59 Willys, circle the wagons! - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

73FJ · 09-05-2009, 08:49 PM

Howdy, this is the intro to my 59 Willys wagon thread. I will be doing a complete body off resto/refresh on this truck. I have never done a frame off before so this should be an adventure, I have however rebuilt my 73 FJ40 from almost the ground up in the last 3 yrs. I also have a 56 wagon that may or may not provide some parts for the 59. My plans are wide open right now as I tend to plan as I work, but I'm thinkin fuel injected SBC, maybe an NV 4500, x case, dunno yet, axles, not decided, SOA, maybe coil front, tube front fenders along the same lines as Firewiz has done on his truck, new Autometers, blah blah blah...well there you go. I should also say that this will probably take me the better part of the next 2 years as I aquire parts and such, unless I win the lottery

., so patience will be useful. Now I gotta find some pics

73FJ · 09-05-2009, 09:03 PM

These are pics from last summer, did I mention my wife bought me this for xmas? Truck had not moved in 7 years

73FJ · 09-05-2009, 09:19 PM

So the day we went to get it the farmer asked me if I wanted him to load it with the tractor, I said sure

73FJ · 09-05-2009, 09:30 PM

Now up to this point I have completely gutted the interior, pulled and sold the motor-tranny-x case, it still ran believe it or not, pulled all the glass and saved what I could for templates. The body will be a challenge, both rear panels will be cut out and replaced, most of the body mounts are completely shot and will be replaced, a new gas tank will be fabbed by yours truly, possibly from aluminium, and I will be building a rotisserie to put the body on this winter. The frame will be set aside until the spring and will be at the least boxed in, but probably starightened too. I have a complete set of interior panels, some with the original ashtray, these will be remade out of aluminum.

73FJ · 09-05-2009, 09:38 PM

Today I got around to filling some of the holes in the firewall, man it's been a long time since I welded thin gage. I'm not going to get real picky about the firewall, I think I will be putting some kind of a textured product on there. So there you go, this is my truck, it's probably not gonna be SEMA quality but it will be fun. Moab 2011 or bust! Now to do some grinding and measuring. I'm not sure if this is the right spot for this, hard core, soft core, so if it needs moving go for it.

D Rat · 09-06-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73FJ

I'm not sure if this is the right spot for this, hard core, soft core, so if it needs moving go for it.

This needs to be moved to the Willys forum, maybe one of the mods could help us out.

73FJ · 09-06-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D Rat

This needs to be moved to the Willys forum, maybe one of the mods could help us out.

Ya brother.

I think we are talkin to ourselves tho.....

Gojeep · 09-07-2009, 02:12 AM

Subscribed.

MidnightBurn · 09-07-2009, 07:42 AM

Right On 73! I am really looking forward to your build. This is a great time to start it with winter coming on. As long as you have a nice heater in your shop! Subscribed!

73FJ · 09-07-2009, 09:10 PM

Thanks MB, and yes I do have a pretty good heater, after all this is northern Canada.

73FJ · 09-08-2009, 09:19 PM

Here are some shots of the frame, pretty rough with lots of booger welds, it looks like someone made an attempt at repairing some cracks and I'm sure they meant well but it was poorly done. So what I will do is cut off the front of the frame and remake it out of fresh steel and quality welds, probably chop it just behind the hole for the steering box. The rest of the frame is surprisingly well preserved except at the back where more booger welding took place to hold the cut down Ford rear bumper.

I did manage to get the old gas tank out tonight and the body is pretty much ready to come off, maybe this weekend if I don't go fishing.

JohnnyJ · 09-09-2009, 09:53 AM

in that last picture is that a pile of weld there? did it actually stick there, or was it just for ballast?

73FJ · 09-09-2009, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyJ

in that last picture is that a pile of weld there? did it actually stick there, or was it just for ballast?

Well, I think that may have been the practice spot, you know, to get the heat set right.

85cj7boy · 09-10-2009, 06:13 AM

Kinda looks like they tried to weld it from beside the vehicle just reaching under the frame with one hand. Then failed to inspect their quality work to see if they acutally hit the crack with any weld. Must not have wanted to get any hot sparks burning into their chest as they lay there in determination to do a good weld.

73FJ · 09-10-2009, 04:51 PM

It's possible that they had burly chests

and didn't want to start a brush fire with welding slag, but everything they welded is BAD!

I'll make it all better tho.

Piet · 09-11-2009, 07:51 AM

Looks like someone used alot of metal 'bondo'.... that is some nifty welding.
Looks like fun build. Look forward to updates... crazy northerner's. TNTGP?

73FJ · 09-11-2009, 12:21 PM

I'm not a member of TNT but I have chatted with them on thier message board.

Willys 4x4 · 09-12-2009, 12:02 AM

Hell I can't weld very well but I can do better then that with my 90$ buzz box.

Looking good though, I will keep my eye on this build as I look forward to more builds outside of my own for Ideas. Keep on rolling.

dimmwatt · 09-12-2009, 10:14 AM

You have till MAy brother! Get crackin!!!

Subscribed

73FJ · 09-12-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dimmwatt

You have till MAy brother! Get crackin!!!

Subscribed

May 2011 you mean, right? I'll never make 2010 unless a Lottery win interrupts my posh oilfield trash lifestyle

MidnightBurn · 09-13-2009, 08:30 PM

You are only 1100 miles from my place. Maybe a road trip is in order. Then we can get that thing done by May 2010!!

Have skills, steel, extra parts, and will. If you round up some sushi, I will head out now!

73FJ · 09-13-2009, 08:46 PM

Your on brotha! Please bring 2 60's, an SM 465, a 205, one SBC, 4 37ish tires, some paint and bondo, a wiring harness, steering column, some springs, a steering box, some panels, fenders........................................... ........................................and don't forget the Beer. We had fish for supper, just caught it yesterday

Guys I will try for 2010 but considering the state of our oilpatch, meaning no work, its a slim shot. I need EVERYTHING.

dimmwatt · 09-14-2009, 10:12 AM

Drive that Bitch with the stock driveline

73FJ · 09-14-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dimmwatt

Drive that Bitch with the stock driveline

Can't, I sold the motor/tranny/transfer case, and the axles are pretty much shot too.

Willys 4x4 · 09-14-2009, 10:29 PM

If My wagon was all good to go and was free from College and my Machinist Class I would blaze up there and help you as well. It is only 1400 miles from here. I could probably talk my neighbor out of a nice SBC for 100$. He has like 4 sitting on engine stands all ready to be used, But that's just hopes and dreams. I love working on these old monsters, no matter what they throw at you it seems to be fun taking on that challenge. So good luck and maybe we will just see you there.

As my signature says: Do it once, Do it right.

09-05-2009, 08:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
73FJ Wingin it.... Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19742 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada Posts: 289	59 Willys, circle the wagons! Howdy, this is the intro to my 59 Willys wagon thread. I will be doing a complete body off resto/refresh on this truck. I have never done a frame off before so this should be an adventure, I have however rebuilt my 73 FJ40 from almost the ground up in the last 3 yrs. I also have a 56 wagon that may or may not provide some parts for the 59. My plans are wide open right now as I tend to plan as I work, but I'm thinkin fuel injected SBC, maybe an NV 4500, x case, dunno yet, axles, not decided, SOA, maybe coil front, tube front fenders along the same lines as Firewiz has done on his truck, new Autometers, blah blah blah...well there you go. I should also say that this will probably take me the better part of the next 2 years as I aquire parts and such, unless I win the lottery ., so patience will be useful. Now I gotta find some pics __________________ I ain't gonna hit ya............ahhhh the HELL I ain't. John Wayne. Mclintock. Pirate, please make a Willys section....... c'mon I said please. YAY! Willys wagon build thread /forum/jeep-willys/817672-59-willys-circle-wagons.html Last edited by 73FJ; 09-05-2009 at 08:52 PM.

09-05-2009, 09:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
73FJ Wingin it.... Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19742 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada Posts: 289	These are pics from last summer, did I mention my wife bought me this for xmas? Truck had not moved in 7 years Attached Images __________________ I ain't gonna hit ya............ahhhh the HELL I ain't. John Wayne. Mclintock. Pirate, please make a Willys section....... c'mon I said please. YAY! Willys wagon build thread http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=817672

09-05-2009, 09:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
73FJ Wingin it.... Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19742 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada Posts: 289	So the day we went to get it the farmer asked me if I wanted him to load it with the tractor, I said sure Attached Images __________________ I ain't gonna hit ya............ahhhh the HELL I ain't. John Wayne. Mclintock. Pirate, please make a Willys section....... c'mon I said please. YAY! Willys wagon build thread http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=817672

09-05-2009, 09:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
73FJ Wingin it.... Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19742 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada Posts: 289	Now up to this point I have completely gutted the interior, pulled and sold the motor-tranny-x case, it still ran believe it or not, pulled all the glass and saved what I could for templates. The body will be a challenge, both rear panels will be cut out and replaced, most of the body mounts are completely shot and will be replaced, a new gas tank will be fabbed by yours truly, possibly from aluminium, and I will be building a rotisserie to put the body on this winter. The frame will be set aside until the spring and will be at the least boxed in, but probably starightened too. I have a complete set of interior panels, some with the original ashtray, these will be remade out of aluminum. __________________ I ain't gonna hit ya............ahhhh the HELL I ain't. John Wayne. Mclintock. Pirate, please make a Willys section....... c'mon I said please. YAY! Willys wagon build thread http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=817672

09-05-2009, 09:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
73FJ Wingin it.... Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19742 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada Posts: 289	Today I got around to filling some of the holes in the firewall, man it's been a long time since I welded thin gage. I'm not going to get real picky about the firewall, I think I will be putting some kind of a textured product on there. So there you go, this is my truck, it's probably not gonna be SEMA quality but it will be fun. Moab 2011 or bust! Now to do some grinding and measuring. I'm not sure if this is the right spot for this, hard core, soft core, so if it needs moving go for it. Attached Images __________________ I ain't gonna hit ya............ahhhh the HELL I ain't. John Wayne. Mclintock. Pirate, please make a Willys section....... c'mon I said please. YAY! Willys wagon build thread http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=817672 Last edited by 73FJ; 09-05-2009 at 11:45 PM.

09-07-2009, 02:12 AM	#8 (permalink)
Gojeep Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Member # 55090 Location: Australia Posts: 139	Subscribed.

09-07-2009, 07:42 AM	#9 (permalink)
MidnightBurn Back to Basics Join Date: Oct 2007 Member # 101869 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 550	Right On 73! I am really looking forward to your build. This is a great time to start it with winter coming on. As long as you have a nice heater in your shop! Subscribed! __________________ 62 Willys Wagon / 64 J200 Gladiator Build Thread

09-07-2009, 09:10 PM	#10 (permalink)
73FJ Wingin it.... Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19742 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada Posts: 289	Thanks MB, and yes I do have a pretty good heater, after all this is northern Canada. Attached Images __________________ I ain't gonna hit ya............ahhhh the HELL I ain't. John Wayne. Mclintock. Pirate, please make a Willys section....... c'mon I said please. YAY! Willys wagon build thread http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=817672

09-08-2009, 09:19 PM	#11 (permalink)
73FJ Wingin it.... Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19742 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada Posts: 289	Here are some shots of the frame, pretty rough with lots of booger welds, it looks like someone made an attempt at repairing some cracks and I'm sure they meant well but it was poorly done. So what I will do is cut off the front of the frame and remake it out of fresh steel and quality welds, probably chop it just behind the hole for the steering box. The rest of the frame is surprisingly well preserved except at the back where more booger welding took place to hold the cut down Ford rear bumper. I did manage to get the old gas tank out tonight and the body is pretty much ready to come off, maybe this weekend if I don't go fishing. Attached Images __________________ I ain't gonna hit ya............ahhhh the HELL I ain't. John Wayne. Mclintock. Pirate, please make a Willys section....... c'mon I said please. YAY! Willys wagon build thread http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=817672

09-09-2009, 09:53 AM	#12 (permalink)
JohnnyJ Low Range Drifter Join Date: Nov 2001 Member # 7903 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 2,763	in that last picture is that a pile of weld there? did it actually stick there, or was it just for ballast? __________________ DEAK Racing #715 TREC B / Ultra 4 Mod Class Rig Thanks to Drivetrain Specialists and PAC Racing Springs for your support Last edited by JohnnyJ; 09-09-2009 at 09:55 AM.

09-10-2009, 06:13 AM	#14 (permalink)
85cj7boy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Member # 45324 Location: Dawsonville, GA Posts: 80	Kinda looks like they tried to weld it from beside the vehicle just reaching under the frame with one hand. Then failed to inspect their quality work to see if they acutally hit the crack with any weld. Must not have wanted to get any hot sparks burning into their chest as they lay there in determination to do a good weld.

09-10-2009, 04:51 PM	#15 (permalink)
73FJ Wingin it.... Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19742 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada Posts: 289	It's possible that they had burly chests and didn't want to start a brush fire with welding slag, but everything they welded is BAD! I'll make it all better tho. __________________ I ain't gonna hit ya............ahhhh the HELL I ain't. John Wayne. Mclintock. Pirate, please make a Willys section....... c'mon I said please. YAY! Willys wagon build thread http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=817672 Last edited by 73FJ; 09-10-2009 at 04:52 PM.

09-11-2009, 07:51 AM	#16 (permalink)
Piet Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Member # 115235 Location: Edmonton, Alberta CANADA Posts: 91	Looks like someone used alot of metal 'bondo'.... that is some nifty welding. Looks like fun build. Look forward to updates... crazy northerner's. TNTGP? __________________ 2008 Jeep JKU Rubicon SOLD - (1988 Jeep YJ/CJ and 1994 Jeep YJ)

09-11-2009, 12:21 PM	#17 (permalink)
73FJ Wingin it.... Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19742 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada Posts: 289	I'm not a member of TNT but I have chatted with them on thier message board. __________________ I ain't gonna hit ya............ahhhh the HELL I ain't. John Wayne. Mclintock. Pirate, please make a Willys section....... c'mon I said please. YAY! Willys wagon build thread http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=817672

09-12-2009, 12:02 AM	#18 (permalink)
Willys 4x4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Member # 133124 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 178	Hell I can't weld very well but I can do better then that with my 90$ buzz box. Looking good though, I will keep my eye on this build as I look forward to more builds outside of my own for Ideas. Keep on rolling. Last edited by Willys 4x4; 09-12-2009 at 12:03 AM.

09-12-2009, 10:14 AM	#19 (permalink)
dimmwatt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Member # 106465 Posts: 80	You have till MAy brother! Get crackin!!! Subscribed __________________ My 53 willys on an 05 Rubicon build; [url]http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2415963[/url]

09-13-2009, 08:30 PM	#21 (permalink)
MidnightBurn Back to Basics Join Date: Oct 2007 Member # 101869 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 550	You are only 1100 miles from my place. Maybe a road trip is in order. Then we can get that thing done by May 2010!! Have skills, steel, extra parts, and will. If you round up some sushi, I will head out now! __________________ 62 Willys Wagon / 64 J200 Gladiator Build Thread

09-13-2009, 08:46 PM	#22 (permalink)
73FJ Wingin it.... Join Date: May 2003 Member # 19742 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada Posts: 289	Your on brotha! Please bring 2 60's, an SM 465, a 205, one SBC, 4 37ish tires, some paint and bondo, a wiring harness, steering column, some springs, a steering box, some panels, fenders........................................... ........................................and don't forget the Beer. We had fish for supper, just caught it yesterday Guys I will try for 2010 but considering the state of our oilpatch, meaning no work, its a slim shot. I need EVERYTHING. __________________ I ain't gonna hit ya............ahhhh the HELL I ain't. John Wayne. Mclintock. Pirate, please make a Willys section....... c'mon I said please. YAY! Willys wagon build thread http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=817672

09-14-2009, 10:12 AM	#23 (permalink)
dimmwatt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Member # 106465 Posts: 80	Drive that Bitch with the stock driveline __________________ My 53 willys on an 05 Rubicon build; [url]http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2415963[/url]

09-14-2009, 10:29 PM	#25 (permalink)
Willys 4x4 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Member # 133124 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 178	If My wagon was all good to go and was free from College and my Machinist Class I would blaze up there and help you as well. It is only 1400 miles from here. I could probably talk my neighbor out of a nice SBC for 100$. He has like 4 sitting on engine stands all ready to be used, But that's just hopes and dreams. I love working on these old monsters, no matter what they throw at you it seems to be fun taking on that challenge. So good luck and maybe we will just see you there. As my signature says: Do it once, Do it right. __________________ 62 Willys Wagon [url]http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=808447&highlight[/url] Last edited by Willys 4x4; 09-14-2009 at 10:34 PM.

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