Welcome from Colorado, Gary. If you're planning to do a chassis conversion, then make sure that you do your research and due diligence and make a solid plan. This will save you lots of time & Money. I went with a complete Chassis Conversion on my 57 Willys Pickup. I'm not that mechanically inclined, but for me, the chassis conversion was the perfect choice. I found a donor truck, a late model 1987 Chevy Full size 4X4 Pickup, with regular cab and short bed. It was also the Same Wheelbase as the Willys Pickup. I thought, "what are the Interfaces with the Willys Body & the Donor's Complete Chassis and Running Gear"? The Interfaces are: Body Mounts, Steering, Pedal Functions, and Wiring. Once you get these four functions figured out and done, you end up with the Old Charm of the Willys Pickup attached to a GM Factory Designed and Built, with ALL Critical Systems Fully Upgraded & Modernized, and SAFE & Reliable Underneath!!! I believe this is the Best of Both Worlds. I've since done a Cab Extension so I'd have more leg room, and my Son in Law and I are in the final phase of converting the Truck to One Ton Axles and All the "Other Stuff" that goes with that.
There are other chassis conversions done using other donor trucks as well. Being a Chevy Guy, I went with Chevy. The original Build with the Chassis Conversion, took One Year. I've had it on the road for six years now with zero issues. Good luck with your near future project. Make and Post a Build Log if you go with the Chassis Conversion Project and post lots of pictures along the way. This is the Forum to be in as there are a lot of Knowledgeable Willys Guys and Gals on here that are very helpful. So Holler if you need advice or help! John (aka: Pivnic)
