Last week I joined the Willys community with the purchase of a 1961 Utility Wagon, the "Black Mariah". It's mostly original, 80K miles, original drive train except for larger tires. So original in fact, I believe the spark plugs are fused to the head with rust. But true to form, the truck starts right up and runs great. I want to make sure it's reliable. It is not a daily driver but I would like to take it when I ski (locally). We now have three cars with a combined age of 90.
First question: should I buy another head and replace the current one as a first step? Again, the engine runs fine.
My brother-in-law owns an old pickup - he thinks I should drive it "as is" until something breaks. I am thinking of buying F-226 engine parts on eBay, block, crank, head and building it up with new parts from Kaiser Willys and lots of help from the local old school machine shop. I'm at the impressionable age of 61 and ready for a challenge. I am a poor mechanic but I have tools and a willingness to fail. After all, I'm a musician.
What do you think, experienced Willys friends? Thanks for your consideration.
First question: should I buy another head and replace the current one as a first step? Again, the engine runs fine.
My brother-in-law owns an old pickup - he thinks I should drive it "as is" until something breaks. I am thinking of buying F-226 engine parts on eBay, block, crank, head and building it up with new parts from Kaiser Willys and lots of help from the local old school machine shop. I'm at the impressionable age of 61 and ready for a challenge. I am a poor mechanic but I have tools and a willingness to fail. After all, I'm a musician.
What do you think, experienced Willys friends? Thanks for your consideration.