Features 1937 to 1942 Willys Picture Thread

KILLER color!

 

Think so, Jeff. Here are a couple from Bakersfield.

 

I just got back from buy this Willys truck. I built and owned it from '93-'99 and sold it to fund a '32 5 window (which I still have). So dad and I fly to Reno and drove it back home to Iowa. What an awesome adventure to have with him, being reunited with the truck, getting to see the Bonneville salt flats and what do we run across but a Willys coupe along the side of a highway in the middle of Nevada.

 

Nice looking truck. Were you able to buy the coupe?

 

Thanks nobod. No, we knocked on the shop door and asked if it were for sale and were given a stern no and the door slammed.

 

Well it was worth a shot. The only way to have a chance at those ones is a trade for something else that he is interested in that is further along especially if it runs and drives. Imagine a decent body 55 Chevy 2 door post that needs built but runs and drives or a used Harley Davidson if he is a bike guy.

 

Yes Bob is still around and still has his pickup , are you bringing your newest build to any shows here in town? I'd love to see it

 

I have noticed that the wheelbase gets longer on the later models, but was there also a change in cabin width between the 33-36 and the 37-42's?
Cheers

 

37 on changed the wheelbase by changing the axle positions (starting in 39) on the leaf spring and hinging the front springs on the rear eye and changing the wheel opening in the fenders accordingly. JW

 

Did the width of the cabin change at all between 33 and 42?

 

Yes , 33-36 are completely different (Series 77), they are much narrower than the 37-42's. The later didn't change the cabin size from 37-40. That's where my personal experience ends. I have a 35 and a 37. There were small changes but didn't affect the cabin size.

 

Visually I thought they were wider but I was just not sure. Is it something like 4" wider?

 

At least! My wife and I were shoulder to shoulder in my 36 sedan and in my 40 coupe there was room for a console between us.

Pat

 

I said they were narrower. JW

 

I found out the hard way, when I bought my 38 there was no frame so I found a frame from a 40 4 Dr and boxed it and was getting it ready to go under my 38, problem was that some 40 and the 41/42 are a little longer and wider. My 40 frame is a 1-1/2 longer and 2-3/4 wider in the rear area so my 38 body would not fit the frame that I had found and boxed. They also have a totally different X member in the later frame. Now my thinking is that somewhere in the 40 and up is where that change was made. So off I went looking for a 37 to 39 frame so it would mate up to my body. I located a 37 4 Dr and have the frame I needed. I think the later frames 40/42 are different in the front also, I have never laid my first frame on my 37 frame to see how much different it is, you have me curious now and will have to stack them and see just how much different they are, I also know the the springs and hanger are different. This is what I found so if you have a body with no frame and are looking for the correct one you should do some investigating before you buy, make sure your body bolts to the frame you are using. Just my finding, but I would be sure you have the right stuff. I lucked out the 37 4 Dr was giving to me if I came and got it, the 40 frame that now sets on top of my dog kennel is a small mistake I made when I started my Sedan, everyone I had spoke to told me that they were all the same and they are not. Just a word to the wise as they say Measure Twice Then Cut well it apply here Measure Twice Before You Buy. 38 2 Dr Sedan/Tony

 

Are you sure it wasn't really a '41 frame. Could have been misrepresented or even had the serial number tag swapped. '41 and up rails are also kinked more at the rear horns and I think a bit deeper from end to end as well.

 

41-42 Willys frames are about 2" wider and heavier duty frames than the 37-40 frames.

 

It could be a 41, the guy that told me about it couldn't remember what year it was for sure, all I know is it doesn't fit the 37 to 39 body's.

 

I have a 40 coupe chassis here that is the same dimensions as my 37's one, the 40 even still has the stampings for the front brake cables in the rails. Tony, I bet it is a 41 item you have. JW

 

I think this might be another one of the Willys that never made it further than the brochure. Anyone hazard a guess what year it might have been done based on any features that might have been carried over from others Willys made?

 

Have the dummy engine torn down to get at the starter. Been fighting that for a couple months. Ford FE starters are a real problem but I think I have it surrounded. I need to get an enclosed trailer to haul it around. Pulled it on a flat bed trailer to its photo shoot. On the way home got lazy and didn't put on the car cover and the top blew off! Had to blow a new bubble and redo the top rim. Be much safer to get the trailer but they cost as much as the car did to build.

 

Yes JW, I believe that is what I have, I did a little more digging and that is what I have come to believe mine is. Thanks for the input, Hope things are going ok for you, I have a new job so things are looking up for me again, finishing my brother 65 GMC truck so I can get back on the 38 again, be safe and have fun. Tony

 

After a few years of searching, my dad finally saw his old '40 that he sold in 1980. He found it on a YouTube video at a car show on Long Island from 2013. If anyone knows the car, please contact me. Here's how it looked when he had it and then on the video.

 

1942 Willys Coupe with a Ford 427
Cammer.

 

Another shot of us at 'The Beach'. Great track and wonderful memories. This shot was around 1968. We were getting the new tires and wheelie bars dialed in. Enjoy, Dick M

 

Opps, forgot to add the photo. Another shot of us at 'The Beach'. Great track and wonderful memories. This shot was around 1968. We were getting the new tires and wheelie bars dialed in. Enjoy, Dick M