Figure Nine
Its time to get off the computer and do some work on the Wild Willys so I have new pictures for installment two.
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| While I was in the process of sandblasting the frame I took a day off to go wheeling with Patriot. While at the meeting spot I had to drive back to where I left the Suburban and trailer to get something. While there I was approached by a local who said he had a jeep like mine for sale. I closed the deal for $300.00 and returned on Wednesday for the prize (fig.7). As field jeeps go is was in good shape. The drive train was locked up tight but the tub and the frame were passable. This tub was better than the Wild Willys tub so I would use it. | |
| I was unable to get the transmission out of gear so I removed the driveshaft and placed it in the warm garage. The jeep was missing the fenders so engine removal was easy. I pulled the motor, transmission and transfer case as one unit. As I removed the motor I found the block to be cracked. Water poured from below the distributor. The head seemed good and I couldnít find any cracks. Once the assembly was on the floor I opened the transmission. Nature had replaced the gear lube with water. The internals looked like the hull of the Titanic (fig.8). The case appeared good and the transfer case was dry. | |
Figure Nine |
As I disassembled the engine I hoped that at least the crank shaft was good. The engine has a remanufactured tag on it so I felt that there was a good chance it was. Once I got it out I was amazed how new it looked. The main bearings were good and had not scored the crank. I have a spare block but needed a good crank. The cam shaft was also in excellent shape (fig.9). Although I was disappointed the motor was no good, a replacement crank goes for around $300.00 and was the last part I needed in the motor spare parts bin. |
| Meanwhile back at the Wild Willys
project I finished sandblasting and painting the
frame. I also got a CJ-3a frame back from the refinisher
that will be the Wild Willys frame. I chose this
frame because it is a little stronger than the 2a
frame, will be easier to box and uses a different
cross member that is less prone to trail damage. Its time to get off the computer and do some work on the Wild Willys so I have new pictures for installment two. |
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