CJ3A-1950

by LONNIE RIVERA
(GRAND JUNCTION, COLO)

1950 CJ3A (File Photo)

HELLO...I WAS WORKING AS A LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER OUT OF GRAND JCT COLO WHEN I HAPPENED TO SEE THE CAR FOREMAN OWEN DRIVING TO WORK IN AN OLD WILLYS.

I LEARNED TO DRIVE IN MY DADS OLD WILLYS AND VERY MUCH WANTED TO BUY ONE. I HAD SO MUCH FUN AS A YOUNG FELLA 4X4ing ALL OVER THE MOUNTAINS OF COLO.

I FINALLY GOT OWEN TO SELL ME HIS WILLYS . IT'S IN CHERRY CONDITION..NO RUST OR MAJOR DENTS. THE GENERAL AS I LIKE TO CALL MY JEEP HAS THE 12-VOLT SYSTEM 134 4-BANGER.

FRONT DIFF IS A MODEL 44 AND THE REAR HAS A MODEL 41. I DROVE THE WHEELS OFF THE GENERAL AND WHEN BUSINESS PICKED UP ON THE RAILS,I STORED AND RETIRED THE GENERAL AS HE WAS GETTING TIRED AND IN NEED OF A REBUILD.

THE OLD RAG TOP WAS REMOVED AND MY DAD STILL HAD HIS METAL KOENING DELUXE TOP WHICH HE GAVE TO ME. IT'S NICE IN THE WINTER.

I PLAN ON SWITCHING THE REAR DIFF FOR A MODEL 44 AND TOTALLY HAVE A FRAME OFF RESTORE. MY SON AND I ARE GOING TO STAY WITH THE EMERALD GREEN COLOR WITH BLACK WHEELS.

I WOULD LIKE TO UPDATE THE ENGINE TO A JEEP 4-BANGER 150 OR 151. MAYBE A 50'S 4-SPEED OUT OF AN OLD CHEVY TRUCK.

I WANT TO KEEP THE GENERAL AS ORIGINAL AS POSSIBLE WITH MORE POWER AND MAYBE SOME BIGGER BRAKES.

I GOT A 16 YEAR OLD WHO HAS A HEAVY FOOT LIKE HIS OLD MAN.

LER


Larry's Comment: Sounds like a neat little Willys CJ3A.

Send some photos if you get a chance.