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Crusty But Cool: 1947 Willys Jeep CJ2A

This could be the scene in your backyard should you choose to purchase this 1947 Willys CJ2A that’s listed for sale here on eBay. As the seller states in the ad, they haven’t even washed it after rescuing it from a barn in Merrill, Wisconsin. It’s now located in Shipshewana, Indiana and the starting bid in the auction is $1,500.

Many servicemen came back from World War II very familiar with the basic Jeep and what it was capable of. Most CJs (Civilian Jeep) were sold to farmers for use as all-purpose vehicles, and I suspect this one is no exception. While the rust at first looks daunting, remember that many parts are available for these early Jeeps and that a lot of the sheet metal is flat anyway.

The seller tells us that the body has no patches or filler, but is rusted wherever there was wooden reinforcement. This includes the hat channels, rear corners, and front floor.

However, the frame is said to be good and there are a couple of pictures that seem to back that assertion up.

Given that you can purchase an entire body tub of new steel for less than $2,400, that might be the answer in this case. Unless you like this level of patina, in which case you won’t want to do much except patch the floor so you don’t fall through.

The engine and transfer case are currently seized, but the transmission will shift into gears. I’m guessing some liberal application of diesel fuel and some time will free up the cylinders, although the engine might have to come out for the transmission anyway. It all depends on whether you would do the minimum to get this old warhorse up and running or would prefer to refurbish/restore it. Which would you do, readers? Any of you spend time driving Jeeps this basic in the armed forces? (and if so, thank you for your service!)

Comments

  1. Avatar Del

    Crusty is not cool.

    And Rusty was in the Bag

    At least on the Friendly Giant TV show

    Like 2
    • Avatar Del

      Just junk

      Like 2
  2. Avatar stillrunners

    Sold and moved about half a dozen of these CJ2’S with one GPW to England lately….they be kinda hot right now with the 75th anniversary of D-Day coming up.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Chris H

    $500 is more like it. I mean, you are only getting 1/3 of a jeep…

    Like 2
    • Avatar Bob McK

      $500 is what the flipper paid for it.

      Like 4
  4. Avatar Martin j cass

    Had a 47 cj2a 2 years ago got it for $2500 great condition drove it home had it 1 year put nothing in it sold it for $5000

    Like 3
  5. Avatar Karl

    There is only one pic of the frame, why? The body is done it’s time for a new one. The transfer case and engine will both likely need to be overhauled, transfer case bearings and seals for sure. Buyer is going to need to spend some money and time to get it reliable and usable but it’s all fairly easy as usual it’s just time and money.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar bobhess Member

    Looks like it’s worth more than the Jag 150. Fun when fixed.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar guggie

    My Dad had a CJ2A like this with a half cab ( that came off in the summer ) also had the same at least looking tire as this one as I recall they were Allstate tires , purchased at The Sears and Roebuck store . Also the half cab was an Allstate cab .

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Robbert

    At around the $2 gran it’s still a buy. Do the work than add 4 zroes!

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Mr.BZ

    My father-in-law has a CJ2a, when I first got my new 05 Wrangler I met him up in the mountains one day and followed him all over the trails. He is rebuilding it now, can’t wait for spring to hit the trails with him again! Hope someone brings this thing back to life.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar Genemak1

    When I was a kid you could buy these in ads in comic books for $25 as Army surplus. LOL!

    Like 1

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