Where to start - 47 Willy questions - 2 pics added

[SniperDanWA]

So, I have the opportunity to purchase a 47 Willys.  It is rough.  Been uncovered for several years.  Body excellent, frame excellent, 327 Chevy, 147k mi on odometer.  Plastic buckets, wires everywhere.  Runs, moves, but needs a ton of work.  Has tow hitch and heavy duty winch.  Overall, I'm not sure I have the time to work on it, but I love to tinker.

The guy wants $3k.  Is that reasonable?  I expect $3-4k in repairs from the get go.

This is not my Bailiwick, need advice.  I've got photos on phone and will post later.  Thanks.

[Mike450r]

sounds like it is worth it to me.  Old vehicles have really jumped in price and popularity due to all those cable tv restoration shows.

[rtspring]

Me and a buddy put a high horsepower motor from my mustang in a 53 willys, what fun!  Price seems close but I would barter down if you can

[norsepeak]

I've built and worked on many jeeps and still do today.  3k is high for a rough flatty.  The V-8 is no bonus either because more than likely the drivetrain has not been updated to match.  You have to decide what you want to end up with at the end.  A hardcore wheelin rig, a pavement queen, or somewhere in between.  That will help you decide what you need to do to it.  I built a 49 Willy's a few years ago, injected 4.3L v-6, TH350 Auto, 18 transfer, 30 locked front, 44 offset locked rear, disc all the way around, Warn 8274, custom suspension, cage etc. sold it for 5500.  Currently finishing up a CJ-5 with 304, 727 TF auto, 300 transfer w/ Terra low 4:1 twinstick, built 30 front, 44 full float rear, both with electric lockers, customer SOA suspension w/ 22" of travel on 35 MTR's, with Warn 8274, custom cage, custom tube fenders etc.  I do love the flatties, great wheelin rigs if done right.  Got and pics of it?  What tranny/transfer/axles in it?

[huntnphool]

If doing the work yourself is a stretch then your only option is to pay someone else, only means $$$$.

[MuleySniper]

This one started out at $3000. Prepare.... Jeep stands for Just Empty Every Pocket.
MS

[norsepeak]

That is an absolutely gorgeous high hood.  Awsome!

[norsepeak]

My Cj before suspension/tires.

[huntnphool]

Beautiful rigs guys!

[MuleySniper]

That is an absolutely gorgeous high hood.  Awsome!

Thanks it my ol mans. He bought it basically a rolling chassis about four years ago. We worked on it off and on and finished it up last summer. Swapped over to a mail jeep frame to gain a little length. Had Gary Marshal built custom disc high pinion front and rear 44 axles with a lock rite in the rear. Kept it sprung under but used 2 1/2" rubicon express springs. Had to move all the spring points on the frame and did an shackle reverse. Dropped in a sbc 327 with all the goodies. New t18 four speed from r&p in Oregon to a Dana 30 tc. AGR power steering box and all ss flaming river steering. Ill take a few more pics of the dash and other little custom stuff. My dad painted it and did all the body work himself. We did the whole build minus a few small things that a buddy of mine helped out with.

[MuleySniper]

That's a cool short nose Norse! I have a 72 that's 90% done. 304, t18, Dana 20, 44 rear, 30 front. Sprung over on rubicon springs sittin on 36" tsl swampers. I still have a little paint to finish up then just some smaller detail stuff.

[Austrian Hunter]

Sweet looking rides guys!!!!  I have to add this to my must have list!!   

[buckcanyonlodge]

This one started out at $3000. Prepare.... Jeep stands for Just Empty Every Pocket.
MS

Is this high hood for sale???   Had a '48 CJ3A with 283 chev .. Never should have sold it..

[MuleySniper]

This one started out at $3000. Prepare.... Jeep stands for Just Empty Every Pocket.
MS

Is this high hood for sale???   Had a '48 CJ3A with 283 chev .. Never should have sold it..

Haha no. My dad has had a handful of real nice jeeps. Regretted selling each of them.

[MuleySniper]

Sniper. If you think it needs another 3-4 grand it will probably be more. If your looking to build just a toy/trail rig you can probably do it on a budget otherwise if you are already assuming you'll have 6 it 7 grand in it done take the time and find something turn key In that price range. Unless you have a lot of jeep knowledge, a welder, a descent amount of auto knowledge and lots of time you probably won't finish the project or you'll get burned out on it.
MS

[norsepeak]

MS, that's not a short nose, it's a long.  '76 CJ-5.  I did the all the suspension myself, used Black Diamond on the front, SOA, and wrangler springs on the rear SOA.  Love the 300 Xfer with Terra low and the electric lockers.  Nice being able to kick them in and out with the touch of a button.

[MuleySniper]

Ah yeah just looked again. First glance I thought it was a shorty. Nice!

[CementFinisher]

hey norse did you used to take that rig out on the labor day and memorial day runs in little naches? Looks familiar. nice rig bud 

[huntandjeep]

Muleysniper that is a gorgeous Willy's for a hi hood (just kidding). Norse post up some updated pics of yours. Makes me miss my 75 that had to go a way to fund my 98 TJ

[SniperDanWA]

You guys are hard core.  I'm a novice, but I do love the willy. 

[SniperDanWA]

#2

[stevemiller]

yep,well worth the 3k in my book. 

[huntandjeep]

I would offer him $1500 for it and see if he would take it. If you do wind up buying it be prepared to change those seats. My brother has them in his 48  and they are so uncomfortable.  Heres a pic of one of the club members 47 that he bought for $800 (in about the same condition as the one your looking at). As it sits now there a little more $ into it.