Projects Gene (Moonlighter) Cromer's A/G Willys Resurrection

This is my Mustang which i had just built and had not painted. There was a funny car race at Palmetto raceway, Pelion SC and i had promised the
track operator that i would be there on sat. I finished the car about 6 pm
and we made it there around 8/30. The car ran great, the owner of the track at Jackson SC wanted us to run there the next week and that probably where this picture was taken. I painted it later.

 

Yes this is Hall of Fame Quality... Im pleased to Know Gene Cromer, I too as a youngster watched Gene Hammer the Willys at Ware Shoals... Great Job to resurrect this Dream! If you need anything Picked up... I haul all over the nation and will be happy to be a part of this!
Rick racinman

 

The rear body mounts in the trunk were total gone. This is the new ones, while I was there I made a filler panel to bolt the alumn for the trunk to. It would have look better to have made a new side panel also but as before I left all I could. Sorry about the welding but there was not much there to weld to.

 

I worked on getting the wheel tubs in the exact place where they are going to be. I'm going to make the panel to close off the trunk area next. The tubs have to be in place so I can fit the panel to them.

 

Had to make this piece to bolt the panel to there was nothing there I can't tell if it was cut out or just never one there.

 

This is it welded in now I have something to bolt the panel to.

 

Quain,I enjoy following along with all the photos,,thanks for taking the time out to document the rebuild. HRP

 

nice work----love the rebuild

 

You should come to the shop Saturday morning and check it out in person. If you can't make it Saturday your welcome anytime.

 

Nice Job Quain, coming together piece by piece, Outstanding work! My favorite build on the HAMB, much history and meaning, I look forward to seeing Mr Cromer making passes again in the Moonlighter. I sat on my Dads shoulders as little tyke peering over the fence mesmerized at cars like The Moonlighter making passes down the tarmac and drooling over them in the pits. These great pieces of machinery and the heroes that drove them have influenced many many people that got to see them run, Thanks!

 

I'm enjoying watching the rebuild and hopefully learing some things along the way.
I hate that I have to work Saturday, I would like to make that trip and see it all first hand.
I think its great that Quain is opening up his place to show off his handiwork, and that of Gene's from the past.
Thanks for taking the time to post the pics and comments on each one.

 

I didn't get much time to work on the Moonlighter today (note the time of this post) but I worked later than usual and got these two panels ruffed in trying to get ready for the showing in the morning.

 

Thanks for build thread and history lesson! Headin out the door in a few to meet the guys for the ride up can't wait!

 

Have a great time fellas ....... take pictures for us

 

Thank you for the invite,unfortunately I have to put in a appearance at work today,,my taken so many Saturdays of last month has finally caught up with me.

I will try an make it up to your shop soon. HRP

 

Helluva day at Quain Stots open house. Genes Willys is an awsome piece of history!! He's a true gentleman. As is Quain!! Gene looks like he's ready to get the boys to squirt some fuel in those injectors and get this show on the road!!! Even had a mini car show in the parking lot outside!!

 

Had a good showing yesterday about 50 people showed up to see Gene and the Moonlighter. Darren took some pics maybe he will post a few on here.

 

Thanks for the updates, it's coming along nicely!

 

What a great photo,and it appears a lot of folks showed up,,I see Greg in the background.

Wish I could have made it.

HRP

 

Quain and Gene, That is going to be super neat when that Willys comes back to life. I am in SoCal but sure would love to see that Willys pull it's front tires on the first hot run !

Dave

 

Saw some good scrapbook pics that Gene has of the old coupe hangin' em' high!!!

 

I was all set to go, but had a last minute family obligation. Was looking forward to seeing this project in person. If you all decide to do another one as the Moonlighter gets closer to finished I'll be there for sure. Looking forward to the pictures.

 

I made a little more progress on the panel to block off the trunk. The top portion is ruffed in hope to finish it and the sides tomorrow.

 

Another angle

 

Nice turn out on Saturday. Everyone had a good time thanks to Quain and Genes hospitality. I was glad to see Gene bring along one of his scrap books for all to enjoy. For those that didn't make it, don't worry, we'll do it again soon. Here are some pics from Saturday, enjoy.
Daron



Gene and Quain talking about pedal placement

Quain and Gene


427 FE with one of Gene's old injection set ups

 

THANK YOU for sharing your pictures and stories with us

 

More photos from Saturday....





Roys right hand drive '55. He broguht it from Australia with him. It's his everyday driver and has racked up a tad over 100,000 miles!

 

Last ones I promise. I figured these would be fitting for the end. Some snapshots of the carnage that Quain experienced in Texas a couple months ago. I'll let him explain.


On the mend

 

Looks like I missed a great get together,,thanks for the photos.

I haven't seen the right hand drive '55 Chevy in several years,,do they still drive around with a spare steering wheel an scare the crap out of people driving beside them?HRP

 

With Roy ANYTHING is possible!!
We missed you on Saturday HRP. Hopefully you can get outta work for the next visit.
Daron