1947 Willys CJ2A Restored Jeep

1947 Willys CJ2A - YouTube

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Vehicle Restoration Costs

Frame off restoration in 2006. Approximately $18,400 said to be invested over the initial vehicle price during this original restoration. From 2010 to 2018, another $12,000 plus ($5,000 parts and $7,000 labor) was invested by myself (again, not including the vehicle purchase cost to me) for additional restoration.

There is a total of over $30,000 in restoration costs in this vehicle. I have all my receipts in a workbook and pictures of the frame off-restoration in a photo binder. As a simple rule of thumb, it always costs more to restore a CJ2A than would to buy one in similar condition.

I have done considerable additional work on this Willys over the past eight years. Early restoration had the jeep with a roll bar, steering stabilizer, and incorrect rear bumpers. All these items have since been removed and corrected with original parts.

This vehicle has been converted from 6 volts to 12 volts for better starting. The starter was expertly converted to the correct 12-volt windings and intervals, so it spins at the right speed. Also, a tail light on the passenger side (versus original reflector) was added. Finally, turn signals were added to this vehicle.

Vehicle Condition

This jeep has a good paint job and rubber floor mats to protect the floor. Critical mechanical components have been rebuilt or refurbished. The body is the correct original “Picket Gray” color, along with matching “Harvard Red” wheels.

All new springs, shocks, brakes, brake cylinders, brake lines, master cylinder, and front wheel bearings; rebuilt steering system; original rims with matching four new tires and a spare; rebuilt front and rear original axles; completely overhauled original engine; new exhaust system; new rebuilt transmission with new gears and synchronizers; new seals in original transfer case; and new u-joints in the drive shafts.

The vehicle runs well. It starts easily and idles good. It will cruise at 45 to 50 mph. The steering is tight, and the vehicle does not wander.

The three speeds forward and reverse with the floor shifter work well. The synchronization between third and second gears work great and the transmission does not pop out of second gear when under pressure going downhill. There isno synchronization between second and first gears, and a double clutch is needed for this when underway.

All engine gauges work, the windshield folds down, and the glass folds out. It has manual windshield wipers.

The hydraulic brakes work fine, and the manual parking brake works. The tires are balanced on their original rims and the tires are correct.

The engine has good oil pressure (50#/60#). The charging system works well, and it has a new battery. The vehicle runs at a moderate 190 degrees temperature.

The vehicle has the original floor foot starter and original working hand choke and hand throttle. The front “free lock” hubs engage/disengage fine. The high/low transfer case works well.

Vehicle Provenance

I bought this vehicle in 2010 from Ecco City Motors (Hays, Kansas). It was frame-off restored in 2006 (Pekin, Illinois). The vehicle had only been driven a few hundred miles when I bought it and had it shipped to California.

I have driven this vehicle approximately 670 miles over the past 8 years at my high Sierra cabin. The total mileage on this vehicle since original restoration is approximately 869 miles.

This vehicle has the original engine and running gear that have been subsequently rebuilt. It also has a new transmission. The vehicle body is a newer tub metal reproduction, though the hood, front grill, windshield, and tail gate are original metal.

This vehicle is now restored at about 95 percent of original stock condition. Remaining simple items that could be done to get to 100% would be to put American Black pin striping on each of the four rims (the spare tire has already been pin stripped) and to replace the current parking lamps with original ones (that I have and are provided in the parts box).

The vehicle has matching number manufacturer face plates throughout. It is currently registered in California. It has a clean California Certificate of Title. It also comes with rare historical 1947 Kansas license plates in addition to California license plates.

This 1947 vehicle is an early civilian CJ2A Universal Jeep model with a VIN: 96,775. It was manufactured by Willys Overland Motors (Toledo, Ohio).

This 1947 CJ2A is about as nice as I could find anywhere at the time I purchased it. I had a beautiful 1946 CJ2A with a column shifter when I was a youth and I wanted something as nice as an adult.

I tried to find a nice 1948 CJ2A (the year I was born) but I could not find one good enough for me in that year. So that is how I arrived at this beautiful 1947 Willys (with the shifter on the floor).

Vehicle Utility and Karma

This utility vehicle is 2-wheel drive for speed and economy and 4-wheel drive when conditions get tough. It has a three-speed transmission, with both a high, and low, speed gear box. It thus has 12 speeds forward (2wd high, 2wd low, 4 wd high, and 4wd low) and 4 reverse speeds (2 wd high, 2 wd low, 4 wd high, and 4 wd low).

The jeep is powered by the original, rebuilt L-Head, “go devil”, 60 H.P., high torque (105 Ft. Lbs.), engine. It has hubs made in the period to lock in, or out, turning of the front wheel drive shaft.

The CJ2A is one of the most popular restored jeeps. It was built between 1945 and 1949, and approximately 215,000 were produced.

Where ever you park this jeep, you will usually get lots of complements. Many folks have memories of when they were young and how they had a vehicle like this in their families or with friends.

This is a civilian version of the Jeep that helped win World War II for the U.S. This vehicle represents America at its finest. The Jeep is over 70 years old.

Driving this vehicle takes you right back to a “Norman Rockwell main street” mental setting. This vehicle reminds me of a simpler and more stable time in America.

This vehicle is a big hit at Fourth of July parades. It can be taken to car shows to show it off or it can be proudly used every day in the back country for fishing and hunting. In 4wd low range this vehicle can really “lug down” and climb rugged back country trails with its extremely low gears, high torque, and rib tires. This vehicle would also make a classy estate or ranch vehicle.

Vehicle Selling Reason and Pricing

I am selling this Jeep only because I am too old to actively use it enough to continue to keep it in fine running condition. This jeep has not been a “garage queen” but rather has been fully enjoyed by my family in a rural mountain setting.

I am willing to deliver this vehicle for free anywhere in the U.S. within 1,500 miles one-way of my home in Sacramento, Ca. for a full-price offer. Otherwise, I can suggest transport companies. If I deliver this Jeep it could be up to about a $1,000 savings in shipping costs.

The vehicle comes with a bikini top and necessary mounting hardware; a heavy-duty waterproof military cover and a light duty canvas cover; touch up-paint; a small screw jack, lug wrench, and tool pouch; and several boxes of miscellaneous spare parts. It also comes with a (1) Rebuilder’s Manual, (2) Mechanic’s Manual, (3) Parts List Book, and (4) original “Owner’s Operation and Care Manual”.

This Willys is a beauty and has been well maintained. I want it to go to a good home where it can be used on a regular basis. I am selling this Universal Jeep for $18,499, or nearest price offer.

Please do not hesitate to inquire about this vehicle. I would be pleased to answer questions and provide additional requested information. Call Jim at (916) 799-0286 in Sacramento.