Just got a Willys and I need some help

Hey guys,
I just bought a 40's era Willys -Looks like a 2a. The gentleman I bought it from told me that he had it shipped over from Indonesia when he was in the military. Its in pieces. This is the biggest smallest project Ive ever taken on. I was wondering if a 9 slot grill will fit on this? Also where can I find a dumb-guys-guide to wiring this jeep? Any help and insight will be appreciated. BTW I had no idea CJ2a were used in the military during the war -It has some really funky headligh bezels that seem to cover the headlights, for night raids??? and blackout lights.

 

Where in SC are you? I'm in NC

 

Pictures?

 

im in charleston sc

 

I was talking to a friend of mine who believe I have a mihandra -due to the ohv motor. How to I verify if this is a real
Jeep? Any chance that they converted willys jeep or used their panels or did they make their own. I'm a little
Dissapointed of this is a jeep knock off -which It probably is. Will a willys drivetrain bolt in? Anyone have any advice or
Tips?

 

x2 pictures would be helpful. I have a wiring diagram that I made for myself if you want to check it out.

 

In this case I think pictures are gonna be the best bet. Host them on Photobucket or something similar then link them here. Attachments are disabled due to security concerns.
I wouldn't worry about it being a "knock-off" although if it was shipped from the Phillippines it may not be an "original" 2a. Could be a Mahindra or something different. Once we figure out what you have I think we can help much better.

 

Is there any problems associated with owning a "mihandra" jeep? How close to the real deal are they? I'll post photos tomorrow.

 

As far as I know, Mahindras are the closest thing to a "real Jeep" produced today. They were based on the CJ-3b design. There are subtle differences but mostly the same as the original willys design.

 

Jeeps in the Philippines are kinda known for incorporating parts from anywhere to keep them alive and running. This isn't a bad thing in my opinion, but may make it further from "pure" if you're concerned about that. There were two major flattie clone manufacturers in the Philippines area: Mitsubishi and Mahindra. Also, from what I understand through rumor and hearsay is that in the Philippines left over original WWII sheet metal presses are still used today to make new body parts. For the most part, parts will bolt on between US/JP/Indian jeeps for 70s or older vintage.

I have a Mitsu-jeep-shi, so I can be of help identifying any mitsu parts. I've also done a bit of research into the Mahindras so I might be of help there. Pictures are the best bet. Getting down and looking for stampings on transfer cases, differentials, and the transmission will reveal alot. If you do find out that you have a clone, revel in this knowledge: you get to use it offroad without feeling guilty of eroding the store-hold of American classics. My little black tractor gets all the ohhs and ahhs at events. It leaves most people flabbergasted at their comfort jeeps after seeing how capable old iron is in person.

 

Thanks for the info guys -Ill be bringing it home tongiht and will snap photos of it. The thing that gets me is the light covers and black out lights -Would mitsubshi and Mahindra have used these parts? Im under the impression its original -But who knows. This is very similary to what it looked like in one piece:


It has an OHV motor so maybe its an M38 -Ill stop guessing though and let yall decide what I have tonight

 

The other guys know alot more than I about the 2a parts, but here's my $.02 regarding non US manufacture.

Mitsubishi only made 3B variants, while Mahindra only made 3B and 5 variants. For Mitsu, LHD only existed in the earliest years (maybe up to mid 60s). I have no clue when/if Mahinda ever had LHD. Mitsus used C shaped shackles until mid 80s. Mitsus' gasser engines were exact copies of the 3B F-head engine until mid 60s. After then I don't know the functional design of the gasser engines, but they always used Mitsubishi manufactured engines, so the block or some warning plate near it would specify Mitsubishi. Here's what I'm getting at, from the information given so far, in order for it to be a Mitsubishi it would have to had the tub/hood/front clip and engine swapped out. b.n. the Mitsu axles and tcase have a three diamond stamp on them.

I'm out of my element, but throwing out two theories here on Occam's Razor: what do you think about a Philippines made 2A; or 3A that got titled as the year it sold (instead of manufacture) and at some point it got a 2a windshield and a power plant swap? Take a look at this link to determine if you have any 3A remnants: http://www.cj3a.info/cj3a/cj2acj3a.html

 

I don't think the presses they use are WWII ones... as a LOT of their stuff is handbuilt with hammers, and hammerforms etc. The presses for Willys parts stayed right in Toledo and were probably adapted to the stamping of civilian jeep parts, and I doubt Ford was going to ship their sheet metal plant to the Philipines either. My understanding is that as supplies of left over WWII stuff dried up, small shops would open up and take over building the pieces needed to keep the fleets of jeeps, jeepneys, and "owner jeeps" built with 2WD chassis and rebuilt Japanese drivetrain.

No shame to owning a Mahindra Jeep, as they are probably more reliable and stronger than an old flathead anyday....and probably they can rev a lil faster too. (Nothing against flatheads, just engine technology has improved a small amount since WWII...)

 

Got it home last night and tucked it in. Had a Jeep expert come over and have come to the conclusion that this is a Phillipino Jeep. The tires are original and have made in indonesia on them (Bridgestones) You can see the welds on them most likely becasue it was hand formed. This is a project that Im gonna pass on to someone else. Not much work invloved in it to get it in tip top shape just time -With my traveling I just cant make it work.

 

Do you have a title for it? If so what does it say it is? If not, then you'll probably have a tough time selling it for a decent price.

 

No title, and Im not worried about that -Being a flatfender it can be titled as antique with a bill of sale. Most states only require a bill of sale for a collectors car anyways. Ill be ok.
Heres what I ended up with not including the box of parts:

 

"Moderator hat on"
As per forum rules please put for sale or WTB ads in the Classifieds. "Moderator hat off"

Looks like an MB/GPW tub and possibly grill with a mix and match of parts, like a 3a windshield or aftermarket parts.
A title will make it much easier to sell in some areas and increase the value. I know in our area no title means basically a parts Jeep. Titles are not easy to get, even with a bill of sale. Again, that's in our area. Yours may be way different.

 

I'm voting it's an M38 left over there from the Korean war.

 

Sorry about that moderator. Anyways if it doesnt sell by next week Ill probably keep it. Ive got some neat ideas on how to fix it up and customize it. Was wondering though -where can I find a wiring diagram with everything I need to know for the 4 cyl OHV motor? The Carb is on the passenger side of the motor, has an alternator and Im assuming its 12volt right now. Anyhelp would be appreciated. Also what have people normally paid to have these bodies media blasted?

 

with more detailed pics we will be able to help you more....
tool indents on pass side,toolbox, and glovebox indicates m38 tub..but they had removable gauge bezel/pod/dash..early repop?overseas fix of mixed up parts?
later radiator due to grill mounts on the side not frame mount
3a windshield due to opening vent
need more detailed pics of everything...and no title/paperwork is going to kill ya