Fueled by Caffeine wrote: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Willys-Cj3b-/181881924470?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a5901eb76&item=181881924470 Just go original, They aren't that expensive..
The other thing I was wondering is if something more modern may be more capable.
Can't say tougher- as the Willys are well known for being tough.
But it is interesting to see a vintage Willys be in the middle of the price range of more modern jeeps.
alfadriver wrote:Fueled by Caffeine wrote: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Willys-Cj3b-/181881924470?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a5901eb76&item=181881924470 Just go original, They aren't that expensive..The other thing I was wondering is if something more modern may be more capable. Can't say tougher- as the Willys are well known for being tough. But it is interesting to see a vintage Willys be in the middle of the price range of more modern jeeps.
I owned a 71 Cj5 as my first vehicle. The design didn't change from 55-71. You cannot replicate the feeling of driving a road going tractor with anything modern. The vehicle dynamics are surreal. I'd say go vintage. You will be glad you did. These vehicles are alive with awesomeness. Sure a fuel injected newish motor will be more reliable.. Sure it'll have a heater.... Sure It'll be a better car...
But you cannot replace that original feeling... Just can't do it...
In reply to Fueled by Caffeine:
The reason I brought this up was a Willys was used for this reality show, and the owner was cautious about letting them drive his through the swamp. I had no idea that Jeeps and Willys are almost identical in terms of cost.
Being that the car in question was a '47, it wasn't even a WWII example. Just looked like one.
Still, I figured it would have been easy to find a capable, but beat up jeep instead of a Willys. Sounds like there are enough out there to be replaceable.
And here's one close by- http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/5229027814.html
almost even better- http://toledo.craigslist.org/cto/5242285595.html
And another one http://toledo.craigslist.org/cto/5221152495.html
Ok- so it is easy to find a lot of them out there.
They're not even close to rare. There are some individual oddball ones (like military fire truck versions) that are a bit collectable, but the run of the mill Jeep from post WWII to 1971 should be driven and enjoyed.
mazdeuce wrote: They're not even close to rare. There are some individual oddball ones (like military fire truck versions) that are a bit collectable, but the run of the mill Jeep from post WWII to 1971 should be driven and enjoyed.
Agree. Parts are easy to get and reproduced easily. You can buy Frames, axles, and bodys all brand new for all models.
I mean the parts are so common.. Amazon stocks Omix-ADA. http://www.amazon.com/Omix-Ada/b/ref=bl_dp_s_web_3037423011?ie=UTF8&node=3037423011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Omix-Ada
http://www.amazon.com/Omix-Ada-DMC-680637-Body-Tub/dp/B004PA2PKY/ref=sr_1_28?srs=3037423011&ie=UTF8&qid=1443636799&sr=8-28&keywords=body
Free shipping on the replacement body... What a deal!!!
I had a '53 CJ-3A in the late '90s during high school. The vehicle was originally 6 volt and was upgrade to 12 volt (and a Pontiac 231) so the gas gauge didn't work. But with the gas tank under the drivers seat, you could check it with a stick while you were driving. If the stick was wet, you still had gas!
Related little story: Back in the very early 90's I was working out at the military camp where Special Forces types learned their craft. The cadre' had some of the last remaining "Jeeps" in the inventory. Each team of 8 candidates was given a task each day and always with a twist.
For instance day one they were told to get their jeeps from point A to point B (several miles away along North Carolina sand and dirt roads. Only to discover that the jeeps lacked engines.
Then they would be told to get their utility trailers from the motor pool to where they parked their jeeps. Unfortunately the trailers were each missing a wheel.
The next day would involve hauling a telephone pole.... you get the idea. All while wearing a 50-60 lb ruck and carrying an M-16. Fun times. 
I always thought an old cj with a Miata motor and the trans and transfer case from a sportage would be awesome! Mega squirt and have fun.
There are places that make reproduction bodies for early jeeps & CJ's. Maybe adapt one to fit on a more modern chassis and have the best of both. I've driven military jeeps. Tops out at less than 50mph and wouldn't want to drive it that fast anyway. Also known to flip on flat corners too fast. No creature comfort. Just cool looks.
wlkelley3 wrote: There are places that make reproduction bodies for early jeeps & CJ's. Maybe adapt one to fit on a more modern chassis and have the best of both. I've driven military jeeps. Tops out at less than 50mph and wouldn't want to drive it that fast anyway. Also known to flip on flat corners too fast. No creature comfort. Just cool looks.
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