1946 Willys VEC (Very Early Civilian) CJ-2A Jeep I recently completed an 8 year off and on restoration of this early numbers 1946 CJ-2A. It was a frame-off, nut and bolt, rotisserie restoration of a very early civilian version, identified by square windshield plates, column shift, tool indents, ‘F’ script bolts in drive train, frame tag on the outside of the driver front gusset and three data plates on the dash, and other key identifiers. I acquired this Willys Jeep CJ-2A from a Kingman, Kansas flying service in 2008 where it was being used as an airport tug. Everything was original, uncut, matching numbers and well preserved in several coats of orange paint. The frame tag, dash data plate and the Willys body tag are each numbered 17968 and correctly located. The motor number is CJ-2A 18464. The AMC numbers on the tailgate and front gusset are matching and both read 8620. The engine was professionally rebuilt by Vilas Motor Works of Bryan, Texas and the transmission and transfer case were shipped to Herm Tilford - aka ‘Herm, The Overdrive Guy’ in Brush Prairie, Washington where they were also professionally rebuilt. The body was completely media blasted and rusted panels removed by drilling out rivets with a rivet extraction tool. New body panels from Krage Motorsports were then welded into place and include the front floorboard with hat channels and the right rear quarter panel. Meticulous care was taken through extensive research to identify correct paint color for each component. The Harvest Tan was mixed using the original color found inside the headlight rings and the wheels were painted to match very early advertisements and photos in this rarely seen two-tone configuration - Sunset Red surrounded by Harvest Tan with hand painted black pin stripes. The electrical system was completely reworked with components rebuilt (starter and generator) and replaced with period correct items where needed including a replacement wiring harness from Walck’s. Currently listed for sale on a popular auction site.
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