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Dodge R2 and Jeep CJ: Bramble Vans

Jungle Find

Barn Finds reader Robert R. spotted what he aptly named a “jungle find” here on craigslist – a very cool Dodge R2 truck and a similarly entangled Jeep CJ. The R2 is what caught my eye, since it looks like a standard Power Wagon but had some unique body features. Some research showed that the R2 model was commonly used for defense purposes as well as ambulances, fire and rescue duties. It certainly has been buried for a while but doesn’t look rusty; I hope those vintage spotlights shine again when it’s restored!

Jungle Jeep

Based on the enclosed canopy, I suspect this Jeep CJ also served as something above standard civilian duties, perhaps as a mail truck or for use on a military base. My guess is that both of these vehicles came from the nearby Camp Withycombe, a training facility and supply depot. Given the base has its origins going back to WWII, I’m sure more than a few workhorses have been retired into the community. I love old work trucks and both of these look ripe for restoration. Which one would you choose? And how would you respond to the seller’s “make offer” pricing?

Comments

  1. Avatar JW454

    If the seller would give it a price and then say make offer that would be OK but, just “make offer” well, I can’t sell it and buy it.

    In that case I’d have to start at scrap price minus my cost to get it to the scrap yard and deduct another twenty percent to make it worth my time.

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  2. Avatar Ed P

    I would like to see more pictures of the Dodge R2.

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    • Avatar Jeff Staff

      You and me both. I think that’s a very cool project that doesn’t come up very often.

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    • Avatar ROY

      I Whole heartedly agree!!! If it was closer I would be leaving on a road trip right now with cash in hand!

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  3. Avatar Todd Zuercher

    I like them both. The jeep appears to be a M38A1. The top is one that was available in the aftermarket from companies like JC Whitney and Sears.

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  4. Avatar jeff6599

    That is not a 1943 Jeep which is of the flat fender style. This style came out in 1953 as a CJ 5. I have one right outside

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  5. Avatar Mike L

    The R2 is a 1950’s U.S. Air Force Crash Truck! Flight line emergency rescue vehicle, you can still see its red paint!

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  6. Avatar Walter Joy

    The R2 is the variant of the Dodge M37, which replaced the Power Wagon as military trucks. I know there were a few R2 variants that were full trucks for some of the Cold War US missiles

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  7. Avatar Jose

    Will these things start, run, stop? Where are they located? Would like to see a few more pics of interior, back side, and under hood.

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  8. Avatar CattooButt Member

    What’s up with the white van in the background? – oh and to answer a previous question they are in Oregon if at camp Withycombe, only a couple miles away from me.

    Like 0

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