Projects can stay with us for many years before they ever become running, driving vehicles. I have two projects that I’ve owned for a combined seven years that are finally getting to the point of being more complete than less complete, but it wasn’t an easy road to get there. The boxes of parts, the hunt for obsolete bits in junkyards, the tires flat-spotting while the car sits – so many things happen while nothing is happening. The seller of this 1943 Willys MB here on craigslist has been planning for an epic off-road build for awhile, but is now testing the waters to see if it will sell as a project.
The asking price is $6,000 and includes a whole host of desirable off-road parts. The seller has tracked down both drivetrain components and replacement bodywork, and reading the description sounds like there’s more than $6,000 worth of equipment here. The Jeep is in decent shape with the seller disclosing a few areas of concern in the tub itself, noting that the previous owner made some bad judgement calls making some upgrades that left holes in the tub. He also notes that the CJ5 frame is tired; fortunately, he has a remedy for that.
Among the included spares is a “…custom fully boxed steel frame with exact CJ3B, early CJ5s, Willys, and GPW dimensions,” shown here. This is just the tip of the iceberg as it relates to the stash of components he’s assembled to bring this Willys into the sort of condition that you’d feel confident taking it off the beaten path. The deal also includes a Spicer 18 transfer case core that needs to be rebuilt; a short-width Dana 30 axle with factory disc brakes from a CJ5; a Dana 27 front axle; and a 1971-only flanged / offset Dana 44 out of a CJ5 “…stuffed with a Detroit locker and chromoly axles,” which the seller indicates is quite coveted.
There’s more, including a spare transmission, Rancho lift springs, an off-brand winch, as well as body panels not attached to the body such as a grill, fenders, and hood. The seller is open to trades for a K5 Blazer / Jimmy, 80-Series Land Cruiser, Land Rover Defender, and a few others. But, it sounds like he’d also be fine keeping the project too if the cash or trade offers don’t align with his expectations. What do you think – is $6,000 a potential bargain given everything that’s included in the package? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Gunter K. for the find.
I am not a big Jeep fan, but since it is a 1943 and that is the year I was born, and no new cars were being produced during WWII. This is the only way I can have a vehicle born in the same year I was. Probably not the best reason to buy a car.
Joe, at the risk of popping your bubble, and I understand the logic in having a vehicle from the year you were born, but, WHAT in this ad is true 1943 WWII MB Jeep? The MB frame is missing, as is the engine, trans, both axles, windshield (3A on it), and on-n-on with numerous details. I’ve been working on a 2A that came to me for 400 a year ago. It came with almost all of the original parts, and today it is running & driving, with possibly 1500 in it. I wouldn’t be a candidate for this one, or maybe ‘yes’, at a substantially lower price. But, I don’t see anything there, except maybe a body tub that might be savable. Virtually everything else, I’d be looking for. Just saying.
Bob, I know this is not a great Jeep, if you really wanted one. My point is, I was born in the wrong year to have a significant car from that era. However, I have seen some big collections of Military Jeeps and parts, so getting a Military Jeep is not a difficult thing to do. The biggest collection, I have ever seen is in the middle of Nebraska and it is owned by a retired architect. If anyone has interest, I will share the info.
Sadly, this is about as far as many Jeep projects get. The guy I sold my GMC to has a ongoing Jeep project, that just won’t complete itself. I see so many so called “rock crawlers, just like this, in my area, just no interest to finish it. I reckon, that’s what happened here. I know I ruffled some feathers on my YJ vs CJ schpiel, but to get an older Jeep like this up to what I call , YJ ( and beyond) standards, it’s going to take a lot. It’s why most of these “projects” go unfinished, and this is no exception. No question, Jeeps of all kinds are hot, running and driving Jeeps. This, not so much anymore.
Too much project, not enough Jeep.
I have no idea if this “rock crawler” is still for sale and I’d be interested to find out if it were, or if I could just buy some of the parts I see in the photo, as I’m trying to restore a 1943 w/original parts. I don’t mind paying a fair price for some of the parts. So how about it? Is this still for sale or not?
P.S. This is for Joe. Since most of the parts are inter-changeable, why not start from the ground up and build your own, then you’d know what you’ve got.