Rango.....1942 Willys MB

[Metcalf]

I need to get better about more pictures....here is one from a Pirate forum member visit...



I told you it was small! 15.5" lower overall, same size tires, only 2.5" less belly clearance.

[Sean VHA #60013]

That's pretty awsome - can't wait to see some more detailed pics of when you get the tranny & t-case sorted
BTW, I really like your split winshield much better than the one-piece on the other jeep, I think it makes yours look more vintage or something :-)

[Metcalf]

Some pics from the other day.....

[Metcalf]

The past few evenings have been an experiment in sewing. I have an old Japanese made heavy duty small sewing machine so I figured why not try and make a bikini top for the Willys. I need some shade when the sun is out!













For $7 in a painters tarp for fabric I learned a lot. I think I learned enough making this one to roll the design into out of something much more heavy duty. Anyone know where to get some REALLY thick heavy duty fabric?

I like the 4 strap design, it seems to keep the top much tighter overall. There are still some issues I need to fix, but the design is close. I need to 'pocket' the B-pillar corners a little more than I did. I would also like to find a way to make a velcro tie in for the A and B-pillar spreaders to keep flapping down a little bit more. I think with much heavier fabric I will be able to really tighten it down. The attachment to the windshield is going to be the factory style post and grommet from the 1940s.

It was a fun experiment. It should keep the sun off for a few weeks while I find some better materials to work with.

[jeepdreamer]

Metcalf...check this out! Dang I wish I lived in CO!

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3112624312.html

[Sean VHA #60013]

What is it model-wise that determines the difference between an older Willys having a tailgate [such as the Pirate member's ride or the Slick Rock Spider that Soni Honegger built] and yours that has a solid back end?

[Metcalf]

Mine is a 'real' Willys MB. The MB/GPW military version of the tub had no tailgate. The later cj2a had a tailgate. With these vehicles being 70 years old now a lot of backyard swapping has taken place over their lives. A lot of MB/GPW versions have had parts replaced like the tub....

Some of the later m38's ( basically military cj3a's ) had tailgates that where bolted shut.

Personally I like NOT having a tailgate. It just makes the tub a bit stronger, rattles a little less, etc. If I was going to build an 'improved' tub it wouldn't have a tailgate.

[Metcalf]

I guess its time for an update. Lots of little things.....



A piece of coat hanger works really well to keep the manual choke open without a cable I have been trying to tune the carb in and I had a feeling that the choke plate was closing under acceleration. Without a cable of any kind it could basically flop shut.



I just like that picture....





I got this thing in the mail the other day. I pulled the drain plug and looked at the cross pin. I would have to pull the carrier and ring gear to install the locker. I am going to use that as a good excuse to order some 5.38 gears soon.



I pulled a plug or two to check the new carb jetting. All in all not bad, maybe a little rich? I have a vacuum leak right now so I am going to wait a little bit before I change jetting.



Then I started making some longer shackles......drill, saw, sand.



Install....



Before, 42" to the top of the tub in the rear.



After. Just under 43" to the top of the tub in the rear.

Overall I think the jeep looks much more level and will have more weight capacity overall before it squats too much. I think I added about 1" more compression travel from ride height which is probably a good thing.

All in all a good few days. I hope my new carb gasket comes in so I can retune the carb. Stupid vacuum leak.

[bishopdunn]

Looks good. What did you use for the new shackles?

[Metcalf]

The shackles are just some 1/4" plate out of the scrap bin.