willysmjeeps.com

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!

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 !!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I see you have a M38A1 lifting hook!

I couldn't resist putting one on!

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!

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.

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