Sparky Powers
Supporting Vendor
I finally have time in my life to work on a project because "I want to" and not "have to". I've wanted a Willys Wagon for years so I looked on Craigslist and sure enough there she was, $500 and a two hour drive. Best of all... I got the OK from my wife.
I decided to post the build of my '56 Wagon for a couple of reasons. First and most important reason is I am new to Willys and also to 4WD. Secondly this will be my first build that will require a large amount of fabrication. I hope that with the collective knowledge and talent of this forum I will produce a finshed project that I will be proud of and that will be safe. I openly want opinions and criticism through out the course of this build. Thx in advance.
Ultimately I want to retain the stock look while updating the drivetrain so I will be able to use it as a daily driver and also do some moderate trail work. After reading thru many different build threads, web sites and books I decided to find a late 70's Wagoneer as a donor vehicle. Back to Craigslist I went and found a '79 Wagoneer Chief for $500. Thx to my dad who stripped it down and brought the parts I needed down to me.
Upgrades will include, (but subject to change):
2005 GM 5.3L V8
*T-18 4 speed Wide Ratio Transmission
*Dana 20 Transfer Case
*Dana 44 axles with Disc Brakes in the front
*Power Brakes
*Saginaw Powers Steering
*GM Steering Column
Completely new wiring.
Roof Rack
Winch
Hurculine floor
Larger Fuel Tank
(* came out of the Wagoneer)
The Find
Bringing it home 006 by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
Not too bad after sitting in the desert for more than 15 years.
Bringing it home 002 by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
Loaded up and heading home.
Bringing it home 003 by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
PO decided to throw in an engine. Ran the #'s..... '69 Corvette 350 with 202 fueler heads. Free's always a good price.
Bringing it home 004 by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
PO tried to repair the rotted out floors. :shock:
Bringing it home 79 jeep 007 by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
"$500 and it runs and drives?"... I'll take it!
Dana 20 w trans by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
Got lucky, it is a Wide Ratio trans.
More to come.
I decided to post the build of my '56 Wagon for a couple of reasons. First and most important reason is I am new to Willys and also to 4WD. Secondly this will be my first build that will require a large amount of fabrication. I hope that with the collective knowledge and talent of this forum I will produce a finshed project that I will be proud of and that will be safe. I openly want opinions and criticism through out the course of this build. Thx in advance.
Ultimately I want to retain the stock look while updating the drivetrain so I will be able to use it as a daily driver and also do some moderate trail work. After reading thru many different build threads, web sites and books I decided to find a late 70's Wagoneer as a donor vehicle. Back to Craigslist I went and found a '79 Wagoneer Chief for $500. Thx to my dad who stripped it down and brought the parts I needed down to me.
Upgrades will include, (but subject to change):
2005 GM 5.3L V8
*T-18 4 speed Wide Ratio Transmission
*Dana 20 Transfer Case
*Dana 44 axles with Disc Brakes in the front
*Power Brakes
*Saginaw Powers Steering
*GM Steering Column
Completely new wiring.
Roof Rack
Winch
Hurculine floor
Larger Fuel Tank
(* came out of the Wagoneer)
The Find
Bringing it home 006 by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
Not too bad after sitting in the desert for more than 15 years.
Bringing it home 002 by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
Loaded up and heading home.
Bringing it home 003 by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
PO decided to throw in an engine. Ran the #'s..... '69 Corvette 350 with 202 fueler heads. Free's always a good price.
Bringing it home 004 by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
PO tried to repair the rotted out floors. :shock:
Bringing it home 79 jeep 007 by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
"$500 and it runs and drives?"... I'll take it!
Dana 20 w trans by Sparky Powers, on Flickr
Got lucky, it is a Wide Ratio trans.
More to come.
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