Once we got the frontend mocked up, I found out I needed to move the axle forward 1.5" to center the wheels in the wheelwell. So I had to lengthen the front of the frame 2". While I was at it I boxed the end built a pivot point for the tilt frontend. Now it's a 104" wheelbase like a '41. Also found out that the Speedway leaf spring bushings were too small for my Craigslist Willys frontend. Looked around the shop and found a piece of copper pipe that had just the right ID & OD for a bushing. Problem solved.
Didn't get much time to work on the truck this weekend. Spent a couple hours this afternoon working on the floorboards. Squared the cab and gusseted the **** out of it. The front floor section was pretty rusty and the drivers side front body mount was rotten. Built new mounts for both sides and got the p***enger side rocker installed. Ran out of wire and time, don't know if I will be able to get back out to the shop this week. Coming apart
Got back a little early from visiting the father in-law for Christmas, so I got a little shop time to work on the floors this afternoon. Also worked in a stop on the way to pick up a pair of wheels for the front. The tank came this weekend from swade41, perfect for the bed! Hopefully get them done this week.
This is probably a dumb question, but the engine is standard rotation right? I know some marine stuff is opposite rotation. This looks to be a cool build and I'm along for the ride.
Yes, it's standard rotation, motor sat facing forward and drove the jet off the flywheel. I double checked that when I bought it.
I thought I would post a little update while we are waiting for Christmas dinner. Checked to make sure the wheels are centered in the front wheelwells. I got the floors tacked in and firewall removed.
Cut the back off of the pickup cab and tacked it into place. You can see how rough the pickup cab is and why I needed the donor sedan. I will have to make patch panels for bottom of the back.
With the help of my buddy Tim, we got the motor mounts built today. I am going to move the motor back a couple more inches, but I have to trim the floor first.
Cleaned up the shop after the fabrication thrash today and wasn't ready to quit yet. So I decided to modify the boat scoop I had. It was too long and the carbs sat too far forward. Also got a little surprise when I pulled the blower earlier- a Cragar manifold with bottom pop-offs. In the last picture you can see why I need to move the motor back a little further. What I started with: What I ended up with:
Great thread, keep up the good work. I also am building a 41 Willys with a blown 392. I know how tight the fit is, I had to move the firewall back 10.5 inches and I am running a steel nose with inner fenderwells. I had to try 4 sets of valve covers before I found a pair that would work. Many times I wished I had a tilt gl*** nose.
Made some progress this week. Moved the motor back a couple inches. Trimmed the cowl back, filled the vent hole and cut the original firewall up to make a flange for the new one. Cut the floor for the ****** and started to build the tunnel.
Had a busy day today. Went with Tim this morning and he bought a pair of F1 pickups. The blue truck has a Volare subframe, 351 Cleveland and a 9". Here he is cutting the deal with the owner. After that we came back to the shop and chopped the Willys 2". Going to try to get the firewall built tomorrow. Happy New Year!
Good progress! I have started on a Willys Pickup project also so your thread is very inspirational. I am building mine to sell using parts I have on hand and some rough sedan body parts combined with a 36 Ford PU rear cab section. Mine will get a 396 BBC and B&M Turbo 400. I will start a build thread when it gets further along, until then I will continue to enjoy yours. I like your "inspiration" picture on the cabinet.
The Jalopy Journal
