Willys CJ-2A Restoration

Following World War II, Willys-Overland introduced the civilian jeep in 1946 with the CJ-2A (1946-1949). The CJ-2A was followed by the CJ-3A, produced from 1949-1953. They are referred to as “flatties” on account of their flat top front fenders.

Fully restored, they seem to sell in the $12-20k range, but not knowing what’s under a fresh coat of paint or finding that one still needed a lot of mechanical work, I opt’ed to search for one with a solid frame and relatively complete drivetrain, but otherwise possibly needing everything (in the $1k-$4k price range.) That also matched my intention to get acquainted with wrenching on one, more than racking up miles or “off-roading”.

Top speed on an early Willys is rumored to be about 50 mph. With their narrow track and high center-of-gravity, 30-40 mph is probably a more sensible speed (imagine driving along on your lawn tractor). The speedometer only goes to 60 mph.


Bringing it home

Purchased fresh off a local farm,  I learned that the track of a CJ-2A is slightly narrower than the ramps of U-Haul trailer.


Assessment

Getting acquainted, I first ordered new shift knobs.  Planned to undo some someone’s previous repairs and work towards an original, repaint after some body work, and add a top.


Parts shopping begins

After installing new shift knobs, I started to get serious. 


First test drive with new body

Describe your product or give more information.


Engine

When purchased, engine would knock for 1-2 seconds, then clean up. Never seriously rev’ed the engine. And once I replaced all of the inoperable gauges noted that I did have oil pressure.

Once I replaced the carburetor and choke linkage, started right up cold with choke.

A compression test showed about 50 lbs in each of  3 cylinders and zero in the 4th. Probably a stuck valve, but I planned on doing a full engine rebuilding. Interesting that with the low pressure of three firing cylinders, didn’t really notice the complete absence of 4th cylinder.


New top

This is a Best Top, purchased with frame bows and doors. The sides roll up, doors are removable, and the entire top frame can be folded down without removal.


Body Tub mounting

Locations (14)


Body Tub mounting

Parts Manual page Group 31-01 and 31-02.


Body Tub mounting

Parts Manual page Group 31-02 (cont.)


Body Tub mounting

Parts Manual page Group 31-02 (cont.) and 31-03.


Body Tub mounting

Locations.