1951 Owners Photos

 

Bob Grissoms 3A in olive drab

Bob writes: "Here is a picture of my 1951 3a painted like a M38.  It has 61,000 miles and no rust!  A farmer in Minnesota used it to pull hay wagons in the summer.  I have a 46 cj2a that I will finish this winter.  2 jeeps--Heavenly!!!    
   Always glad to here from other Jeepers

Bob Grissom---Minnesota

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jason Holm's Nice 3A on Cape Cod

Jason writes: "Glad to see a 3A page started.  I have a 51 CJ3A serial# 451-GB1  36030.  I'll attach a picture taken on Nauset Beach on Cape Cod this summer.  The jeep's been a lot of fun and my kids LOVE it."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rodrigo Baratti's 3A in Brazil

Rodrigo sent in these pics of his all original CJ3A in Brazil.  He writes:  "I have a CJ3A (1951) in Brazil, my English is not so good, but “I LOVE JEEP” I bought my CJ3A in the last year of the neighbor of my father.  He was the only owner of the JEEP and he total kept it original during all these years. He every day used the JEEP during 38 years, but in last the 15 years he was motionless in the garage.  I started a small restoration, in the reality maintenance, to place it to walking again and for my surprise was sufficiently easy, only the brakes  had needed to be changed in its totality, the remain was ok.  The second phase will be change the suspensions, paints it of the original color and to recoup the padding.  It follows some photos to the site, before and after to the maintenance.  One question!  What is the original color of the wheels?"

 

     

Otavio de Barros Gomes's 3A in Brazil

Otavio writes: "Hello, I am Otavio de Barros Gomes and I own a 1951 CJ3A Jeep since 1997.  I am in Brazil, as you can read, English is not my
first language, in Brazil we speak Portuguese. So please, don't care about the lots of grammar mistakes.  My Jeep was very "old" with lots of missing parts.  Today my Jeep is in a good shape, near everything is original or replica. I also do off-road trips with it. All the colors used in my Jeep are equal the original except used in USA but in Brazil, all the windshields in 1951 were painted in black. Why? because of transportation the Jeeps were shipped without the windshield and here in Brazil they were painted and mounted. If you think about the technologies used 50 years ago you can imagine how difficult it was to take exactly the same color. 
Otavio de Barros Gomes
CJ3A at Lagoa Santa - MG, Brasil.

Billy Steers's 3A Tractor

Billy writes:  Wonderful to see a CJ-3A site!  You've done a great job.  I'd like to be added to your serial number data base if possible.  I have an unusual 1951 model JT (Jeep tractor) serial number GD1 10055 that I have restored to its original color of 'Nassau Cream'."

Thank you.  Billy and Julie Steers Roxbury, CT  wvsteers@gmail.com

 

 

Federico's 3A in Puerto Rico

   
 

Federico writes:  "I am sending as an attachment,  photos of my 1951 CJ-3A taken the day I bought it. It is currently undergoing a full restoration process. The data plate reads 451-GB1  28724 (I will later send you a photo of the data plate). The original color was green but to this day I have found several types of green on different sites on the Internet so I am not sure of what type of green it was. I bought it last year for $500.00 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico where it was used in a coffee and banana plantation. This Willys had an F type engine when it came in and I am currently in the process of rebuilding a 641087 engine block,  but it will not  have the original engine serial number.  The Willys was striped to the chassis, then the usable parts were  sandblasted, primed and painted, (I did not found serial numbers on the chassis). Front and rear axles were rebuilt with new parts. New springs and hardware were installed and a new  M.D. Juan body tub, windshield, fenders and  tailgate were installed. I am working on the engine and on details which are resulting more time consuming than what I have done. Details like the original top hardware have been very hard to find. Internet information and e bay has helped a lot but I don't know when I am going to finish. There is still a long way to go.  CJ-3A's are very rare in Puerto Rico. I know of only 8 of them here, 6 of them are in running condition but they are  not completely original. I will do all the assembly first and then take it apart in order to get a paint job.   

Thanks, Federico"

Here are a few recent pics of Federico's 3A:

 

 

Eduardo Madureira's 3A in Brazil



Eduardo writes:  "My name is Eduardo Madureira. I  live in Brazil and I have a CJ3A 1950, serial 451GB138488.  It's almost original. I changed the wheels, but I have the original ones saved.  Best Regards, Eduardo Madureira Cascavel/PR Brazil

Ken Jones's Alaskan 3A

Ken writes: "Hi, Just joined the cj3a forum, userid CJAlaska. I own 1951 CJ3A 451GB112091 color is now black but I plan to return it to Michigan yellow which was the color when I purchased it in approx 1971. It may have originally been gray, that was the color under all the grease on the tub in the trans/transfer case area way back in time. The Jeep is not stock, has Buick/Jeep V6 engine, Warn OD, Acme fiberglass body, roll bar, Meyer snowplow, Bestop “convertible” top, chrome wheels. Was stock including canvas, except for replacement tailgate and CJ2A windshield when I bought it from a farmer near Omaha NE, when I was stationed there in the USAF. It was my daily driver for 20+ years. Jeep now resides in Eagle River, AK, in semi-retirement. It moved with me to Alaska in 1974. The CJ2A windshield has been replaced with a vented windshield, which came into my possession with a 47 CJ2A that I bought in Alaska, go figure!

Have had a flat fender Jeep close at hand since 1948 when I was one year old and Dad bought a spanking new CJ2A that is still in the family. I don’t claim to be an expert but have wrenched on a lot of flatfenders and FSJ’s as well (also currently own a 77Jeep J10 pickup).  Ken"

Dan Gillam's Beautifully Restored 3A

Dan writes: "This is a picture of my 1951 3A, serial number 451GB150974.  I did all the work myself, it was a two year project in my spare time. Everything is original with the exception of a 12 volt alternator. I am located in Potosi, Missouri. My Willy was featured in the Members Spotlight on the Mid Tennessee Willys Club Web Site last month. I am retired and this project gave me more satisfaction, especially after it was finished, than anything in my 62 years.  I really enjoyed it. Thanks and I will be looking forward seeing Willy on your website. Dan Gillam, Potosi, MO

Tony Morreale's Beautiful 3A

Tony writes:  "I have always been intrigued by jeeps.  I can remember being a young boy in the 1970's and telling my dad that I wanted, and we as a family needed, a jeep.  I remember his response to this day: 'You don't want one of those.  They are the most uncomfortable thing you can drive.  Trust me, I know.'  His years in the service had taught him a thing or two about the vehicle's comfort, or lack of, having spent a lot of time in jeeps (M38 and M38A1s) while stationed in Germany and France in the early 1960s.  Fast forward to 1997 when I finally bought a jeep.  I had decided to get a fixer-upper so that I could learn about basic mechanics.  Having no experience and little money I figured that a 40s or 50s era jeep would be a good place to start.  Being a typical novice and with the internet still in it's relative infancy, I went blindly in search of an old jeep to call my own.  My wife, Sheila, and I were living in Atlanta at the time and I finally found the "right" one, a CJ3A,  in Baxley, GA while passing through on a business trip.  When I bought the jeep, she was white over five layers/colors of paint.  She ran, but needed some TLC.  The data plate in the engine compartment was missing and the title and registration said I had bought a 1948 CJ2A with and eight cylinder engine.  Obviously incorrect.  Somewhere down the line some state had issued a VIN number as the serial number plate was missing and I continue to use the state assigned number to this day.  I was able to determine, close enough anyway, the date of the jeep by the stamping on the ring gear on the rear differential and the date on the original T-90 tranny.  According to the stamp on the water pump boss the engine had been rebuilt in 1981, so I was in fairly good shape to start with. This 3A was a strange bird in that it had a 6 volt positive ground electrical system.  I believe that a previous owner, perhaps a farmer, had made the ground switch, but I've since learned of a handful of other 3As that have been discovered with the positive ground set up.  Anyway, over the years I treated the jeep to a new radiator, hoses, new T-90, 11" drum brakes all around , wiring, wheels (they were not stock when I got her), tires, converted to 12v negative ground (should have left it 6v - again a novice at work) lap belts, etc., etc., etc.  I did little cosmetically until about a year and a half ago.  At this time I pulled the body, had new front and rear floors installed, and found better take off fenders and a straighter windshield.  I chose Harvest Tan as the color simply because I liked it.  The paint was matched by eye at a great local paint shop from an original piece of steel that Dave Burruss, one of our club members, was able to send me from his 2A.  Sunset Red wheels and new NDTs almost rounded out the color scheme.  I chose to go with M38 olive drab seat cushions and an M38 top, all made by WeeBee Webbing (first rate stuff).  Even though the top is not "correct" for the jeep, I decided to go the M38 route because it was more economical and it looked the part ( I have side curtains and doors, though they are not pictured here). The final addition was a custom fabricated jerry can mount/bracket that I bolted to the rear bumper that a previous owner had tastefully installed and I had not bothered to remove.  Good thing too, as the extra gas has come in handy on about three or four occasions this past year alone.  The best thing to come out of all this is the joy that my two boys, show when we are tinkering with the jeep, putting around town or going on one of our club adventures.  Sheila, not an outdoor person by nature, even cracks a smile when we drive around though she is quick to point out that we always end up smelling like 'old jeep' which I tell her is a compliment.  My jeep slandering dad has even taken a few rides and seemed to enjoy himself.  I'm not sure what the future has in store for this old 3A as I've recent acquired an M38 that I've begun to play with.  The 3A is not running at the moment due to some mysterious electrical ailment.  But with the help of some of the club members she should be running again shortly-- Tony Morreale, Franklin, TN"

Dan William's Tricked Out 3A

Dan recently sent in these photos of his tricked out 3A ready for the trails:

  

Jay Newsome's 3A at Work

Jay sent me these great photos of his 3A in what looks like Normandy Blue.  Jay's 3A is equipped with a Monroe 3 point hitch and an offset harrow.

Chris Lange's New York 3A

Chris writes: "Here is what my 1951 CJ3A looked like when I bought it a couple of years back, and one pic of it today...Model # 451-GB1 24016.  Original color found under data plates was a dark green.  I am located in Central NY, about a half hour south of Syracuse.  All original except for new seat cushions and an electric fuel pump.  Still 6 volt electrical, great little critter."

Alexandre's Brazilian 3A

Alexandre writes: "Hello friends!!!,  I want to congratulate for the great site on the brave cj3a, because I also have the honor of having a jeep cj3a, I am sending him some pictures for the site.  My jeep is a cj3a 1951 Farm Jeep, and it went by a complete restoration.  Thank You, Alexandre  São Paulo  BRAZIL.

Jim Mateski's Oregon 3A

Jim writes: "I try to drive it as much as possible. (would rather drive my jeep than a new pick-up) I've owned it for about 6 years and is relatively stock. I've added an overdrive, new top. Modifications are: 12 volt conversion and 11" brakes."

Yuichi Ishikawa's Japanese 3A

Yuichi writes: "My name is Yuichi Ishikawa and I live in Japan. My home and office are located very close to Tokyo.  I log in to your CJ3A Page already.  I know the CJ2A Page or CJ3B Page on internet, but I found CJ3A Page at last.  I have CJ3A section on my web site. You are free to down load any photo from my 3A Page. Very sorry no English text on my site.  About my 3A - This unit imported from US before Mitsubishi start to manufacture Mitsubishi Jeeps under license by Willys.  This 451 GB1 14126 have Koenig winch on  the front, But I have taken off the Jeep. But have kept it in my garage.  Cylinder head and Leaf Spring are not original. And I have converted from 6 volt to 12 volt electricity. Fuel fed by using electric fuel pump.  I also own 1972 Range Rover, 1953 Land Rover and 1974 Pinzgauer 710M.  Regards, Yuichi Ishikawa - Saitama, Japan"
 

John Wickersham's 3A



John writes: "I was delighted to find your page. I owned a 1949 3A from 1956 until 1960. I never got over the loss of that Jeep. So, when I spotted decrepit 3A in Lyons, Colorado, in 2001, I couldn't resist. Four years later, Frances (now a real beauty) has emerged out of the wreck that I dragged back to Missouri in 2001.  From the beginning, Frances was a patchwork Jeep. Her engine is a '48, her seats are from a '46. She was missing her hood, tailgate, lights, etc. So, I did not suffer the restorer's dilemma. I built her into a super 3A, by which I mean, I kept her as stock looking as possible, but I introduced improvements where ever it made sense from the point of view of safety and performance. The drive train is more or less stock (optimized "Go Devil", T-90, Dana 18 with Tera low-range gears, Dana 25 and Dana 44). Regards, John"


Bo Heddleston's Farm Find

Bo's father writes:  "Well I've done it, my son has hung around me and now my addiction has turned out to be catching. I heard about a old Willys a couple of weeks ago, it was supposed to have a flathead and 16" wheels and still be 6-volt. I found out the guys name from someone else, then had to get his phone number from another buddy that lives in his county. We drove over and with trailer in tow and cash in hand. But, now my 13 year old son has a 1951 CJ3A serial # 451-GB1-31501. It's all there, at least what is not rusted away, it has the original top bows and door frames. It still has the NDT's on the front, could be original, it only shows 11,115 miles. Looks like original color was emerald green with yellow wheels. I found some of the original paint and it still shines up like new, (at least one little spot looks good LOL). The oil bath air filter is still there. Hopefully in the next couple days we'll find out if it'll run. The tub is shot but I think I can piece one together out of my parts pile. By the time its done he should know how to work on anything and be able to weld pretty good. Every kid should have one, BIG or little! We'll send pics as soon as we can. Thanks for the great site, I'm sure he'll learn a lot from you guys if I can't help him."


Mike Hardesty's Viper Yellow 3A

Mike writes: "I would seriously like to thank you Jonathan, Bob Westerman, and all of the other folks who have contributed to the CJ-3A page. Without your assistance, photos, and technical advice my 1951 CJ3A restoration would have been a long lonely process. My $500 farm auction purchase in May of 2004 has turned into my pride and joy in September of 2005. (I won't tell you what I spent to restore it since my wife will probably read this... she has advised me however, that her 1993 Wrangler is next!)

I searched the jeep junkyards, Ebay, and the internet to find parts to complete the restoration. I got parts everywhere, from Arizona to Vermont. With exception of the 12 volt conversion, electric wiper motors, and seat belts, I tried to keep the restoration as close to original as possible. I gave up on the original Luzon Red and went with "Dodge Viper Yellow"... Michigan Yellow was a little too subdued for me!  

I now understand what all of you have been saying about your Willys "turning heads"... I've only been driving her for a week and man, is she a blast!"

Chris Griffiths Rockin' 3A

   Chris writes: "Whats up! My name is Chris Griffith.  I'm 19, and received a 1951 CJ3A from my grandmother this year.  I love your website, and its actually been helpful in some aspects of finding parts and things like that.  I can't tell you how many parts I've broken.  I go offroading with a couple buddies that have Jeeps, but my 51 "flattie" is always the most appreciated.
    I saw that you put up the story of the guy with his CJ3a, so I figured I'd shoot over another 3a story, w/ some photos.  My grandfather, Tom Griffith, was in the USAF, and bought two shot up old 51 3a's from the Navy (so he says) in the 70s.  He completely refurbished them both in later years; not necessarily restored, but definitely put some good hardware on 'em.  On mine, he put a '66 225 with a 4 speed Muncie from a vette into it (its not very original, but it kicks butt), along with a rancho suspension, and gave it to my dad.  He gave the other one to my Dad's twin brother, Gary Griffith.
    My dad, Glen Griffith, painted mine blue and drove it in the late 1970s and 1980s, to work and school.  He then gave it back to my grandfather, who kept it as a farm jeep until I received it in 2006.
    I have a Camaro, but enjoy cruising in my CJ w/ the windshield down through beach cities, as much as I enjoy driving through mud holes with the 35's I just put on it.  I have educated myself on the history of the CJ's, but unfortunately, cannot verify its origin, since it has no tags, and the engine isn't original.  Regardless, its a cool piece of history for an offroading maniac 19 year old to have!  Thanx for making that cool website!  Rock on ~~ Christopher J. Griffith

Sean Holman's Yellow '51

Sean writes: "I am the Technical Editor at Four Wheeler magazine and I purchased this Jeep in June 2007 from a former Vice President at Jeep. He bought the Jeep from the second owner (father of the chief engineer at Rancho suspension) in 1996 and he, along with several jeep
engineers did a two-week frame-off resto on it. The body was in great shape, but required floorboard patch panels. At that time the original green color was changed to Chevrolet Rally yellow and a roll bar was added. The Jeep has the stock drivetrain, and runs great, I have even had it up to 55mph (time for that OD). It has sat mostly for the past 10 years and I heard about it being for sale from friends in the industry. I plan on doing some minor modifications to it and taking it wheeling, hopefully to Moab for Easter Jeep Safari. Look for the old Willys to appear in various articles in Four Wheeler over the next couple of years. Its not perfect, but it is super clean and should be a fun project, I am already enjoying driving here at the beach. It sure gets a lot of attention on PCH."

Some of the mods I have done so far...

Roll bar mounted Power Tank
30x9.5 BFG M/Ts
Stockton 15x8 steel wheels
Saturn Overdrive
Deaver Springs


--Sean Holman
Huntington Beach, Ca.

Mike Luka's '51

 

Mike writes: "I have loved the “flat fender” jeeps my whole life.  I purchased this 1951 CJ3A in 2001 and I am at least the third owner.  The previous owner used the jeep as a recreation four wheeler and I don’t believe he ever even attempted to maintain it, it ran and drove but almost everything was wore out.  I think I am a bit strange in the fact that I love the stock originality of the Willys but if I do a complete “by the book” restoration I would have a museum piece that I wouldn’t want to take in the mountains.  On the other hand, I could never see myself hacking apart my rig to make a big motor/big tire monster.  So I am happy to see what 50+ year old tech can still do on some pretty rough trails in the Colorado Mountains or just a leisurely drive through the aspens.  I usually do projects on it through the winters and drive the pants off of it in the summers.  Since I got it, I have completely rewired it (still 6V), installed a Saturn overdrive, rebuilt the trans and transfer case, rebuilt the rear axle, rebuilt the generator (plus a spare), reupholstered the seats, installed 11” brakes, fixed all the instruments, installed a Solex carb (still have the Carter), put on new exhaust, installed a rear seat, installed a soft top, installed new springs, and fixed a ton of other odds and ends.  I could not have done any of this without the CJ3A page, ebay, and a ton of other websites.  It is really neat when you get so many strangers coming up and asking questions and admiring the old Willys.

P.S.  this winter project was the big one I am repainting it Luzon Red, next winter will be to go through the engine (it has an MB block)"

Thanks, Mike Luka  Littleton, CO

Jeff Weldon's '51 3A

Jeff writes: " Here is my 1951 CJ-3A that I have finally finished. The serial number is 451-GB1 14702.  When I bought the Jeep from a farmer it was almost a hopeless and completely tired Jeep. For a sum of $800 I got a running Jeep, with absolutely no rust, and with a horrific knock in the engine down deep, but it did run…..Now after a complete body off tear down to the point that all I had in the garage were the axles, she is all back together. It runs like a top and yes the engine was overhauled via a new crank, bearings and line bore to get it back in shape. At the moment I am restoring a Harrison Heater for it and am looking for a nice roll bar before I finally get a complete top setup for the Jeep….it has been an enjoyable project with much of the work performed by myself and one friend, who is amazed I still use hand tools verses air…that switch is already underway…I would highly recommend a flat fender Jeep project to anyone looking for a fun, straightforward, and rewarding classic vehicle. …almost makes me sad that it is nearly done as I guess it’s all in the doing of the thing….

Jeff Weldon

Canyon Country, California

1951 CJ-3A"

Gurhan Huroglu's '51 3A

 


Gurhan writes: "First of all I would like to thank you for the excellent cj3a page. It was very helpful to restore our willys. I found many details from the pictures of Eugene and learned a lot from the forums. I bought the willys with my father. He mainly made the restoration and I made the logistics and project management. My father is now half retired and 72 years old and he restored a 1942 MB in 1962 when he was 20 years old. He sold it after using it daily for 10 years but I know he always loved the willys . Than suddenly, one day in January 2013 we decided to buy a willys and restore it. There are quite a lot of CJ3Bs in Turkey, it is almost impossible to find a MB but we could find this CJ3A which are getting rare also. It was quite in good shape and with many original parts. But it was quite rusty (you can see in one of the pictures the scrabe parts beside the wall) and I think, it did not see some good maintenance in its entire life. Anyway, my father who is a very good mechanic, dismentaled the willys in to the very smallest part and we did a complete restoration. It was possible to find many spare parts in Turkey and we ordered some from US also. I have to confess that our family business is designing and manufacturing various types of machines for marine industry. Therefore, with the capabilities of our workshop it was not very difficult to make the restoration. We wanted to keep our CJ3A in stock as much as possible. Beside keeping its civilian look we wanted to add some military details such as Air Force Blue body color, olive drab canvas seats, olive drab jerry can, olive drab safety straps and M38 used speedometer. We finished the restoration in 6 months and enjoyed a lot. I hope you will like our willys also.
Greetings from Istanbul."