Willys Weaknesses and how to fix them

nwestwood

nwestwood

Gear Grinder
Jun 18, 2014
11
Utah
First Name
Neal
Willys Model
  1. Pickup
Willys Year:
  1. 1955
Since I'm doing a frame off restoration now, I want to make sure I correct any of the common problems/weaknesses while preserving the authenticity as much as I can. Please reply and add your experiences so that I do this right. A few that I can think of from my reading are:

1) Upgrade to electronic ignition
2) Add an overdrive for modern freeway speeds.
3) Add turn signals

My truck is a 1955 Super Hurricane Motor, please tell me what other items I should consider as work to restore this great vehicle.

thank you ahead of time.

Neal Westwood - Utah
 
You see I really dont see ignition points as a weakness. We have 2 other old trucks that run points and they start up every time, just set them up with a feeler gauge and dont leave the ignition on or they will burn out. Im leaving mine stock, but if your doing alot of driving a double pot master cylinder may be a good idea. The drums all around are just fine if everything is working correctly, and the drivetrain is stock.

What turn signals are you looking at? Any progress pics?
 
mine has an old aftermarket turn signal mounted on the steering column, manufacturer name is "spartan". I've posted pics of my start in another thread here.

http://www.oldwillysforum.com/forum/showthread.php?5872-1955-Willys-Truck-First-Project-Weak-spark

After I get the engine rebuilt I'll have to think hard about whether I want it as an original show truck, and basically parked, or if I want to relax and use it around town more often, and do some upgrades. Right now I'm in the tear it apart and work my way back up stage.
 
Hello Neal. I assume that you are going to keep the vehicle original stock? New Brakes are always a good thing to do to any old truck along with a tune up. Replacing all the rubber bushings etc, go over the steering components, new shocks, replace all the fluids. New tires if needed. Make sure everything is tight. That will get you pretty close. Good Luck, Post some pictures of your truck. Pivnic
 
nwestwood said:
mine has an old aftermarket turn signal mounted on the steering column, manufacturer name is "spartan". I've posted pics of my start in another thread here.
Click to expand...

That's actually the stock turn signal, even though it does look like an aftermarket add-on. On Mathman's site, he's got photos and instruction on how to take that unit apart and clean it up.
 
SuperHurricane said:
That's actually the stock turn signal, even though it does look like an aftermarket add-on. On Mathman's site, he's got photos and instruction on how to take that unit apart and clean it up.
Click to expand...

Not sure I'd call the Spartan switch a 'stock' switch - I know the factory parts books has a turn signal setup listed in the back but it doesn't have a picture of the switch. The Spartans I've seen are nice in that they have the self-canceling wheel that runs on the bottom edge of the steering wheel. The link to the information I have on the Spartan (and a similar Allstate) switch is at:

http://www.jeep-trucks.com/index.php?page=guide&group=electrical&part=turn_signal&action=spartan
 
I replaced my harness as I did a full frame off restoration. I built mine to drive around so I have upgraded the following. Front disk brakes and dual master cylinder, overdrive, radial tires, modern stereo. My wagon has a rebuilt 226 and the stock 4.27 differentials. It will run 70 mph but it is not real happy over 65 mph so I stay off the interstates most of the time. I am about 8,000 mi since the resatoration and it has been extreemly dependable. I get about 17 to 18 mpg on the road.
 
mathman said:
Not sure I'd call the Spartan switch a 'stock' switch - I know the factory parts books has a turn signal setup listed in the back but it doesn't have a picture of the switch. The Spartans I've seen are nice in that they have the self-canceling wheel that runs on the bottom edge of the steering wheel. The link to the information I have on the Spartan (and a similar Allstate) switch is at:

http://www.jeep-trucks.com/index.php?page=guide&group=electrical&part=turn_signal&action=spartan
Click to expand...

Interesting...do you think turn signal units were installed at the dealership? I'm pretty sure that the Spartan switch is the only switch my truck has ever had.

But to answer your question Neal, as the owner of a stock pickup, I've got to say that there is no such thing as a Willys 'weakness'!

But as far as upgrading while maintaining a good degree of authenticity, here's what I'd do (in this order):

1) radial tires
2) dual chamber master cylinder
3) front disc brakes (FYI: 61zep on this forum is producing a caliper bracket that will work with stock wheels)
4) overdrive.

Good luck!
 
To Echo the lists above..., but I have one more.

1) Dual Master Cylinder with remote reservoirs
2) Overdrive
3) SEATBELTS!
4) Turnsignals

There are varying degrees of a full restoration, but as long as you focus on making the braking system reliable and sound, and add Seatbelts for safety....everything else is secondary. I personally am going to try running some old looking bias ply gnarly treaded tires because I like the authentic "farm truck" look. I don't plan on much driving above 55mph, so hopefully they'll work fine. An easy swap down the road if I need to.
 
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