By Paul Dockrey
"Disclaimer: This is not a tech article. My methodologies are based on the time honored "trial and error" method. I put this information out only for those interested."	Figure One Figure Two
We have all heard the saying that real jeeps are built not bought. I agree with this saying 100%. All jeeps can be personalized and improved. When I finished my 1947 Willys and began using it on the trail I had a list of improvements I wanted to make. As the list grew I thought why don’t I start over and incorporate the new ideas into a more purpose built jeep. Having located and restored a trailer to match the Willys (fig.1) I have decided to retire the 47 for use around the ranch, around town and for trips to the beach.
Figure Three	I decided to stay with my "KISS" philosophy. (Keep It Simple Stupid!) The less add-on components the less parts to eventually fail. I also believe that less jeep makes one a better driver. I think itís important to learn to do more with less. Learn how to drive off road then build your jeep to compliment your style, not make up for your shortcomings.
	When trying to decide on which CJ platform to base my project I thought I would like something newer. I was able to locate a 1948 CJ-2a and acquire it for $500.00 (fig.2). The seller said that the previous owner claimed the engine ran good. The jeep was titled in Florida and had a complete drive train, solid frame and body that were only missing the windshield frame and floor. I checked the antifreeze and it was green. The oil looked clean and was at the full mark. Most of the wiring had been removed so starting it was not an option.

After the '48 sat around for six months aging I finally decided it was time to get started. For starters I officially named the project Wild Willys. The first order of business was to survey the condition of the drive train. A couple hours of wiring and rigging a gas tank and I was ready to test the motor. A shot of gas into the carb and a push of the starter button and the motor roared to life. (fig.3) I let it run for half an hour and it ran fine. No smoke (darn), smooth idle but moisture appeared on the head where I found two cracks. This was a weak link in the early flat heads and these can be welded. There is also a few good heads still to be found. While the engine ran I tried the transmission. It seemed to be ok. It shifted through all the gears and the transfer case shifted as well. The clutch was definitely no good or way out of adjustment.

Figure Five Figure Six

My next day was spent removing the fenders, grille and hood (fig.4). Once these were off I was able to get my engine crane into place and remove the engine. With the engine mounted on a stand I put it away for the time being (fig.5). I rolled the remainder of the Willys out to my sandblasting pit beside the shop. There I attacked it with my air chisel and cutoff tool. I removed the rear floor of the tub (fig.6). I found the rear panels were rotted worse than I thought so I split the seams and removed them as well. After that was done I removed the center riser and front floor pan. Now with the frame exposed, and the rotted tub components removed I will begin sandblasting the frame and tub.

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