Old Engineering Friend Kickstarts My eBay WWII Jeep Build

Friendship and collaboration often yield remarkable results, especially in creative projects. This was evident during a recent weekend project involving a WWII Jeep build. The journey was driven by two old friends: the narrator and Brandon, an experienced car enthusiast.

Kickstarting the WWII Jeep Build

Brandon was the first car enthusiast the narrator met during an engineering internship in Detroit back in 2012. Over the years, they tackled numerous complex automotive projects together. Their latest endeavor: restoring a WWII Willys Jeep, primarily through parts sourced from eBay.

Preparing the Reference Jeep

Upon Brandon’s arrival at LAX, the duo quickly got to work. The first step was removing the engine from a reference WWII Jeep purchased for $1,500. This reference vehicle was crucial for sourcing parts and providing a model during the restoration process.

Building a New Engine

With the reference Jeep’s engine out in just 30 minutes, they shifted focus to assembling a new French-built engine. During their inspection of the reference Jeep’s motor, they noticed some rust but found the engine surprisingly intact. After cleaning and adjustments, including fitting a new oil tube and installing the crankshaft, they measured the bearing clearance at approximately 0.003 inches.

However, they encountered a setback: the lifters purchased from Kaiser Willys were too large. Undeterred, they ordered new lifters from France, hoping these would fit better. The meticulous process of engine assembly included checking valve tightness and installing new freeze plugs for added reliability.

Revitalizing the Transmission

Next on the agenda was rebuilding the transmission. This unit, acquired after a 2,000-mile journey to Washington, needed a refresh. Although Brandon had extensive experience with Willys transmissions, they faced challenges during the rebuild due to fatigue. Mistakes were made, leading them to rework parts multiple times.

By morning, with fresh minds, they completed the rebuild in just 30 minutes, marking a significant triumph in their collaborative effort.

Assessing the Axles

The duo also inspected the four axles bought in Washington. Unfortunately, one front axle turned out to be useless, but the other front axle was in good condition. They were more fortunate with the rear axles; while one had noticeable issues, the other seemed operational.

The primary goal was to assemble the vehicle swiftly to test the new engine and transmission. They proceeded to install the axles with leaf springs and U-bolts, preparing for the next phases of the project.

Future Plans for the WWII Jeep

Looking ahead, the restoration project involves several steps: completing the motor once the lifters arrive, checking the transfer case, and rigging the electrical and fuel systems. They’ll also focus on the brakes before finally addressing the Jeep’s body. With challenges ahead, collaboration with Brandon significantly lightens the load.

This restoration project, driven by friendship and shared expertise, exemplifies how teamwork can transform a complex task into a rewarding adventure. For those interested in classic vehicles or restoration projects, this story serves as both inspiration and guidance in navigating the challenges of building an iconic WWII Jeep.