First time Willys owner, new project

I still need to install windows in the sides and rear. There are a few flaps and straps that need to be added as well.

Edited by LesBerg - 08 Nov. 2016 at 3:48pm

LesBerg - I just started restoring a '46 a couple months ago, so poring over the forums to learn.... a big THANK YOU for taking time to share your story and your pictures -- pictures are worth a thousand words, no joke.  Great work on your beast!! 

Just a quick update:

The last of the snow finally melted off just last weekend. I pulled the motor a few weeks ago and found a 'yuge' set of problems.

First, the pilot bushing had fallen out of the crank - pretty obvious issue. The question was 'why?'.
The second issue, obviously related to the first, was that the hub in the clutch pressure disk was loose. Again, why?

I did a bit of research and everything points to a crankshaft to input shaft alignment issue. I busted out the tools and checked it.

Well, research says that 0.000" to 0.003" is optimum and 0.003" to 0.005" is acceptable. 0.005" to 0.010" will cause premature wear and should be corrected immediately. The rough translation of a measurement greater than 0.010" was "if you run it like this, it's going to fail and quickly. Prepare to J.E.E.P."

Mine spec'ed in at 0.019".  So now I've emptied every pocket - I've also checked the couch cushions and under the back seat of the car. I need a new clutch.

I'm comfortable that this is the cause of the clutch/pilot failure.

I picked up a set of 0.625" diameter .007" offset Summit Racing dowel pins. They weren't the cheapest, but they were the only ones that could be turned in the pin bore by something other than a flat screwdriver. These had 1/4" hex sockets.

It took some work to get them in. Even though everything I could find said these were the right pins for an odd-fire Buick V6, they were too large. I should have bought the 0.622" diameter units.

Anyway, to cut it short, I have the bellhousing centered to 0.002" now.

I'm heading out to get started on the other stuff, as it's finally nice out at 47 degrees.

I'm hoping to pick up a clutch next week.


Edited by LesBerg - 23 Mar. 2017 at 8:10pm

Another update:

The 'replace in the near future' list currently includes:

Edited by LesBerg - 01 May 2017 at 5:37am

A few pics:

Edited by LesBerg - 05 May 2017 at 10:09pm

The front gearset is in and set up with greatly appreciated help from SE Kansas. Thank you for lending your expertise.

Les,

Stev wrote: Les, Great work.  Some ideas after reading your latest posts. 1. When you add the side windows -  you could add an internal shade like they put on modern military tops so you can close off the light or for privacy if you want.  The canvas you remove to add the window would work if you add a border edge to it. Just sew them along the top edge of your new window and add some Velcro at the bottom to hold them closed and some at the top to hold them open out of the way - or tuck them up under the top frame. 2. If you can find a set of use Rzeppa axles there are rebuild kits out there for less than $40.  The rebuild is pretty straight forward. 3. I added an arm rest to my passenger seat so my passenger has something to anchor themselves too.  My girls seem to approve.  I got the idea from another Willys off-roader.  I can post a picture if you would like to see it.  The low back seat you are considering look nice.