Willys Guy
Bigger Hammer
I found an early 1950 Jeepster with the L148 six and the VIN plate to support that engine. Some say this never happened, but here are my findings. Thanks.
The Jeepster
Some Say Never Happened
I purchased an early 1950 Willys Jeepster from a guy in upstate Wisconsin, serial number VJ3-6 10996, in June 2021 that is one of the most unique Jeepster I have ever seen (Picture 1).
Picture 1
This Jeepster has the L148 six cylinder engine, no overdrive, no side steps, no hood emblems, no radio, no "T" Bar, paint grade tub and dash caps, but came with 4.56 rear end gears, and the 11 inch mountain brake option. It did come with the hood spear and the front bumperettes.
I know many folks do not think Willys made any 1948/49 body style Jeepsters in 1950, but all the records show the last Jeepster made in 1949 with the L148 six was 10654. My research shows that there were in fact 347 Jeepsters made in early 1950 with the L148 six, ending with serial number 11,001. If this information is correct the Jeepster I have was the last of the five made with the L148 six and the 1948/49 body style. The 1950 models with the L161 six begin with a new prefix, 673 VJ and start with serial number 10,001.
The engine, power train and the frame were in need of cleaning, new gaskets and seals, new brakes and new oil and gear service, but all the pieces were in relatively good condition, even the splash pans were present, (Picture 2).
Picture 2
The body however, was mostly rusted out and held together by an earlier fiberglass patch and paint job. After some sanding and looking under some parts, I could tell the Jeepster was originally the two tone green, pine green and sportsmans green.
I found a replacement body with the same early 1950 parts, including the later style square door latches, and the same original green two tone paint. After a steep learning curve and several trips to the physical therapy office I finally finished the body and paint work (Picture 3).
Picture 3
This Jeepster is now at the upholstery shop getting a new top and side curtains. I know the color is not original, and I added the "T" Bar to finish off the front end, but I cannot help thinking someone ordered what I understand to be the economy model Jeepster but wanted the L148 six, and the 11 inch brake option, go figure.
The Jeepster
Some Say Never Happened
I purchased an early 1950 Willys Jeepster from a guy in upstate Wisconsin, serial number VJ3-6 10996, in June 2021 that is one of the most unique Jeepster I have ever seen (Picture 1).
Picture 1
This Jeepster has the L148 six cylinder engine, no overdrive, no side steps, no hood emblems, no radio, no "T" Bar, paint grade tub and dash caps, but came with 4.56 rear end gears, and the 11 inch mountain brake option. It did come with the hood spear and the front bumperettes.
I know many folks do not think Willys made any 1948/49 body style Jeepsters in 1950, but all the records show the last Jeepster made in 1949 with the L148 six was 10654. My research shows that there were in fact 347 Jeepsters made in early 1950 with the L148 six, ending with serial number 11,001. If this information is correct the Jeepster I have was the last of the five made with the L148 six and the 1948/49 body style. The 1950 models with the L161 six begin with a new prefix, 673 VJ and start with serial number 10,001.
The engine, power train and the frame were in need of cleaning, new gaskets and seals, new brakes and new oil and gear service, but all the pieces were in relatively good condition, even the splash pans were present, (Picture 2).
Picture 2
The body however, was mostly rusted out and held together by an earlier fiberglass patch and paint job. After some sanding and looking under some parts, I could tell the Jeepster was originally the two tone green, pine green and sportsmans green.
I found a replacement body with the same early 1950 parts, including the later style square door latches, and the same original green two tone paint. After a steep learning curve and several trips to the physical therapy office I finally finished the body and paint work (Picture 3).
Picture 3
This Jeepster is now at the upholstery shop getting a new top and side curtains. I know the color is not original, and I added the "T" Bar to finish off the front end, but I cannot help thinking someone ordered what I understand to be the economy model Jeepster but wanted the L148 six, and the 11 inch brake option, go figure.
