In the back of my mind I always thought someday I would own a Willys Station Wagon. Something about the classic profile and clean lines was appealing to me. Years went by until by accident, I spotted one for sale on the internet. It was just what I was looking for. A 1951 Willys Station Wagon, complete, original, and only one owner. On a whim, I called to inquire a little more about the car, and before I hung up, I had struck a deal to buy it, sight unseen, except for a few photographs. The car had been in stored in a warehouse full of classic cars for almost 15 years. After waiting three weeks for the owner to move enough cars to get the Willys out of the warehouse, I loaded my trailer, and headed out from Modesto California to Long Beach California to pick it up.
A little fresh gas, oil change, and it started right up. Once home, I begin cleaning, and pondering the next step. My first inclination was to drop in a V-8, but quickly changed my mind and decided to keep the stock 4 cyl running gear. I put about 400 miles on the Willys and the oil pump failed, which was a perfect time to start the restoration. First stop was Kaiser Willys Auto Supply. After receiving their catalog, and talking to the very competent staff, I begin ordering the parts I needed. Everything from the engine parts, wiring harness, fuel tank, radiator, springs, shocks, overdrive parts, steering wheel and too much more to mention. Six months later, running great, but paint started to look a little worn out, and the rubber was cracked and deteriorated. Stripped it down to the body, and off to the paint shop. While in the spray booth, it was back to Kaiser Willys for new rubber, and weather seals, windshield wipers, hub caps, and so many other small parts I can’t remember them all. Back from the paint shop looking better than I expected, I begin the transformation of putting it all back together. This was without a doubt the most rewarding part of the restoration. All done except for the upholstery.
Three weeks later, upholstery complete and time to put it on the road and enjoy the finished project. Thanks again to all the folks at Kaiser Willys for their knowledge, assortment of parts, and excellent service!!
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Jim Burden
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Looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, Willys Jeep replacement parts, Willys Jeep body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place!
Hi Danny, the serial number should be on a plate on the rear step in area of the drivers side seat riser.
Just purchased a 51 and looking for the Vin number, all I have is something on the doorsill. Any help?
Jim, what color did you use? I have been looking for a good robins egg blue for a year.
Excellent colors. The colors are tasteful and peaceful. Keep up the good work.
looking for front and rear seats for 1962 475 maverick special station wagonplus other used parts bumper.huds caps,window glasses,ect.
Super wagon. I like the color scheme and the original specs of the drive train…keeping ’em stock if at all possible is my preference.
Thank you all for the compliments.
Larry Pippin!!! Can’t believe it. Been a long time, saw your brother Ron a few weeks ago.
Willys world is far reaching!
Looks great Im doing a 61 stationwagon just ordered new suspention cant wait , like your colors
Beautiful job! Inspires me to get working on my truck! I have two weeks to trouble shoot the wiring so I have brake lights, get some new tires, and start taking it on the road! Restoration will have to wait until i get a bit more time.
Very nice job Jim. I too am glad you are keeping it stock. You are right about the simplicity of the lines on those station wagons. I am restoring a 1966 CJ 5 and getting many parts from Kaiser Willys. A good company to work with. It will be near stock when finished.
Nice job Jim, was pleased beyond belief when your name came up at the bottom of the article
Those were true American classics. Beautiful job and glad you kept the original engine.
Excellent, original Willy’s Jeep.
LOVE IT: Paint, upholstery EXCELLENT