Idea for a Jeep Project

[SlushboxTeggy]

Came across this on CL.

Was thinking about doing a chassis swap with this

or figuring out something with this

Looking to build something similar to this concept

http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/78-ford-crew-cab-conversion-t240062.html

but obviously a Jeep.

Comments, opinions, ridicule welcome. Probably taking a look at the Willy tomorrow.

First things first though. What do you guys think I should pay for a project 1961 Jeep Willys 2 door Wagon that doesn't run.

 

[Jeef]

Aren't the Cherokees a unibody?
The wagonner's frame will most likely be too big for the Willy. I wonder if an s10 or ranger frame would be a good choice.
I would get the Wagoneer, and lift it.

 

[92stoccord]

If the willys is decent, I say do it. Like above, s10 frame is pretty much universal lol. Worst case scenario find a frame that's close and strap that fucker to it. They don't have to be pretty.

 

[TurboMirage]

see if you can pick up the jeep for 20 bucks and then just scrap it

 

[SlushboxTeggy]

Aren't the Cherokees a unibody?
The wagonner's frame will most likely be too big for the Willy. I wonder if an s10 or ranger frame would be a good choice.
I would get the Wagoneer, and lift it.

Yea they're uni-body. And actually shorter than the Willy, which surprised me.

Wagoneer is 186.4" x 74.8"
Willy is 176.26" x 71.75"

Surprisingly close. I don't think the width would be an issue and the length, I could either modify the frame or stretch the front portion of the Willy. Even the wheelbase is 110" vs. 104.5".

Would love to keep the Wagoneer chassis simply because for a minimal initial cost, I could have a very capable Jeep, with old school flavor and Dana 44s front and rear.

 

[klyph]

Why would you put that rusted out hull on a perfectly dope woody wagoneer? What are you gaining? The wagoneer body is so ugly it's sexy, and it has a burly chassis. Just get the wagoneer, those things are badass.

 

[SlushboxTeggy]

I'm gaining a sweet old school body with "modern" technology under it. Frankly I love the Willys Wagon, but the Wagoneer chassis is newer, better, and more easily upgradable. Might be going to take a look at it later today.

 

[klyph]

I'd get the wagoneer drivetrain squared away before fucking with the body the body is usually the last consideration when building a functional wheeler.

 

[SlushboxTeggy]

Saw it today. Actually great in person. Every piece is there, plus a few extra. It's the 6cyl. with a 3 spd. (the good one).

Stand up guy too. We actually have mutual acquaintances. Said it drove until it was parked so should be a short parts list away from running.

WAY less rust than the pictures led me to believe. A few patches, a little grinding, and it should be ready for paint.

So with all this info, I obviously put down a deposit. I'm going to get it running and driving and then decide if I'm going to try the Wagoneer route.

 

[92stoccord]

If the frame is solid, I'd say keep it original. If you really want to and the motor is a turd, find a 4wd compatable motor you like and toss it in.

 

[SlushboxTeggy]

It's going to stay original, at least at first. It's a 12-volt (most Willy's are 6V or 24V), it needs a few patches (nothing that would require serious surgery like floor panels or something), and it only has 55k on it. Not that that matter a whole bunch in its current state, haha. I even have a friend who lives nearby where it is that said I can tinker with it in his driveway.

It's future after that is uncertain though. My Wagoneer idea has sparked another idea. If I was to do it, I'd have a Willy's frame and drivetrain left over. With a little frame alteration I could strap on a CJ tub and build what everyone thinks of when they hear Willy (MB/CJ-3). Only better. 6 cyl and 12V. Options never available in the others. The wheels are turning. But for now, I want a motor that turns over.