1951 Willys

Pickup Truck

1998 355 Chevy V-8

700R4 Automatic overdrive

T24874

Clear

Gasoline

This Willys PU started as a rusty bed-less hulk from a farmers field. A possum made his home in the engine bay and was not happy when I removed his home. Over 13 years, the necessary garage was built, the Willys was disassembled, reconstructed, modified and brought back to life again. The original chassis and drive train was discarded in favor of a more modern and safer chassis in the form of a 1983 Chevy Blazer chassis with torsion bar front suspension and front disc brakes. The Blazer front differential was removed to allow more engine room, making this truck a 2WD. The Chevy rear drum brakes were retained for simplicity sake. The rear axle differential was traded out for a 1974 Chevy 12 Bolt with a 3:73:1 ratio for good performance and fuel mileage. Power steering is provided by a HydroVac booster and steering box from a Chevy AstroVan. The chassis was stretched 17" to match the wheel base of the Willys. A 1998 Chevy 355 create engine, complete with A/C, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold and Edelbrock 600 CFM carburetor and block hugger headers, was mated to a performance enhanced rebuilt 700R4 overdrive transmission and installed in the chassis. Dual 2-1/2" exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers completed the chassis. Two more Willys PU's were located and purchased to be used as donor vehicles for an intact interior, complete with all trim items and additional body items as needed. The cab was matched and mounted to the frame. A Griffin radiator was added to cool the engine. Gas lift assists were installed to hold the hood up. The windshield wiper system was converted from the vacuum/cable system to electric. The interior was started with modifying the dash area, all engine, chassis and transmission gauges were mounted in the panel above the windshield and the speedometer and tachometer found their home in the dash area where the original gauge cluster used to reside. Interior was finished in rust colored hardboard and brown seats from a Pontiac SunBird. 3-point seatbelts were also added. Electric door locks with BearClaw lock mechanisms and power tinted windows were installed in the doors. The cowl vent was converted to electrical operation. An A/C system from Vintage Air was installed behind the dash area with outlet vents mounted under the dash area. Next the bed was constructed by hand, panels bent, and iron pipe was welded on to simulate the original round tops of the bed side rails. Both rear fenders were also handmade, using an original fender as a pattern, to match the original fenders identically. The tailgate was also handmade. The bed floor was constructed of 2 layers of polyurethane coated ¾” marine plywood with chrome bed rails The electrical system was supplied by Ron Francis Wiring and the fuse box and associated relays and circuit breakers were installed in the storage area under the drivers seat and covered with a hinged panel. An Optima RedTop battery is located in the passenger side storage area and covered with a hinged cover. Frame mounted battery posts allow trickle charging or a jump starting location without having to access the battery area. Front turn signals were mounted in the original location while rear LED turn signals were integrated into the round tubing of the bed. Running lights and brake lights were mounted in their normal location and a 3rd. brake light flush mounted into the cab below the rear window. The body was painted a stock Dodge FireMist Metallic color and the fenders were painted a cobalt metallic to offset them against the body. Minor body work is required on the drivers door only for some paint blistering on the lower portion of the door. Photo will be provided upon request. This vehicle was driven to the Charlotte Southeast Nationals GoodGuys show in 2010 without incident. This vehicle is currently titled, licensed and driven in the state of NC This vehicle is being sold due to changing obligations and interests. It is fun and easy to drive and draws “thumbs-up” no matter where it goes. A complete photo essay is available to show the start to finish progress to serious buyers only. Please email for further inquiries. Deposit of US $1,000.00 within 48 hours of auction close. Full payment required within 7 days of auction close. Acceptable forms of payment (in US dollars) are cashiers check, Bank check, certified personal check, Money order, Bank Funds Transfer