passenger side marker light is off the Jeep right now, but is included. NOS Firestone F-40 plugs were just installed. The Jeep uses an original Autolite CR 3033XS keyed coil. A spare is also included. A Pertronix ignition has been installed for better starting and driveability. The distributor was professionally rebuilt by Willys Distributors.
Powerplant
A correct period block (638632) and early rounded head (639660) were used. The engine was upgraded with a double row roller timing chain. New bearings, pistons, rings, seals, valves, NOS tappets, and NOS cam throughout were used. Once hot the engine produces at least 30 PSI at 30 MPH in 3rd. More when it's cooler outside. A brand new radiator and radiator extension were installed. I didn't want to fight recored or unreliable old radiators. A completely rebuilt WO carb was installed including a period correct Carter fuel filter. The heat riser does work. The engine will start in a couple of cranks of the starter. Occasionally I'll start it using the hand crank for the heck of it.
Drivetrain
A new clutch mates to the rebuilt transmission and transfer case. A 26 tooth Warn Overdrive (with original shifter and knob!) and Warn hubs were added again for better driveability. Front and rear driveshafts were rebuilt with new seals and ujoints. Wheel bearings and kingpin bearings were all replaced including knuckle seals. A TightSteer was installed on the rebuilt Ross steering box. A big improvement in steering! Brakes were completely rebuilt and work well. The Jeep is running on 6.50-16LT STA Super Traxions. I installed new ten and eleven leaf springs (front and back) and shackles. This was an option from Willys. The Jeep rides a little higher and stiffer with them compared to the stock eight and nine leaf springs.
Misc/Accessories/Extras
The top is an original style ten piece top from New Life Canvas. The bows and door frames are from Midwest Military. I do have the correct passenger side door handle. The windows in the top have some scuffing from riding around in the Jeep. Some Plexis might take care of that. Included are tons of extras. An NOS clutch facing kit with rivets, NOS rear long axle shaft, NOS T-90 transmission case, two extra front axle shafts (Bendix & Rzeppa), Rzeppa joint rebuild kit, W/O accessory drivers side heater, passenger side Harrison heater (torn apart and needs restoration), reproduction jack, reproduction hand crank, and reproduction brush guard. A 6V battery tender that goes with it. I also have a five gallon bucket of the oil I use in the knuckles, and some extra GL1 gear oil.
The Negatives
Come on now, it's not perfect after all. Like I said, the body has some nicks here and there in the paint. It's dirty and oily in spots because I do drive it. There's some paint wear on the inside of the tailgate from storing the doors on the back seat. Like every other Jeep, this one leaks too. The transfer case really needs another rear output yoke. The T-90 leaks from a mystery spot in the casting. Not a lot, but enough to rust proof the underside with gear oil. The engine weeps some oil from the valve cover and oil pump. If you don't take your time shifting, second gear will give a "click". The brakes are starting to squeal when stopping. Wouldn't hurt to clean and adjust them. The lower front fasteners on both doors are a horrible original style push button type that have never really worked right. For functionality they should just be replaced with Common Sense fasteners.
The (not so) Fine Print
I've tried to recall everything about the Jeep. But it seems like whenever you write one of these ads something falls through the cracks (unintentionally). Feel free to email with any questions. If you're local to the Front Range and interested, I can provide test drives and show the Jeep in person. I have a ridiculously thick binder full of receipts that I purposely avoid looking at. No doubt I've spent over $20K on the Jeep, and I feel I'm starting the bidding at a very fair price for whats included. The winning bidder will need to pay a $500 deposit within 24 hours of close of the auction through Paypal. The balance will need to be paid in person, in cash when you pick up the Jeep within seven days of the auction close. If you need to ship the Jeep that is your responsibility. I can coordinate loading with the shipping company. Good luck and happy bidding!