Kaiser Frazer Owners Club Forum

General Category => Willys Forum => Topic started by: Sahara38 on March 21, 2010, 02:09:52 PM

Title: 1952 Willys Aero
Post by: Sahara38 on March 21, 2010, 02:09:52 PM

Hello All,

  I have the opportunity to purchase a 1952 Willys Aero in Texas. This car is for sale by the daughter of the original owner. The odometer shows under 65K, which she says are the original miles. I don't know much about the value of one of these. So I thought I would start here for some advice. I've posted some pics on Photobucket, which I will attempt to link.
 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/sahara38/1952%20Willys%20Aero/IMG_24872.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/sahara38/1952%20Willys%20Aero/IMG_24772.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/sahara38/1952%20Willys%20Aero/IMG_24761.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/sahara38/1952%20Willys%20Aero/IMG_24801.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/sahara38/1952%20Willys%20Aero/IMG_24811.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/sahara38/1952%20Willys%20Aero/IMG_24881.jpg

 Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

sahara38

Title: Re: 1952 Willys Aero
Post by: joefrazer on March 21, 2010, 06:59:55 PM

Willys Aero bodies are of unit construction...which means that there is no frame under them. There are structural members welded under the body that act as a frame and places to bolt things to. That's the weak spot on an Aero. So...look under the car for rust thru. Pay special attention to where the transmission cross member mounts to the body as that spot is prone to rusting. Fixing underbody rot on one of these is not for the amateur restorer and isn't cheap if you have someone else do it.

Also, look for rust where the rear springs attach to the body and where the tops of the front springs rest against the body. Again, rotted areas there usually spell an expensive fix. Parts, otherwise, are easier to find than you might think, except for the engine. The 161 engine is unique to the Willys Aero, some Willys trucks, Kaiser Henry J and Kaiser Darrin. If the car runs, all the better.

The pix provided show a decent looking car that if it's not rusty underneath wouldn't take too much work to be a decent driver.

Title: Re: 1952 Willys Aero
Post by: Sahara38 on March 22, 2010, 05:54:52 AM

Thank you for the advice. I will definitely have to have a better look at those areas. If it needed those kinds of repairs, it may not be worth the $2500 asking price.

Thanks, I really appreciate your help,

sahara38

Title: Re: 1952 Willys Aero
Post by: Aeroman on June 04, 2010, 12:16:32 PM

I know this is very late coming in, but this car is a 1952 Aero Wing, 12819 of them made, the largest production run for any Willys Aero model. Apparently the car was originally maroon. If you buy this car, you will have a fun car to playaround with. Enjoy.

Title: Re: 1952 Willys Aero
Post by: Petersont on August 19, 2010, 01:53:09 PM

Can you give us an update on whether or not you bought this car and how much they were asking?  I have a 54 Aero Ace and about 5 minutes into the first drive i took after getting it on the road a van ran into the drivers fender.  I am collecting information on the value of similar condition cars to give the insurance company.

Title: Re: 1952 Willys Aero
Post by: Logan on October 03, 2010, 08:34:41 PM

Bad luck!  Hope you can either reshape the fender or find a good replacement.

Title: Re: 1952 Willys Aero
Post by: geneswilly on October 26, 2010, 08:13:31 PM

Hi:

If anyone is interested, I have a vehicle for sale.
Here is the add.
http://dubuque.ebayclassifieds.com/classic-cars/mount-carroll/1952-willys-aero-wing-sedan/?ad=6074458

The car is mostly complete but has been sitting in a field for many years.

Make an offer for parts.

Thanks Gene