Willys Jeep Restoration

Willys Jeeps were first made for the United States military in 1940, and they were designed to replace the military motorcycles previously used in the field. The all-terrain Jeeps were designed to go off-road and served as officers' cars and military transport vehicles for decades after the initial contract was signed. Today, they are a collector's item, popularly restored and shown throughout the United States.

Body

Restoring the body is best accomplished by using fiberglass to repair areas where rust has degraded the metal. In some cases, removing the original body and replacing it with a new shell is cheaper than trying to repair the original body. A new body is simply bolted to the original frame.

Style

Each model of the Willys Jeep is slightly different. The difference is in the details. Things like the gauges, the light shape and the trim work create the distinction between years. When remodeling, read about the specific year of the Jeep that you are working on. Selecting replacement parts that are for the wrong year mars the restoration project by creating a final product that is a mixed-year Jeep, rather than a fully-restored Jeep for a specific year.

Types of restoration

Decide which type of restoration is right for you. A complete restoration is typically more expensive and requires you to purchase aftermarket parts, which are made to replicate and replace damaged original pieces. The final product looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. An all-original restoration is only possible on cars that are in relatively good physical condition and have all the parts and pieces there. An all-original restoration cleans up the existing surface so that all the parts on the car are correct and original. The finished product is typically less refined but more accurate.

Restoring a Willy's Jeep is a great shop project for the experienced mechanic. It takes both time and dedication, but the resulting vehicle is a valuable piece of American history.