resto mod Willys - asking for input

Chuckman

Chuckman

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2005
Location
Huntersville
I have been collecting parts for a resto mod 2A. I have been accumulating parts that were available,vintage hop-ups and cheap. Background: I drive my GPW all day on the weekends and most nights after I get home in the spring/summr. Which is fun in Charlotte but in Boone it doesnt have enough motor/brakes to be fun or safe up there. So I am going to build a resto modded 2A specifically for the Mtns (good motor/brakes) and light wheeling (URE). But mostly to build a sleeper Willys with the best of everything that was vintage available. Just a 'better' Willys. Not too wild, but very very solid and capable, yet look completely stock.
Planning on keeping the 2A frame and gusseting/boxing it but leaving it to flex in the frame as it was designed to do. I got a dauntless v6 off the board with matching radiator so I will keep that. Going with a SM465/D300 short output combo with Novak adapter. Then I am having a set of tall-gear narrow track CJ axles with 11" fronts and Moser single rear shafts made up (the low in the 465/300 will let it crawl but the tall gears will keep it roadhappy). Will run a vintage 30" tire on the 16" early CJ wheels. I plan on clocking the D300 into the pass seat tool box so it should be flat on belly. Will add power brakes, but will keep manual steering. Will put in a cage, but only a 'sport' design but mounted down to the frame. I will 'possibly' build a set of wide track axles with lockers if I ever decide to really beat on it but for now, I plan on the narrow tracks. Will sink a 8274 between the front frame rails. Probably going to use hydraulic external master due to frame flex.

what would you do different?
 
If I were going to build one, it's probly be similar to Mieser' s on pirate. I would build a box tube frame with YJ or waggy springs all around. I would probly put in a modern 4cyl/v6 & 5 spd to have better reliabilty/driveability.

Sounds like your build will be cheaper though.
 
If I was building one, it would have a modern EFI 4cyl or possibly small V6 engine. I would also swap in newer axles with disc brakes on at least the front axle. It would also have power steering and power brakes.
 
4.3l chevy. if you already have a parts correct willys, dont worry about keeping this one all willys under the hood.
 
Just remember on that Dauntless, you are pretty much going to have to keep the carburetor because with the Oddfire there is not a good or cheap EFI option. Even a later even fire 231 can be updated with GM EFI setup from junkyard.
 
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The Suzuki motor had alot of pep for the rig. Not sure if it would fit as easy since the CJ2a is not as tall in the engine compartment as the M38a1
 
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