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Willys Pickups?

Discussion in 'Jeep Truck and FC Tech' started by colojeepguy, Oct 22, 2016.

  1. Jun 23, 2017
    teletech

    teletech Member

    Santa Cruz, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2016
    Messages:
    236
    My mom got nostalgic for her grandfather's pickup some years ago and I found her a very clean and mostly unmolested 1957 PU.
    I did change it to 12V w/electronic ignition for reliability and later put a TBI system on the flat-head motor mostly because the carter had no fast-idle with the choke and mom was having a hard time in the winter. Other than that, the truck was surprisingly usable as a daily driver!

    I would just suggest that given how rare uncut ones are, it should be easy to find something already modded to get you at least close to your goal.
     

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    ojgrsoi and ITLKSEZ like this.
  2. Jun 23, 2017
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    I don't drive my wagon in traffic now because of insurance, but as far as being usable as a daily driver I agree it's not that much different than driving any other vehicle. Having said that any vehicle that isn't an automatic isn't all that great to drive in heavy traffic that is stop and go, traffic lights to deal with etc.
     
  3. Jun 23, 2017
    commanlerwrangdo

    commanlerwrangdo Member

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2014
    Messages:
    470
    Yes, It's amazing how even a few "early modern" updates, like TBI and an internal regulated alternator, can really enhance the original driving experience. Peppy, the 67 Commando is my current daily traveler. GM alt and a few circuit improvements are the only mods really done to it and it does an hour on the highway like nothing. Also been amazed at how well the Ross steering works in Peppy - you truly have a feel for the road with no looseness. Guess it helps I keep it greased and it just rolled 61,400 onto the clock during my last trip to the storage/shop. :)
     
  4. Jun 23, 2017
    teletech

    teletech Member

    Santa Cruz, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2016
    Messages:
    236
    It's true, actually the clutch was why we finally sold her truck. We didn't want to modify it otherwise with an automatic she'd still be using it.
     
  5. Jun 23, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,754
    These vehicles were considered absolutely normal as daily drivers, within recent memory.

    In the '70s and '80s my only vehicle for ten years was a 1950 F-head pickup.
     
  6. Jun 23, 2017
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    Up until April '08 the main thing I drove to work was one of the Jeeps. Traffic around here was the main reason I retired them.
     
  7. Oct 10, 2017
    txtoller

    txtoller Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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    May 28, 2014
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    I know that I am late to the game, but you can get a salvaged JKU...then you can run all modern, just need to cut 2" out of the front of the bed...grin
     
  8. Apr 25, 2018
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
    Joined:
    Apr 11, 2012
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    1,427
    A friend of mine lives outside of town, and daily drives a Willys pickup. Smooth as glass with that flathead, and with modern radials and good brakes, he has no trouble. It's been great for him. He is just not in a hurry, and keeps below 55 most of the time.
     
  9. Apr 25, 2018
    commanlerwrangdo

    commanlerwrangdo Member

    Cleveland, Ohio
    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2014
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    470
    Sounds like your friend and I would get along great. Just garaged the CJ5 with the TBI two Sundays ago to break out Peppy again. Sat in the garage all winter. I connected the battery and pulled the choke shut and it fired right up. Brakes nice and tight just like when I parked it. Got me to work the next morning. Had to overcome a few wiring connection issues with the RR lights and the fuel gauge and the battery hot side lead (made my own fusiblel ink), but been a daily traveller since.

    Love stuff you can fix without calling the parts store!:D
     
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