Donor vehicles for your Wagon

Lef13

Lef13

Sharpest Tool
Feb 18, 2011
437
Salton City, CA
Willys Model
Willys Year:
I have a 48 wagon that has been welded on more times then I have busted a knuckel turning a wrench. I got it for $650 so cann't compain but I don't trust the frame. Could do a custom frame but after all the upgrades I want to through at it a donor seems the like its the way to go. (and promised the wife ac).

Who have used what as a donor for their wagons?

Pro's? Con's? Ideas? Experiences? Advise?

:?:
 
Hello Michael. My 63 wagon is on a stock frame with a small block Chevy V-8 for power. I'm currently working on my 57 Willys Pickup/Chevy Chassis Conversion. Here is my Build Log for this project:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3805815/1 ... lys-pickup
I have read where a Chevy S-10 4x4 Chassis is the same wheel base as the Willys Wagon. You would have to check as to which configuration of the S-10 is the same wheel base (Reg Cab with Long box, or Extended Cab Reg box, etc). Getting the same wheel base is KEY. With my chassis conversion, both vehicles were the same wheel base and that sure has been huge savings in both time and money! Someone on this forum will have additional ideas on this topic and they will hop in with good info for you too. Good luck with your project, and take lots of pictures and post them!
 
Pivnic said:
Hello Michael. My 63 wagon is on a stock frame with a small block Chevy V-8 for power. I'm currently working on my 57 Willys Pickup/Chevy Chassis Conversion. Here is my Build Log for this project:
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3805815/1 ... lys-pickup
I have read where a Chevy S-10 4x4 Chassis is the same wheel base as the Willys Wagon. You would have to check as to which configuration of the S-10 is the same wheel base (Reg Cab with Long box, or Extended Cab Reg box, etc). Getting the same wheel base is KEY. With my chassis conversion, both vehicles were the same wheel base and that sure has been huge savings in both time and money! Someone on this forum will have additional ideas on this topic and they will hop in with good info for you too. Good luck with your project, and take lots of pictures and post them!
Click to expand...
 
Hi Michael. I may be wrong about an S-10 working for a new chassis for your wagon. Your Wag's Wheel Base is at 106 inches. Maybe a S-10 Short bed, regular cab might be closer. I did find a link that indicates the wheel bases, and widths and tracks of lots of vehicles. Some guys use a Blazer for a Wagon, but the Blazer is 2 inches longer... Here's the link, check it out. http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki ... asurements
 
That's a great list. I am a bit more into hearing the problemns with each donor. Like the header problemns you ran into. I'm torn on several donors ranging from an S10 or a Cherokee, Dodge ram, or keeping it 2wd and using a Dart Swinger.... Even looking at a few I may need to stretch the front fender out 5" and add a set of rear Willy's truck fenders to match the front.

Hoping seeing what other people have done may help me make up my mind.
 
If keeping it a 2wd vehicle there is nothing wrong with the original frame....boxing, welding and grinding. Some people put a Mustang II front-end under them and they work fine....drive like a go-cart.
 
Salviging my frame would be like trying to enter frankinstien in a beauty pageant. You could do it but realy your just setting your self up for failure.

I was looking a a few nova clips but for the same price you can get a whole vehicle and still sell the scrap for some denaro to keep rocking on the Willy's!
 
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