1948 Willys "JEEP TRUCK" Pickup Complete Restoration Military Procurement Truck
1948 Willys Model 48 Truck None Description
1948 Willys “JeepTruck” Pickup / Military Procurement Style / 4 WD 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 Artiller Bn US ARMY 1951-54. They used the civilian trucks painted OD and stenciled with unit markings 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 original came from Napa CA. In the early 1980’s someone locally (I live in western NY area south of Rochester) 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 any rust was very minimal. The body and frame was solid so I took everything off and did a chassis off restoration. Here is the essential information: The original engine was replace 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 69 miles on the newly rebuilt L134 engine! T-90 3 speed transmission. Serviced, rebuilt, and checked by L & L Transmissions, Inc. Batavia NY. It shifts perfectly. 4 WD works properly. High and Low positions. Brakes have been replaced and drums turned. All new steel brake lines, master and wheel cylinders, and properly adjusted. Steering box cleaned and refilled. New wiper system installed from EZ Wiring company. New fuel tank, sending unit, and lines. New carburetor. New radiator, hoses, and thermostat. New fuel pump from Kaiser Willys, but it had problems, so bypassed 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. SPECIALITY TIRES OF AMERICAN All new seals, gaskets, engine and transmission mounts, etc. The body was stripped down and blasted, primed, 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 a light-weight OD green canvas fabric. Truck bed is covered with a heavy OD canvas and uses a system of wooden stakes and metal bows to construct the frame. They fit into the bedrail shafts so can be easily removed. Military stenciling and details include a period radio (just for looks), 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 display. There is a brand new towing bar, never used, that will be included. . 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 gas gauge does not read. Maybe it’s not connected right. It lights up and there is a new sending unit in the tank. Maybe the ground isn’t tight? 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 1-2 inches from the top…then need to be pushed up all the way with your hands. I’m not a great mechanic by any means so that issue just needs TLC! Feel free to message me anytime. I’m a retired teacher so I have time answer immediately! If you email or text I can also send a video of the truck running and driving! Please note...I have close to $20,000 wrapped up in this restoration.
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