1948 Willys Truck Military Procurement restored
Vehicle is in western NY State 35 miles south of Rochester / Leicester NY
This was a 2 year chassis off restoration project complete in June of 2017. I need to sell it because I’m currently resorting a M-43 military ambulance and I’m just not driving the Willys pick-up enough. It’s stored in my garage and has not been driven in the rain and never in the winter!
I restored the truck as a military “procurement vehicle” based on my Dad’s description of the one he drove around the airbase at Sculthorpe England / RAF base. He was detached to the 39th Anti-Aircraft Artillery BN / US ARMY 1951-54. The military used many civilian trucks and Jeeps after the war as US plants geared back down to their regular peace time production (see MVPA publication SUPPLY LINE / April May 2018 edition re: military procurement vehicles). I painted it OD and stenciled it with Dad’s unit markings designated to deliver ammunition and supplies to the gun emplacements. I based the restoration on his memory of the truck.
This was a barn find. It originally came from Napa CA. In the early 1980’s someone locally was traveling in CA and saw the truck for sale. They had it transported out and there it sat unrestored until I bought it.
It was never driven here in western NY so it was virtually rust free. No damage. The body and frame is solid so I removed everything and did a chassis off restoration. There is no rust under the frame. All panels and bed are strong. Here is the essential information: The original engine was replaced sometime with a 1950 Willys L134 Hurricane. I had it professionally restored by MDR PERFORMANCE ENGINES Purcellville, VA. 3 year warrantee.
It runs like a champ and only has 75 miles on it!
T-90 3 speed transmission. Serviced, rebuilt, and checked by L & L Transmissions, Inc. Batavia NY. It shifts perfectly.
4 WD works properly.
Brakes have been replaced and drums turned. All new steel brake lines, master and wheel cylinders, and properly bled and adjusted.
Steering box cleaned and refilled.
New wiper system installed from EZ Wiring company.
New fuel tank, sending unit, and lines.
New carburetor. (I run ethanol free fuel only)
New radiator, hoses, and thermostat.
New fuel pump from Kaiser Willys, but it had problems, so bypassed it with a modern electric fuel pump.
New wiring, bulbs, military black-out light, and marker lights.
New water pump.
Heat shield over the firewall.
New exhaust system.
Custom made bumper with towing shackles.
New 12 volt alternator replacing the old 6 volt generator system.
Did not come with an instrument panel so built a military style one with all new gauges for a MB Jeep. 12 volt so they all light up. Pull-out style light switch to service headlights, black-out light and marker lights.
New points, plugs, wires, condenser, rotor.
New NDT tires.
All new seals, gaskets, engine and transmission mounts, etc.
The body was stripped down and blasted, primed, and painted with correct OD semi gloss late war paint used well into the 1950’s. Stenciled with correct military markings.
Truck bed is coated with black sprayed liner.
Interior is upholstered with an OD green canvas fabric.
Truck bed is covered with a heavy OD canvas tarp and uses a system of wooden stakes and metal bows (from an M37) to construct the frame. They fit into the bedrail shafts so can be removed.
Military stenciling and details include a period radio, first aid kit mounted, lube chart record holder, and will include various wooden ammunition boxes and a mock .50 caliber machine gun in a crate for the bed.
The majority of the mechanical work was hired out to local certified technicians. I’m a little mechanically challenged so I wanted it done right.
.The truck is a real head turner! I’ve had it at a few local car shows, military air show, and 2 parades.
The only 2 issues I have with the truck is that the new gas gauge does not read. Maybe it’s not connected right. It lights up and has a new sending unit. Maybe the ground isn’t tight? I will have out checked out as it needs too be NY STATE INSPECTED again this month!
And the windows on both doors are tricky and need some adjusting. They roll but need some help going up all the way. They seem to stop about 2-3 inches from the top…then need to be pushed up all the way with your hands. I was told the old roll-up mechanical springs are probably worn out. Kaiser Willys does not sell the replacements. Possibly you can find a substitute from an older vehicle.
***PLEASE NOTE….I thought I had this vehicle sold last winter. I took the deposit and then the person reneged on the deal…loosing his deposit.
ALSO….I have been approached by 3 different SCAMMERS requesting to pay with PAYPAL only after I pay some $2500 fee to the shipper who then releases the funds. Come on….some real beauties out there!!! Leicester, New York, United States