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1947 Willys, Is it worth it?

11K views 13 replies 6 participants last post by  XSapper 
#1 ·
Hey Ive been keeping an eye out for a 47 willys to build as a tribute to my Dad who was born in 1947. We lost him to cancer in march... I found this one on cl today. Tell me what you think please.

1947 Willys Jeep CJ2A
 
#3 ·
Haha no I dont. But I have plenty of time... Would you care to elaborate on what you dont like about it or what you feel it would be worth?
 
#4 ·
My point was just that a project so involved gets expensive quickly depending on what your plan is. My yard art comment comes from the fact that I've seen what appears to be a much more complete CJ2A half buried in a guys yard here in Pahrump, Nevada.

For example, just a new replacement grill is pushing $300 on the Kaiser/Willys auto supply web site. The Craigslist ad mentions "We were told it runs but the starter is weak"... Wouldn't you know if it really runs or not if it's yours to sell? I do like the mention that the tow bar works good. I assume the seller bought it thinking they would fix, but never tried to start it or...

Honestly, I have no idea what a CJ2A is worth in that condition, or any other for that matter, but I do know that finding old parts can be a real challenge, and often the owners are extremely proud of their old parts.

If you decide to dive into the project, I wish you the very best luck. It certainly will involve countless hours of enjoyment both during and after your build.
 
#5 · (Edited)
I guess I'll be a spokesman for the other side of the story.

I picked up my Willys MB, which is basically the military version to the CJ-2 back in July for $1000 and I think I got a pretty good deal. It was in pretty much the same shape and sound's like one of the ones Off Pavement was referring to. It had sat in a farmers front yard for 8 years because they never got around to the restoration they had bought it for.

I'm still working on it and figure I'll have another 6 months to go (actually I'm shooting for April for a nearby military vehicle show). Also, I'm still buying parts and by my current estimation I'll end up putting another $7000 into it for parts and tools by the time I'm done. As far as parts go, you'd be surprised how many places sell stuff for old Jeeps. One of the largest places in the country (vintagejeeps.com) is a couple hundred miles away from you in Central Point, OR.

For me, it's a labor of love and a life long wish. As it was mentioned before, you really have to want to see it through. Between scraping off 70 years of road grime, trying to remove seized up bolts and repairing rusted body parts, I've often questioned my sanity. But all in all, I'm having a blast.
 
#6 ·
The expense of the PROJECT isnt a big deal to me. Ive owned multiple Jeeps and its an expensive hobby even if they run good...lol Im not gonna go write a check for 10 grand for the stuff I want to put in it or anything.. I'll start a parts pile and add stuff when I find deals. Its taken me a year to get close to my first real phase on my YJ. But ive been acquiring parts and tools. Instead of buying tube fenders I bought a welder, tube bender and notcher.. Stuff like that so I can keep building rigs at less cost each time..

I was just wondering about the initial cost of getting the frame, title and tub. It doesnt seem too bad for 900 bucks. Hopefully the guy will trade a rifle I have for it.

I have quite a few tools and some pretty talented friends. It wouldnt be a factory restoration or anything. Just 1 or 2 parts at a time for a nice mud/sand drag rig. If it was a MB I would restore it properly.

I thought the "we were told it runs" comment was kinda weird too...

If I do get it, it will get cleaned up, primed and shoved in the barn for when Im done with my YJ... Probably wouldnt be able to really start on it til this time next year..

Beastmaster, I read through your "Eugene" thread and really dig it. Thats a real piece of American history your working on there. Good job!!

Thank you both for your input!!
 
#7 ·
Actually I don't think it's too bad, seen a lot worse. The windshield / frame is missing and the rear floor is not original - so you might check the rear frame real good.
 
#8 ·
Thanks for the tips. I thought the rear floor looked odd but Im not familiar with these older jeeps.
 
#9 · (Edited)
#11 ·
That cage is SWEET! hahaha. I bet that thing goes for 2500 or more. The one Im looking at the guy is open to trades and Im trying to swap him a rifle for it. I talked to him a bit today. It does have the windshield, its just not in the pics. I told him if it doesnt sell I will come look at it next weekend. Keep your fingers crossed!
 
#12 ·
The real value in it is that it has a title. There are tons of old Jeeps out there that don't. Offer $500 with cash in hand, he'll probably jump at it.

Next, find the best non modified one that you can that doesn't have a title. They are worth much less without one.

The guys that have been around awhile will always say to buy the best vehicle that you can afford when it comes to a project. There are a lot of unfinished projects that pop up for sale that have all the heavy work done.

If you want to fix up that Jeep in the link, I would pass as the body has been modified so much that returning it to stock would be too much work. I would buy it for the title and parts though.
 
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