I hope you kind folks don't mind me butting in, but I've got a shot at a
1958 Willys pickup with military running gear, spare 4 cylinder engine and other parts. Body's straight with one rust spot behind right front fender and rusted windshield center post. Paint is peeling in spots, otherwise it is in near perfect condition. I don't know the mileage, but it does run. About what should I expect to pay? I think I can get it for $2000.TIA,
Moon
Wow, I love the look of the truck in that pickup Bill ...I wanna buy one of those :)
Yup, that's what it looks like. And yes, it does have a four cylinder engine, what it is out of, I have no idea. The seller has it in an old warehouse here in Florida, it has been sitting for a while. I do not believe that he has any idea as to what he has, its value, or what it has in regards to equipment (i.e., running gear, engine, etc.), or the true history of the vehicle. I do know that I am not qualified to evaluate anything but body and chassis condition, I know little to nothing about the Willys O.E. or what will interchange, or even monetary value. I do know my way around a shop, but I have never owned or worked on a Willys vehicle. Thanks for the reply,
Moon
If the seller can't verify what's in it, the extras like saying it 'has military' running gear are of no extra value. If the body is really in great shape and the whole thing is complete, $2k is a realistic range. I've seen them go for a lot less, not a lot more. You say it runs, but not how well or clean it does - that makes a huge difference. The fact that it has a 4 banger in it probably diminishes the valus some since they all came with a 6 in them. The 4 is probably from a regular Jeep and with the gearing in the truck, you'd be lucky to get 55 mph out of it - Not a great freeway driver.
As far as the rusted center post on the windshield, that pops right out with a couple screws and is easy to work on. Replacement parts are non existant for that part from what I've seen, so have that piece oxide blasted to really strip it good and welded up & ground smooth as perfect as you can get. Everything else is pretty easy to get for these trucks, since they share a lot of parts with the Willys Wagons.
Good luck, - JG
Thanks for the info. This guy is usually pretty reliable, but, like I said, he don't know jack about this truck. The running gear is probably original, and the engine in it is a little weak. I did some checking around, and I believe the engine may be the L-134 four cylinder. As for myself, I have always loved this style of truck, and if I get it, I intend to paint it to match my Harley. I may swap out the motor, depending on what will fit or the price of an adapter kit. A fuel injected
300 Ford I-6 is what I would like to put in it, I will just have to wait and see. I don't need it to go fast, it just needs to go everywhere :) Once again, Thank You. If I get this truck, I may be back in touch to try to find a repair manual.Keep the Shiny Side Up,
Moon
Where's it at?
I'd certainly take it for that plus some.
NT
Ain't tellin', I'll have it at the house in two weeks :)
Moon
Molly, our '49 looks pretty much like that but she has a flat front. Also, she has the mighty 4-134 banging out 60 thundering horses! In reverse gear with the transfer compounded down into low-range that gives her plenty of power to bend a wheel. I ended up with two bent wheels doing this.
Anyway, if the spare motor is also a 134 and pretty close to running condition (and the p.u. is 4wd) then this is a GREAT deal. I recommend replacing the column shifter with a tower shifter that goes through the floorboard straight into the trany. Three lovin' gears is a plenty.
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