Willys Wagon Project

[Linda]

We keep getting a lot of questions on the diesel repower and it has got to a point where creating a 4BT web site makes more sense.

Keep an eye out. :D

[DsrtJeeper]

Nice job; Linda. I love old iron and yours is no different. I can't wait to see it in completion. The diesel power plant should prove to be awesome. :)

[TRobertsRN]

When the 350 dies in my 53 I will do a diesel like yours.

Tom

[Linda]

Cool! :D Keep an eye on the following Yahoo Group Cummins4BT (http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/cummins4BT/)
This group is all about 4BT diesel repowers. I posted links to the Willys repower pictures at that site.

The wagon project is coming nicely. We finished the steering assembly a couple of weeks ago. This week we will be cutting and testing the new body mount material, 40A poly purchased from McMaster-Carr. We couldn't find real rubber bushing material and the pucks from Willys Works are way too hard. We will also be machining body mount spacers to fill in the gaps. Soon we will be taking the body off again for the last time so that we can finish the frame work (new rear cross member, traction bar, and painting) and get the tranny in for rebuild.

[TRobertsRN]

Would love to look at what you did for steering. I asume power steering. Need to do this or have it done on mine. I can't weld anymore due to a pacemaker, so likely will have to pay for the work to be done.

Tom

[NVRSTUKXJ]

hey Linda.....just got back from looking at your build up pics.....that ride is bad ***....you guys have done a great job.....can't wait to see the finished product.......keep us updated.......

[Linda]

Would love to look at what you did for steering. I asume power steering. Need to do this or have it done on mine. I can't weld anymore due to a pacemaker, so likely will have to pay for the work to be done.

Tom

Tom,
If you are still using the original frame, Advanced Adapters has a power steering retrofit for the wagons and trucks. It uses a saginaw steering box. I don't know much about it but you could post to the WillysTech forum and ask about it there. My wagon is using a modified J20 truck frame so the steering configuration is a lot different than the original wagon's.

What is interesting is that my 1966 Power Wagon has the same style steering as the 54 Wagon, except the parts are a little larger and heavier. :)

We plan on putting the steering assembly back in the wagon for picture taking. I'll post a note when I put pictures up on my webshots site. You are also welcome to come by and take a look at the project.

Another note: There is a short write-up on a diesel repower of a 1957 Wagon in the January 2000 issue of Four Wheeler magazine.

[Linda]

I have added pictures of the steering assembly and pedals to my webshots site.

See Willys Project - Steering and Pedals Webshots (http://community.webshots.com/user/p14175)

[Linda]

First fuel tank fit and steering box brace & guard.

It's been a bit, but we have been working diligently on the wagon. We finally did the first fuel tank (http://community.webshots.com/photo/350607379/350608396PvoNQj) fitting. There's plenty of room. The tank might hang about an inch below the frame when it is mounted permanently. What's nice about this one is is that I can use an off-the-shelf Blazer skidplate to protect it.

The 27-gal fuel tank is a $25 special from Coleman's Army Surplus (http://www.galleria-e.com/cgi-bin/Colemans.storefront/en/searchmask). It cost more to ship. The original wagon gas tank held 16-gal. It's a nice increase.

The other piece that we have been working on is the Steering box guard and brace (http://community.webshots.com/photo/350609371/350610197EgqoIx) We found a piece of curved 1/4" steel that fit nicely around the steering box to protect it.

The funny looking part hanging on the pitman shaft is part of the steering brace. It is a plate with a pillow-bock bearing attached to it. There's a custom nut holding the assembly in place. The final design for the brace will be similar to the ones you can get for the 94+ Dodge trucks.

[Linda]

This morning we concluded that the floorboards were too rotted to keep so we decided to rebuild them. The PO used a highway sign for replacement metal and brazed it to the rusted floor below. We got the passenger side gutted and ready for repair.

http://community.webshots.com/album/151694327lqfAlF

The steering brace was put on hold while we wait for a tap wrench that can hold a 3/4-16 tap. Enco sells them. The machining portion of the job is done. No pictures yet.

[FlexyXJ]

Linda, Just dont forget the #10 fuel plate, 370 marine injectors, HX-40 turbo with a 16cm2 exhaust housing, set the pump timing @ 15.8 degrees, add some 6" exhaust pipe, crank the star wheel ALL the way forward, and MOST OF ALL..... FIX THAT DAMN KDP!!!

(edit) Forgot the 4BT had the old style Bosch pump....Those are even EASIER to tweak!!!


Joe

[Linda]

After months of fixing sheet metal on other parts of the Willys Wagon, we finally got back to a more important part. The fuel tank. While I have been busy with my last semester at ASU, Steve has been working on getting the fuel tank installed. Now it's time to track down a Chevy Blazer skid plate.

The 27-gal fuel tank is a $25 special from Coleman's Army Surplus.
We found a sending unit for it. $75 including shipping. Chevys are cheap.

http://community.webshots.com/album/350607379MAyTSa

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5227&stc=1&d=1144679887

[AZXJ]

Linda,

Shoot me the dimensions of the tank and I'll see what we can do for you..

Take care
Dave