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