very cool build thread. Would love to see this thing in person, so get that sbc and 4speed in and head east!
I actually built up the Ute 4 banger with some vintage speed parts and the 54 Triumph has a souped up TR4 four banger as well. And I have the 4 banger from the Willys sedan that I just sold. I am feeling the temptation to build that too.
I have had a hell of a time getting the motor to light and stay lit. I realized I wasn't getting the starter to turn enough amps to light up the magneto so I ordered a second battery box and I’ll be wiring in a dual battery system. I also got the $500 springs from the spring shop and they of course are WAY off, so "Jigsaw” is headed to the spring shop for final adjustment. I also learned that it’s tough to get fuel up to the injectors with the manual Hilborn pump, so I plumbed in an electric fuel pump to give the ol gal her initial start up. Hopefully we will here a rumble very soon.
Well, that newly acquired body is in way nicer condition than Jigsaw was when you started, I bet you could knock that one out in half the time! Awesome you found another one, where did it come from?
Awesome build, I really need to login more often so I don't have to play catch up. I know what a challenge the early Willys are. I converted a 39 Sedan into a pickup years ago. There was extensive fabrication involved including the hood that was made up from a 46 Ford. I thought it was a basket case body but compared with what you started with it was concourse quality. I am tackling a 34 Chevy Sedan that I am converting into a Coach at them moment. So far I have used panels from two other bodies to repair the original body that I dug out of a hillside buried up to the beltine in dirt and rubbish. So your build is great inspiration for my own basket case !
I got mine from a 1960's chevy truck and then chromed them. Not sure if they work or not, but it most likely won't matter with my car, since I'm racing. I may have a pair floating around my work bench, I'll check today.
FINALLY!!!!! I have been pulling my hair out for the last month or so trying to get my car started. It always seemed like it was starving for gas or flooded. On a whim today I decided to bypass the mechanical Hilborn pump and start it with my electric pump, and she lit right up.
Congratulations, this is Epic. It's been a long hard road but you made it. It must be a great feeling