A CJ3B?!

[Ryan_Miller]

I went to the dark side (civilian) and got a 1959 CJ3B!

A friend was getting rid of this jeep and needed it gone fast so as I like flat fender jeeps - as do my twin boys (3rd graders).

This one is rusted bad everywhere except the frame, grill, cowl, dash and firewall.

I have never contemplated a replitub from Willlys Motors, but as I look more at this one I would be replacing 85% or more anyway. I may get the tub and graft my good pieces onto the new tub.

anyone know of a good used tub? BUT the engine turns over

No it doesn't run - OF COURSE!

[keats]

I have had a cj3b for over 20 years that I used just for plowing snow. Had the engine redone two years ago and added new tires. Since then i have been able to drive the cj3b on the street more and found the CJ3B faster and more powerful than my M38, and more comfortable. Its still just a plow jeep but now when I take it for a spin, I am better able to keep up with traffic and quite possibly enjoy driving it more than my M38. You may find the F-head a big improvement !!

[oilleaker1]

Ryan, I'm glad to see you are just as sick as the rest of us. The 3 B is a very nice driving Jeep with more power than it's flat head friends. Your boys will remember many experiences with it. Hate or love, who knows. Makes me smile. John

[Ryan_Miller]

The Twins are 8 years old so I figure how much more can they hurt it at this point?

Been ordering some parts, Walks 4WD seems to be a decent place - seat springs, steering wheel etc.

Probably going to just pull the engine and have it rebuilt. It hasn't run in 15 years. Will look more into that this weekend.

[wesk]

They are a very nice jeep. I had one for a plow jeep for many years. A very stock 3B except for the addition of the Meyers 2-way plow. When she finally succumbed to all the rust up here I was lucky to find a buyer that wanted to restore her down in Ohio.

[chuck]

I also just picked up a '54 3b. It has a 25yr old replitub that looks like a M38 with a high cowl,right side tool indents,3piece floor,and all drilled out to accept M38 components.

[Grumpy]

Guess I've become enlightened I have a 53 3B and just picked up a 51 M38. It's in dire need of TLC. This is an interesting forum I've learned lots already.

[ChuckW]

[TomM]

The CJ3B is on my favorites list but I don't have one. 35 years ago I commuted on the Long Island Expressway to the Bronx in one. It kept up with traffic ....back in the day of a 55mph speed limit.

[Ryan_Miller]

Well, I have not made a lot of progress, but I did the seats: cleaned, painted and reupholstered (Seat spring and upholstery kits from Walks 4WD).

I pulled the engine, it is not the original. Most likely from a 1952 or early 1953 Willys wagon or pickup. The crankshaft has the tapered dowel bolts, the engine is light green in color, and has a 6 volt charging system from what I can tell.

I am in the middle of a Mustang car project so I am slowly gathering parts.

Sheet metal is all rusty thin with holes except for the dash/cowl/firewall and grille. I may purchase a repli-tub and graft the salvable parts or buy sheet metal panels from Classic Enterprises and MD Juan that are most correct to rebuild the tub.

[oilleaker1]

I see you have a M38A1 lifting hook!

[Ryan_Miller]

I couldn't resist putting one on!

[Joebud777]

I am new to the group, I too happened across a 53 CJ3B and will soon be restoring. I am looking forward to learning all I can from this group. Good luck with your project. I will post pictures later of mine. Once again, glad to be here!

[Ryan_Miller]

Welcome to the board!

I haven't progressed too much since the last photo - had the radiator rebuilt. I am finishing another 67 fastback mustang and work has been very busy the last couple years.

I may wait another year and the boys will be 11 years old, that should be old enough to do some supervised power tool work I think...

My plan is to get them involved.

[keats]

i like your seat covers. Might do that on my old and tired drivers seat, and get rid of the blanket cover!!