1953 Willys - Club Eligible?

[Roadmaster49]

http://desmoines.craigslist.org/cto/5949701441.html

Is this eligible for KFOCI?

[joefrazer]

Absolutely.

[MarkH]

Just out of curiosity, is there a point going back in Willys production that isn't club eligible, pre Kaiser purchase, pre war, Willys/Knight, Whippet?

[joefrazer]

Our club constitution says we will recognize all vehicles built by Kaiser so technically that would include Willys vehicles built after the 1953 merger, although we do include the 1952 Aeros as well.

In my opinion, any post-war Willys is welcome.

[Roadmaster49]

1953 Willys Wagon 4x4. It doesn't have a motor in it, there is a block laying in the back of it. Still has transmission and transfer case in it. It has been sitting for many years. Does not appear to have much rust on it. Some windows are cracked and some are still good. Every body panel is pretty straight on it. Asking $1000 or best offer. Call or text 515-669-1438 Thank you

[WillysTom1]

  Our  revised constitution now reads any KFW vehicles made after 1945.

[Roadmaster49]

I texted the seller and he is firm at $1000.  I think I offered $500 or so, kind of fishing.  Ad has been on a while. So, the response was Yes firm because he had "several interested".  I doubt, because no one has put down cash. 

Nonetheless, I recently browsed a "Vintage Trucks" at Barnes and Noble and it had a nice article on a 55 Willys Truck, nice restoration. 

I saw a 50's Willys Truck for sale - restoration project - in Iowa Craigs List. It was somewhat rougher and I am not sure I like the truck concept as much as this "wagon".

This would be the Willy's "version" of a Chevy Suburban.  I am not sure this Willy's would be worth much as an around town vehicle.  Top speed?  Maybe 50 while rattling your teeth fillings. 

The "Vintage Trucks" article kind of alluded to that aspect about ownership of these 50's Willys.  My friend has a 60's Willys yard Jeep which he uses to clear snow at his Wisconsin acreage.  It's crude. Takes full attention when driving on the 2 lane blacktop, so it's a snow clearing yard vehicle. 

[Roadmaster49]

I see the seller has added some photos.  Kind of a nice "tour" of an early 50's Willys.  I doubt they made many of these "Suburbans". 

[MarkH]

This would be the Willy's "version" of a Chevy Suburban.  I am not sure this Willy's would be worth much as an around town vehicle.  Top speed?  Maybe 50 while rattling your teeth fillings. 

The "Vintage Trucks" article kind of alluded to that aspect about ownership of these 50's Willys.  My friend has a 60's Willys yard Jeep which he uses to clear snow at his Wisconsin acreage.  It's crude. Takes full attention when driving on the 2 lane blacktop, so it's a snow clearing yard vehicle.

A friend bought an unrestored but still roadworthy Willys Wagon in the early 80's while wintering in Arizona. Can't remember the year or engine but pretty sure it didn't have overdrive. He drove it back to Illinois in the late spring, 45mph all the way......... took days. It was a reliable, comfortable riding vehicle, the only real issue i remember was rust at the lower edge of the (still functioning) tail gate.
My father-in-law bought one new and the whole family remembers it fondly.

My buddy with the wagon also had a '49 Willys pick-up that ended up at my (rural) house while he once again left for Arizona. Someone had installed an F-head in it that ran good but the 4WD wasn't working, and it had those heavy ribbed military type tires. It also had a plow in the bed so I hooked up the 4WD, installed the plow and kept my drive and my sisters (very long) drive open throughout an unusually snowy, brutal winter. I had that thing wedged halfway up the doors several times in the slots in the snow that was our driveways but always got out somehow. It was geared so low that going 45mph was pushing it, and it was not a cushy ride. A utilitarian 4WD truck, at it's most basic form.