Need Advice - 1951 Willy's Pickup 4wd

[Bestof5]

Hi Guys -

Brand new to this forum, as I just acquired through a estate sale a 1951 all original Willy's pickup 4wd. Good body, surface rust, tires rotten, has not moved in 18 years, mice living inside engine compartment, and needs new upholstery.

I am located in Sacramento area/SF Bay area, and would like to find a mechanic that I can trust that would work on this truck....meaning - clean it up, get it running, replace wiring harness, replace the brakes and etc.. I would like to keep it all original but make it do everything right. I am not interested in a full restore but just bring some life back to this machine.

Also, I would prefer someone that has Willy's experience and knowledge. Anyone interested? Thanks, TY

 

[HiHood]

NICE TRUCK, It should have a F-134 Hurricane in it (4cyl) T90 three speed and dana spicer 18 transfercase.

try these guys, they're west coast

Willysamerica ~ Willys America Jeep restorations sales jeep parts


and this guy is very knowledgible. . . Jim Davis out of Yuma,AZ @

Willys Jeep Parts

 

[54cj3b]

If you need a rebuilt F head 134 I have one for a fair price

 

[Bestof5]

Thanks, I did find the first link and they look like a legit outfit. I was hoping to find some folks wanting to work on this in the evening for some cold cash....or a full time guy interested in some work based in Norcal? Much appricate the data points on the engine and trans.

Any other advice? Keep it stock?

 

[Bestof5]

Should I keep the original engine and have it rebuilt or should I consider purchasing a rebuilt?

 

[Utah_jeepster]

if your interested in keeping it as a collector vehicle then rebuild it keeping it a numbers matching truck

 

[HiHood]

:yeah-that: Better to keep the VIN # and engine # to match. It increases value by BUKOO buckage. Stock is the most value. V-8 is the most fun. Your truck, your call.