Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Yukon Jack** · 07-25-2008, 09:59 AM

Yesterday I stopped at a Dillons in Wichita, KS to get fuel for the K5 and pick up some bread. While I was fueling I noticed a pair of old Willy's jeeps parked on the other side of the parking lot. I drove over there and two young guys were securing the load on one of the Willy's.

I stopped and talked to the guys, Paul and Evan, and it turns out they are traveling from Virginia to California in a pair of 48 Willy's jeeps, a CJ-2A and a CJ-3A.

Paul and Evan tore these jeeps apart about 8 months ago and then worked to get them ready for this adventure that will take them about 6,500 miles - pretty impressive!

One of the jeeps has a mid 60's Buick (I think) V6 that has been modified and puts out quite a bit of power, the other has a Flathead 4 cylinder that has seen war time.

As I was checking out their rigs one of the guys mentioned his battery box located above the rear driver's side tire had broke free not long ago and hit the tire. I offered the assistance of a buddy of mine who I knew would weld it back together so they didn't have to worry about that causing any more problems.

Along the way they have had to replace a head gasket and rebuild one of the transmissions. Very cool to see young guys (they are in their early 20's) who have a passion for these old rigs and have a hands on approach to their vehicles.

They are blogging about their trip at Dueling Flatfenders - if you have a few minutes check out their progress on this very cool trip.

Here is a pic from their blog

**Ron 586** · 07-25-2008, 10:28 AM

Ahhhh to be young again. Cool. Thanks.

**68,69 K20** · 07-25-2008, 10:50 AM

Cool idea, sounds like a blast.

**ed2552** · 07-25-2008, 10:51 AM

Sweet

**NONHOG** · 07-25-2008, 11:27 AM

Thats awesome , I had plans as a younger man to "road trip" but once I joined the work force I forgot about it . Maybe when I retire

**glock35ipsc** · 07-25-2008, 11:30 AM

Very cool! And they mentioned you in their blog, and included some pics of your Blazer!

**rod86** · 07-25-2008, 12:02 PM

thats awsome...

**Riveted1** · 07-25-2008, 01:55 PM

That looks like so much fun! Props to you and your buddy for helping em out. Looks like they are getting tons of support from all over!

**72BlckButy** · 07-25-2008, 02:24 PM

That would be so much fun.... hope they have a safe trip!

**Longhorn321** · 07-25-2008, 02:45 PM

Must be nice! Dang rich punks! Just Kidding...I am jealous tho.

**Yukon Jack** · 07-25-2008, 02:51 PM

Yep, it was very cool meeting up with them and I was thoroughly impressed with their skills and knowledge of their vehicles.

I take my hat off to anybody that can rebuild a tranny in one day out on the road.

One of the guys is a machinist and he rebuilt both motors (including hot rodding the V6) and sounds like they did everything on both Willy's from teardown to reassembly in about 8 months.

The future of hot rodding is well and good with people like this out there.

LUV2XCLR8 · 07-25-2008, 02:52 PM

Man oh man, I wish I could afford to do that, sounds like the experiance of a lifetime

**Yukon Jack** · 07-25-2008, 02:56 PM

Here's a link to a cool article about them from a newspaper in their area.

Wow! One of the Willy's started out like this

screwballl · 07-25-2008, 03:25 PM

wow very cool... I myself have been coast to coast in a car... although not in one trip but over the course of 6 years... ah yes fun times

PanelDeland · 07-25-2008, 05:08 PM

Looks like a cool deal.i wanna go.

"Honey, can I quit work for the next 6 months?"

She said not only NO but he77 NO!!

Kurt L · 07-25-2008, 09:01 PM

thats very impressive. great pair of guys.

CG · 07-25-2008, 09:08 PM

If I ever get my panel done Im going to do a coast to coast. I did a Seattle to Maine, down the east coast and back through the center of the country home to Seattle on my motorcycle, by myself. A trip of a life time...over 7000 miles. Maybe in the panel I can convince my honey to come with. =)

rwgregory · 07-25-2008, 09:42 PM

Many years ago I owned a '47 CJ-2A. Stock gearing on those Jeeps was 5.38. That is going to make for a very sloooow cross country trip.

**Yukon Jack** · 07-25-2008, 10:05 PM

These are still running 5.38's - they indicated 55 mph was about all the could go.

07-25-2008, 09:59 AM	#1
Yukon Jack Mechanically Challenged Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 11,904	Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country Yesterday I stopped at a Dillons in Wichita, KS to get fuel for the K5 and pick up some bread. While I was fueling I noticed a pair of old Willy's jeeps parked on the other side of the parking lot. I drove over there and two young guys were securing the load on one of the Willy's. I stopped and talked to the guys, Paul and Evan, and it turns out they are traveling from Virginia to California in a pair of 48 Willy's jeeps, a CJ-2A and a CJ-3A. Paul and Evan tore these jeeps apart about 8 months ago and then worked to get them ready for this adventure that will take them about 6,500 miles - pretty impressive! One of the jeeps has a mid 60's Buick (I think) V6 that has been modified and puts out quite a bit of power, the other has a Flathead 4 cylinder that has seen war time. As I was checking out their rigs one of the guys mentioned his battery box located above the rear driver's side tire had broke free not long ago and hit the tire. I offered the assistance of a buddy of mine who I knew would weld it back together so they didn't have to worry about that causing any more problems. Along the way they have had to replace a head gasket and rebuild one of the transmissions. Very cool to see young guys (they are in their early 20's) who have a passion for these old rigs and have a hands on approach to their vehicles. They are blogging about their trip at Dueling Flatfenders - if you have a few minutes check out their progress on this very cool trip. Here is a pic from their blog __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift Roadworthy! 1969 K20 with a 454, a bit of lift and 35's Yukon Jack's Web Pages Last edited by Yukon Jack; 07-25-2008 at 10:05 AM.

07-25-2008, 10:28 AM	#2
Ron 586 Yeah I Did Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Sandy, Tn. 38221 Posts: 5,830	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country Ahhhh to be young again. Cool. Thanks. __________________ Ron (Mr Round Tuit) My Photobucket \| Chevy and GMC Truck Club \| StreetCruizin http://s348.photobucket.com/albums/q356/ron586/ http://www.bornagainamerican.org/

07-25-2008, 10:50 AM	#3
68,69 K20 Complete Loser Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York Posts: 2,148	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country Cool idea, sounds like a blast. __________________ Mike 69 K20 R.I.P General Motors 1908-2009

07-25-2008, 10:51 AM	#4
ed2552 One Ton X2 Club!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Southern MN Posts: 1,461	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country Sweet __________________ 72' GMC C2500, 350, TH400(?), Dana 60 '67 K10 4-spd., 305, SM465, Dana 44, 12 Bolt, RUST! '67 C20, 250 I6, 4 speed, LWB, Eaton HO-52, Rear Coil Springs '65 C60 292, 4 spd, 2 spd Rearend, 15' Grain Box, MINT! 2003 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi, 3.8L S/C, DD There are no stupid questions on this board, the only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked and makes you feel stupid in the end.

07-25-2008, 11:27 AM	#5
NONHOG Wantsanother67-72someday Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Puyallup,Washington Posts: 1,448	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country Thats awesome , I had plans as a younger man to "road trip" but once I joined the work force I forgot about it . Maybe when I retire __________________ 49 GMC panel 08 Silverado 4.3 (needs a Turbo) 65 Oldsmobile Cutlass 425 (455 swap coming,soon) Last edited by NONHOG; 07-25-2008 at 11:27 AM.

07-25-2008, 12:02 PM	#7
rod86 great southern land Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: perth - australia Posts: 6,102	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country thats awsome... __________________ rod 86 chevy c10 silverado

07-25-2008, 01:55 PM	#8
Riveted1 Tasty Cakes! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,751	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country That looks like so much fun! Props to you and your buddy for helping em out. Looks like they are getting tons of support from all over! __________________ I'm a little and a lot Ground beef: A cow with no legs. ---------------- '67 Chevy Big Window SWB- aka "Pearl" '99 Chevy Ext. cab Silverado Next PHOENIX event:

07-25-2008, 02:24 PM	#9
72BlckButy Ready for spring... Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 17,652	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country That would be so much fun.... hope they have a safe trip! __________________ -Nate 69 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), 6-lug Rally 15x7's (F) 15x8's (R), 250 I-6) 08 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package (Link)) Help Support the Board here... Krue's FAQs Page 2010 Missouri Car Show, Cruise, and Swap Meet Guide (updated 2/5/10) Last edited by 72BlckButy; 07-25-2008 at 02:24 PM.

07-25-2008, 02:45 PM	#10
Longhorn321 Size Matters Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lyman, SC Posts: 2,808	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country Must be nice! Dang rich punks! Just Kidding...I am jealous tho. __________________ ...WOOOO HOOOO!!!!

07-25-2008, 02:51 PM	#11
Yukon Jack Mechanically Challenged Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 11,904	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country Yep, it was very cool meeting up with them and I was thoroughly impressed with their skills and knowledge of their vehicles. I take my hat off to anybody that can rebuild a tranny in one day out on the road. One of the guys is a machinist and he rebuilt both motors (including hot rodding the V6) and sounds like they did everything on both Willy's from teardown to reassembly in about 8 months. The future of hot rodding is well and good with people like this out there. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift Roadworthy! 1969 K20 with a 454, a bit of lift and 35's Yukon Jack's Web Pages

07-25-2008, 02:52 PM	#12
LUV2XCLR8 Doesn't Play Well With Others Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: TN Posts: 30,009	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country Man oh man, I wish I could afford to do that, sounds like the experiance of a lifetime __________________ PROJECT: "YFTSB" 1972 BLAZER 2WD TOY: "GLACIER" 1981 BLAZER 2WD

07-25-2008, 02:56 PM	#13
Yukon Jack Mechanically Challenged Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 11,904	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country Here's a link to a cool article about them from a newspaper in their area. Wow! One of the Willy's started out like this Attached Images __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift Roadworthy! 1969 K20 with a 454, a bit of lift and 35's Yukon Jack's Web Pages Last edited by Yukon Jack; 07-25-2008 at 03:04 PM.

07-25-2008, 03:25 PM	#14
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,265	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country wow very cool... I myself have been coast to coast in a car... although not in one trip but over the course of 6 years... ah yes fun times __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 4.7L V8 2WD In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

07-25-2008, 05:08 PM	#15
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 9,132	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country Looks like a cool deal.i wanna go. "Honey, can I quit work for the next 6 months?" She said not only NO but he77 NO!! __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' Last edited by PanelDeland; 07-25-2008 at 05:08 PM.

07-25-2008, 09:01 PM	#16
Kurt L Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: ne florida Posts: 2,072	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country thats very impressive. great pair of guys.



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07-25-2008, 09:08 PM	#17
CG Maybe this will be the year Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Monroe, Wa. Posts: 6,232	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country If I ever get my panel done Im going to do a coast to coast. I did a Seattle to Maine, down the east coast and back through the center of the country home to Seattle on my motorcycle, by myself. A trip of a life time...over 7000 miles. Maybe in the panel I can convince my honey to come with. =)

07-25-2008, 09:42 PM	#18
rwgregory GMC V-6 Nut Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 458	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country Many years ago I owned a '47 CJ-2A. Stock gearing on those Jeeps was 5.38. That is going to make for a very sloooow cross country trip. __________________ rwgregory 67 GMC 3/4 ,2w/d flt/side 305 V-6, 4-spd. 65 Chevy 3/4, 2w/d long bed step side 292 I-6, 4-spd.

07-25-2008, 10:05 PM	#19
Yukon Jack Mechanically Challenged Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 11,904	Re: Meet two guys driving a pair of Willy's jeeps across the country These are still running 5.38's - they indicated 55 mph was about all the could go. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift Roadworthy! 1969 K20 with a 454, a bit of lift and 35's Yukon Jack's Web Pages

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