Project Flatfender

[724wd]

IT LIVES!  Well, for very brief periods of time.  About as long as it takes to drink the fuel poured in the carburetor  .  Fuel pump doesn't pump fuel, but the engine BREATHES!   



If you don't remember the previous thread about the VIN issue ( http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,166851.msg2202187.html#msg2202187), this is a project I got for my 7 year old daughter for her and I to work on with the goal of it being her rig when she's legal to drive.  I have an appointment with the state patrol next week to get the double VIN issue straightened out.  The DMV was not impressed with the title as is!   

And while the Willys 134 flat 4 runs, it's not the engine we're sticking with.  I have a Mercruiser (GM) 153cid 4 cyl that should give her a bit more reliable and powerful engine.  For it, we have a center sump oil pan and pickup from an OMC, the starter (though a mini starter may work better in the end), and a few odds and ends.  I am debating the (car) intake/exhaust verses a Clifford aluminum intake and header.  I like the reliability of the stock cast iron pieces, but they're harder to find and may result in less power than anticipated.  decisions, decisions!     Going to have to source a distributor also, as the marine unit has no vacuum advance. 



I am buying a TH350 trans this weekend to replace the locked up T-90 3 speed.  I debated this as well, as I want her to know how to drive a stick, but then thought it might be better to rent a gut shaker from the local rent-a-wreck and let her smoke THEIR clutch!     A turbo 350 ought to live forever behind the 4 cyl and will be easy to drive.  I understand this combo will result in a somewhat abbreviated rear driveshaft, but on a rig that wont see a ton of off road time and no lift, it should be fine.  I'll retain the Dana 18 transfer case and the front Dana 25.  The Dana 27 will stay in the rear until I can find an offset Dana 44 with 11 inch brakes.  There are some 44s on CL now, but they're 9" brakes and unknown gear condition (or worse, know/blown gears!).  We sourced caliper brackets and rotors to convert the front to disc brakes.  Still need calipers and hoses, but those are parts store items.  I also found a two hole passenger knuckle to increase the steering leverage!    



Debating power/non-power Saginaw steering box.  With the planned tire size (30"x9"), steering shouldn't be terrible with the manual box, and I don't have to worry about the HP drain from a PS pump on the engine.  But NO ONE regrets going to a power box for steering effort... Regardless, the stock Ross box and bellcrank will be hitting the trash.  I have a tilt column from a 70's Impala in the garage I got years ago, so that now has a home!   .  Not decided on seats yet, low back vs high back.  Probably not worry about a back seat and just leave it a 2 seater. 

The body has very little rust, but the front fenders are dented to here-and-gone.  I plan to build new outers that will be replaceable.  The gas hole has been welded up, and I don't want the underseat tank anyway, so a CJ5 rear mounted tank will probably find it's way home.  And i'm on the hunt for a CJ3A windshield frame.  I can buy a new one, and may have to do so if I cant locate a suitable used one.  Gonna swap in some Hella halogen bulbs for headlights and find some LED taillights.  And lastly, I am thinking about a hardtop.  And knowing me, I may try to build a better mousetrap than the old Koenig tops 

So that's where we're at right now.  Anya is having fun with me planning and plotting.  She even knows the color scheme:  White with gold Chevelle-style stripes!   

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Cool rig! Definently leave the manual steering in it..... Its funny when you let somebody drive an old rig with manual steering......

[DRobnsn]

I have a new flywheel, thermostat housing and I believe water pump (if I recall correctly) that should fit that GM you have. It came off a crate engine that went into a piece of equipment that those particular parts weren't compatible with. There yours if you need them and can find a way to get them over there.

Awesome project BTW, I'm glad to hear its a father daughter project seems to be a dying tradition these days, good on you for doing it! 

I will do the same with my daughter when the time comes.

[huntandjeep]

 I love old Willys. There's a Jeep swap meet this Sunday at the Puyallup fair grounds , if you are looking for any parts they will be there  .

[Special T]

Use these guys for a gear drivin starter and high amp alternator. I have used thier main shop in Kent for several projects... If its an eletric motor and you cant find it at local parts store these guys likely supply it to them on special order.

ROMAINE ELECTRIC - SPOKANE
6320 E. Springfield Ave
Spokane, Wa  99212
Phone - 800-635-8848
Fax - 509-536-8118
paulharris@romaineelectric.com

[724wd]

Well, the WA State Patrol was unimpressed with Anya's Follys (Ford/Willys).  They wouldn't do an inspection allowing me to transfer the title due to it not being road-ready.     The trooper was very nice, but said to come back when it's done.  bummer.  I guess since they've gone to the online appointment system this has been happening more and more.  The website says complete vehicles:  perhaps COMPLETED vehicles would be more accurate.  So before I can transfer the title, we need to either fix everything and make it road legal, or build what we want and take it in after the fact.  I think option two will be more cost effective, though I worry about being taxed on the assessed value AFTER completion, rather than the before.  I need to call the DOL and find out.  So, not a stellar day!   

[Woodchuck]

The state trying to get deeper in your pockets? Surely you jest. 
You can bet your biscuits that is exactly what that is about.

[Mudman]

Thats a really cool ol Jeep/project.  Buddy did a 52 Willys with his daughter helping years ago.  Manual tranny was great!  T350 will suck HP!  But will help with the super short front driveline.  Also if diffs are an issue the toyota axles work great and with brakes that work!   I love these old jeeps.

[724wd]

Well, It's been a while since an update.  The flatfender has been torn down to the frame.  I have been gathering parts like crazy!  Last weekend I scored a '70-'71 offset Dana 44 and matching Dana 30 front, both with 4.88s and lockers!  Still have Rancho lift springs attached that we may try to sell.  I have two engines, two transmissions, two transfer cases (one a single stick 18 with a Warn OD attached), two bucket seats, wheels and tires, CJ-5 fuel tank/skid plate/fuel hose/body mount, CJ3A windshield frame and glass, tilt steering column, two power steering boxes, power steering pump...

Gonna hunt the junkyard for a brake pedal/mount/booster and a gas pedal.  Got to convince my dad that he want's to do a little body work... 

Having fun so far!!!

[runamuk]

Wow that's smoking hot,  you made it go from looking like a real vehicle to a frame and some wheels 

[724wd]

Wow that's smoking hot,  you made it go from looking like a real vehicle to a frame and some wheels 

It's my specialty!  You should see my '29 Chevy coupe!   

[runamuk]

Wow that's smoking hot,  you made it go from looking like a real vehicle to a frame and some wheels 

It's my specialty!  You should see my '29 Chevy coupe!   

SWOONS

[724wd]

Wow that's smoking hot,  you made it go from looking like a real vehicle to a frame and some wheels 

It's my specialty!  You should see my '29 Chevy coupe!   

SWOONS

Its been in pieces since 1993!  LOL!!!   

[724wd]

Wow that's smoking hot,  you made it go from looking like a real vehicle to a frame and some wheels 

It's my specialty!  You should see my '29 Chevy coupe!   

SWOONS

Some pics from a LONG time ago!

[Woodchuck]

Those pics look like a place I have been before. 

[Blacktail Sniper]

Love seeing those old rigs kept alive!!

Been known to fall into that pond myself....

[724wd]

Those pics look like a place I have been before. 

maybe a time or two... 

[Woodchuck]

That 29 is still down there isn't it?

[runamuk]

I will just be sitting here with my popcorn watching.

[724wd]

That 29 is still down there isn't it?

ya.  body above the break room, frame out back, and all the rest of the parts are on top of the paint booth.  And my new parts (axle, steering, spindles, brakes, etc) are in the alignment shop.

[coachcw]

They will let you  Tra safer title just not license  it till inspection I believe

[brewzer13]

 Is the 29 for sale???

[724wd]

Is the 29 for sale???

that's a big fat NOPE!   

[724wd]

my daughter and I have borrowed some shop space and assistance from a friend with a BIG new building! We've made great progress in the last 3 weekends, getting the rear frame horns repaired and leaf spring mounts tacked on. Not going to weld them completely until the body is on to ensure the wheel is centered in the wheelwell. Last weekend we got the driver's side front frame horn repaired. I really like having clean power for my welder, a dry, warm(ish) place to work, and a friend to bounce ideas off!  I figure we can have the axles under the frame in the next two weeks! 

Next up will be steering and motor mounts. Looking at the Advanced Adapter Saginaw box mount vs. heavy tubes welded through the frame.

[724wd]

more pics. Should be a lot tougher than the stock frame!

[Wanttohuntmore]

 Love seeing fabrication and old builds.   Keep em coming.

[Magnum_Willys]

Nice ! Brings back memories of wire brushing and boxing 51 Willys frame.  Stuffing a 502 w headers in there is tite !

[Calvin Rayborn]

Right on! My old man had a '48 2A that he shoehorned a 289 into when the flat-4 gave up the ghost. Could get that sucker to wheelie after a bounce or two!!! 

[scotsman]

For encouragement here is a before and after for ya. I found my 56 Ranchwagon as a total wreck on a farm in Nebraska. Dragged it home on a flat bed, tore  it down and put it together again. A couple of years ago mama and I drove route 66 in it. Back to Chicago, down the two lane to the Southwest then back to WA. Great trip? Power train is all late model Mustang.

[KFhunter]

Well, It's been a while since an update.  The flatfender has been torn down to the frame.  I have been gathering parts like crazy!  Last weekend I scored a '70-'71 offset Dana 44 and matching Dana 30 front, both with 4.88s and lockers!  Still have Rancho lift springs attached that we may try to sell.  I have two engines, two transmissions, two transfer cases (one a single stick 18 with a Warn OD attached), two bucket seats, wheels and tires, CJ-5 fuel tank/skid plate/fuel hose/body mount, CJ3A windshield frame and glass, tilt steering column, two power steering boxes, power steering pump...

Gonna hunt the junkyard for a brake pedal/mount/booster and a gas pedal.  Got to convince my dad that he want's to do a little body work... 

Having fun so far!!!

I had a 48 for a time, I got the brake system out of an old Toyota that worked well.  Also the power steering pump and gear box.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Lookin good guys!

[724wd]

REAL PROGRESS!  first time the frame and body have mated since August of 2015!     i think the rear end will have to shift backwards another inch to center the tire in the opening, and the springs have a bunch too much lift!  Making shorter shackles (3") to replace the 6"ers on there now will help, but I may look into having the eyes reversed, too. But all that will have to wait until I can load up the frame to simulate ride height. Then it's steering, motor mounts, transmission mount, front and rear crossmembers, mounting the fuel tank... 

Anya wouldn't get in and make motor noises, so i did it for her 

[724wd]

Got the steering box mount welded in this weekend and have started planning out the transmission crossmember. It's looking more and more likely I'll have to do a 2 piece/carrier bearing front driveshaft due to the lack of transmission clearance. not ideal, but that's life. I notched the crossmember to allow the steering shaft to live in the same space and those welds look better in person than in pictures, i swear! I was filling a fairly large gap, so that's my excuse...

Also started the front crossmember and need to pick up some hardware to complete that. It will be removable in the event the steering box needs to be service or replaced. Then I can mount the bumper and tow hooks I salvaged from the original frame horns.

[Lucky Eric]

Nice looking project, makes me want to get my cj5 uncovered and out of the garage.

[724wd]

More progress. Engine is ready to button up, transmission is rebuilt, transfer case adapter is being modified, front crossmember and bumper finalized. Intake manifold sorted, and header pieces gathered. I will need to cut a header flange, however.

I’ve also discovered I can raise the drivetrain 3” up in the frame. Will improve driveline angles, pan clearance, etc. luckily I kinda planned for this: engine mounts and trans crossmember easy to modify.