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Need help/input: 1955 Willys

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 55Willys265, Jul 30, 2004.

  1. Jul 30, 2004
    55Willys265

    55Willys265 New Member

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    a man i know was selling a 1955 Willys CJ, was wondering if anyone knew how much they are worth on the market before i fall for a deeper hole in my pocket than i should.

    It has a 1955 Corvette 265 V8 in it, with original corvette valve covers.

    the front end needs to be rebuilt cuz its so old, and the brakes need to be replaced.. other than that, its a nice vehicle.

    here are some pictures of the jeep tell me what u think it is worth.

    [​IMG]
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    55Willys265, Jul 30, 2004
    #1
  2. Jul 30, 2004
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
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    Looks like a pretty nice rig. Looks clean.

    As for what it's worth? Condition and area of the country are big drivers in the response to that. In my area, prices tend to be lower than west coast.
    Does it have a top?
    What tranny? Shifter looks like it might be a side loader... :(
    Power steering?
    What size brakes? Original 9" ers, or upgraded to 10", 11", or disc?

    Around here, I'd say $4000 would be tops on that rig, depending on if it has the upgrades I mentioned above. Then I'd deduct an amount for front end rebuild parts and brakes, and a top if needed. To me it looks like a deal if it's under $3K, assuming no rust-through anywhere.

    Welcome aboard, let us know what happens!
     
    lynn, Jul 30, 2004
    #2
  3. Jul 30, 2004
    termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Mason, MI
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    I'm into the junk jeeps myself, so really can't help with a price for this one. It does look nice though.
     
    termin8ed, Jul 30, 2004
    #3
  4. Jul 30, 2004
    Jeepsterman

    Jeepsterman I had a beer with Panzer.

    Southgate, MI
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    Looks to be a nice Jeep. Not sure what it is worth, but I am sure someone will give you a better idea. What I can tell is about the motor. Depending on what you can get that Jeep for it might be worth it for the motor alone. If it is in fact 1955 265 out of a Corvette, it might be worth some bucks to Corvette collectors. There were only 700 Corvettes total in 1955. depending on condition you might be able to sell the motor to finance the rest of the project. Drop in a Dauntless or an f-head and have fun. Just some info I thought you might like.
     
    Jeepsterman, Jul 30, 2004
    #4
  5. Jul 30, 2004
    blevisay

    blevisay Oh Noooooooooooooooo! Staff Member

    Portland Tn.
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    Looks like it "could" very well be..............

    [​IMG]
     
    blevisay, Jul 30, 2004
    #5
  6. Jul 30, 2004
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
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    Lynn's close I think - $4K - $4500 around here, depending on what the diamond plate is hiding.

    Wrong tailgate too - should say Willys.

    Brakes look to be upgraded at the head end with the fire-wall mounted master cyl? Or is that a hydraulic clutch?

    Those look like they might be the original springs...probably not much spring left to them if so.

    Looks like a well engineering swap.
     
    Boyink, Jul 30, 2004
    #6
  7. Jul 30, 2004
    66cj5

    66cj5 Jeep with no name

    NorthWest Indiana
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    nice "vintage iron"
     
    66cj5, Jul 30, 2004
    #7
  8. Jul 30, 2004
    SIDSCJ

    SIDSCJ Jeep addict

    14th State
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    1. Bigger brakes (note cables on rear) 2. swinging pedals and dual m/c 3.Where's the gas tank ? 4. Drive it and see how bad you really want/need it. If not rot or major bondo repairs would probably bring 3k up to 5k if really nice here in the northeast. Tin worms get to almost all the old stuff!
     
    SIDSCJ, Jul 30, 2004
    #8
  9. Jul 30, 2004
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    Overall looks good, coupla things to mention. Looks like brakes have been changed, the rear backing plates have parking brake cables so that must mean larger brakes. Can't knock that. Can't tell for sure but doesn't appear to be a battery box cover on the cowl, probably a newer body on the original frame, no big deal on that. Since the engine has a generator that sure makes it seem to have been changed ages ago. 8) Toolbox under the passenger seat, is it still there? Any floor left? It's a rust prone area.
     
    Glenn, Jul 30, 2004
    #9
  10. Jul 30, 2004
    william_cj3b

    william_cj3b 3BOB driver

    Milton, FL
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    About those brake changes..... I HOPE that this isn't copper tubing :shock:

    [​IMG]
     
    william_cj3b, Jul 30, 2004
    #10
  11. Jul 30, 2004
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    :shock: Good catch! Looks like compression fittings for sure. Baaaaaad.
     
    Glenn, Jul 30, 2004
    #11
  12. Jul 30, 2004
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Exactly. If it's really that motor, sell it and sub a 283 (steel crank) or 307 (cheap). More than enough beans for that chassis IMHO.
     
    timgr, Jul 30, 2004
    #12
  13. Jul 30, 2004
    yzergod

    yzergod yzership pilot

    Durango, Co
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    :D :D Yeah, the deeper it is looked at, the more scary it is. I'd say no more than $200 which is what I'll give you to take that death trap off your hands!! :D :D

    Actually, as nice as it looks I'd say the $3000 to $4000 price range!!
     
    yzergod, Jul 30, 2004
    #13
  14. Jul 30, 2004
    fred

    fred Member

    Dallas, Texas
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    I'll make it easy for you, send me his address and then thank me for helping you out of a big mistake!
     
    fred, Jul 30, 2004
    #14
  15. Jul 31, 2004
    CT

    CT Member

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    I am into stock CJ5's with no mods. However with some of the rock crawler types I have seen they would pay a big price for it.

    If it is indeed a 1955 corvette motor, I concur with the other post. Buy it, and find a 283 or v6 even a f134 and change it out.

    Then place the vette motor on ebay or some of the corvette forums and put a price on it and forget about it. Someone will buy it. Might take a few months, but a vette collector will buy it.
     
    CT, Jul 31, 2004
    #15
  16. Jul 31, 2004
    duke54

    duke54 Member

    JACKMAN MAINE
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    I have to agree with CT i have a 55 completly stock and i have been offered 5K for it.If you buy it ditch the daimond plate and have fun with it.
     
    duke54, Jul 31, 2004
    #16
  17. Aug 7, 2004
    willysnut

    willysnut Banned

    Newnan, Ga.
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    jeep

    Must be a AZ jeep, 'cause it doesn't need wipers! Clean and nice, Probably $3500 here in Texas. Buy it and let us know how the motor deal works out. :hurrican: :beer: Look for cracks in the frame at the rear spring hangers. Is it a fiberglas body?
     
    willysnut, Aug 7, 2004
    #17
  18. Aug 8, 2004
    Southtowns27

    Southtowns27 Custom Title

    The Backhills of...
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    Can you get the engine casting number off the block? It's located behind the driver side head. Is that a 2 barrel carb on there? It kinda looks like one...if that's the case, it likely didn't come out of a 'Vette. Those are definately 'Vette exhaust manifolds though.
     
    Southtowns27, Aug 8, 2004
    #18
  19. Aug 8, 2004
    66cj5

    66cj5 Jeep with no name

    NorthWest Indiana
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    might have went 2-barrel for better off-camber performance.
     
    66cj5, Aug 8, 2004
    #19
  20. Aug 11, 2004
    Southtowns27

    Southtowns27 Custom Title

    The Backhills of...
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    I just had another afterthought... Look closely at the valve covers. If the top 2 holes are slightly closer together than the bottom 2 holes, you have some EXTREMELY rare pieces. :)
     
    Southtowns27, Aug 11, 2004
    #20
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