[WillysEdition04]

I'm planning some mods for my 2004 TJ Willys Edition that will incorporate the features and stylings of WWII era military willys.

First, I want a shovel and axe set mounted somewhere on the Jeep. I've considered fabbing up a mount for under the driver side door coming out from the frame (originally they were strapped/mounted to the body in this location). I think this will protrude too far outside the jeep and just look unrefined. My other options are to shorten the shovel and axe and mount them inside the tailgate. I am also considering a hood rack (such as "Tough Stuff" $99.99). The tools and their mount will be painted Moss Green to match. Any comments/suggestions?

I have also considered mounting a smaller fog light to the left front fender to mimic the "blackout light" equipped on the military jeeps. I would most likely use an aftermarket bracket made for a willys restoration. Again, painted to match. My worry here is that the willys was a flatfender w/ plenty of mounting room. The light may not fit/look right on a TJ's small steel fender.

The matching Bantam trailer will be a much larger project and won't happen anytime in the near future. But I think it will be the piece that really finishes this theme off.

Let me know what you think or if you have any more theme ideas let me know. I plan to do a write-up on these mods once I get started.

[Baotchi]

Maybe some tall skinny tires on the stock wheels, a jerry can... Fold the windshield down! hehe

[SaharaJeep]

paint the bumpers Moss Green and have numbering put on them. Then install grill mounted turn signals, and flat fenders.

[mcneil]

Grab a real blackout light from ebay.

Hey, it could be useful for those times when you want to pull in the driveway without waking up anyone in the house, but not run over the dog in the process.

[WillysEdition04]

The stock rims are definately staying. I've got the jerry can but no place to mount it yet.
I also have a pineapple grenade for a shift knob.
I would consider flatfenders but I'm not sure I want to modify the body of the Jeep, although flats would do it justice.
I am also considering some rock bumpers in either moss green or same paint as the rims. A group of us Willys owners have been talking about bumper numbers matching our last 4 VIN numbers, something to ID each Willys out there.

[TheBoogieman]

Originally Posted by WillysEdition04

The stock rims are definately staying. I've got the jerry can but no place to mount it yet.
I also have a pineapple grenade for a shift knob.
I would consider flatfenders but I'm not sure I want to modify the body of the Jeep, although flats would do it justice.
I am also considering some rock bumpers in either moss green or same paint as the rims. A group of us Willys owners have been talking about bumper numbers matching our last 4 VIN numbers, something to ID each Willys out there.

I hope you don't have those stock baby tires on it.Rock bumpers would look strange with those bicycle tires (IMO) The green wheels might look ok with some bigger aggressive tires though.

[black05tj]

Originally Posted by WillysEdition04

I'm planning some mods for my 2004 TJ Willys Edition that will incorporate the features and stylings of WWII era military willys.

First, I want a shovel and axe set mounted somewhere on the Jeep. I've considered fabbing up a mount for under the driver side door coming out from the frame (originally they were strapped/mounted to the body in this location). I think this will protrude too far outside the jeep and just look unrefined.

Am I reading this right? You want to incorporate WWII styling mods, but only the "refined" ones? I don't think they were too concerned with refined style during the war! Sorry, had to bust your chops a bit for that one, but I see what you're saying.

I like the idea of a .50 cal mounted in the back...

I like the matching #'s on the bumper idea.

I like the idea of skinny tires. Not sure, but it could be cool if you could find some "plain Jane" rims that would mimic the WWII era utilitarian look. I think I'd have to see it to decide if I like that idea or not.

Would be cool if Bestop made a green canvas top for those!

Plus, you should hit some Army Surplus stores to see if you can get some WWII era helmets to wear while you're driving around.

Don't forget to make a CD of John Philip Sousa marches to blare on the stereo!

Seriously though, the more I think about it... If you go with wide tires and flares, I don't think it'd appear that a shovel and axe mounted on the side would protrude too much. But, it could be a pain to step over getting in/out. Maybe find a way to mount on the hood, similar to the jack-mounts I've seen on the hood? Or, perhaps mount vertically behind front fender well on each side?

On edit, scratch the vertical mounting behind the front fender, I don't think that's look right...

[Dravintoad]

Lose the roll bar

[WillysEdition04]

Originally Posted by black05tj

Am I reading this right? You want to incorporate WWII styling mods, but only the "refined" ones? I don't think they were too concerned with refined style during the war! Sorry, had to bust your chops a bit for that one, but I see what you're saying.

I like the idea of a .50 cal mounted in the back...

I like the matching #'s on the bumper idea.

I like the idea of skinny tires. Not sure, but it could be cool if you could find some "plain Jane" rims that would mimic the WWII era utilitarian look. I think I'd have to see it to decide if I like that idea or not.

Would be cool if Bestop made a green canvas top for those!

Plus, you should hit some Army Surplus stores to see if you can get some WWII era helmets to wear while you're driving around.

Don't forget to make a CD of John Philip Sousa marches to blare on the stereo!

Seriously though, the more I think about it... If you go with wide tires and flares, I don't think it'd appear that a shovel and axe mounted on the side would protrude too much. But, it could be a pain to step over getting in/out. Maybe find a way to mount on the hood, similar to the jack-mounts I've seen on the hood? Or, perhaps mount vertically behind front fender well on each side?

On edit, scratch the vertical mounting behind the front fender, I don't think that's look right...

Thanks for your input, and busting my chops

I know the boys weren't concerned with details back then but I'd like a show quality finish. It came from the factory w/ a green soft top so i'm set there. The green steelies it came with are about as close as one can get to the original MB wheels and still fit properly (MB repros will not). I am looking into some vintage era tire repro's but not sure if they will be rated for highway use.
As far as a CD of Sousa's marches, I was thinking more along the lines of the MASH them song "suicide is painless ..."

[90SaharaJeep]

Originally Posted by WillysEdition04

Let me know what you think or if you have any more theme ideas let me know.

I always thought and old military PTO winch would look great! this isn't a great pic but it gives you an idea. Also the tires on this look vintage military as well

[WillysEdition04]

This part of the project isn't in the near future, but I'd like some input...

WWII era Bantam trailer restored/modded to match 2004 Jeep Wranger Willys.
Show quality finish.

Paint: Moss green pearl coat
Wheels: Jeep YJ steelies in dark green (matching the TJ)
Tonnue cover: custom made from the Willys Editions' green soft top material
(If I can find it!... I know there are a few totalled willys out there that I might salvage a top from)
Jeep TJ brake lights
Hardwood slat bed: I'm thinking a lighter color with a glossy finish. chrome strips inbetween slats, or maybe painted same as exterior paint. suggestions?

Any ideas for graphics? a few stencil-style stars maybe?
Anyone familiar with the jeep trailers from WWII - Vietnam era?

[1CleanTJ]

if you dont plan on lifting it, these tires would probally be the closest to the old WWII jeep tires

http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?jeep-sid=165&plID=450&partID=14428

at $87 there cheap too. height wise there equal to a 235/75-15 so they will look and fit great on a stock jeep. They have a very nice tread and are narrow like the old jeeps

[black05tj]

I just thought of this... didn't they have some mounting brackets on the front fenders/hood where they put little flags? I don't think they had them on the battle-lines, but maybe for ceremonial purposes? Or, I could have just seen that on TV and it's a Hollywood mod - I'm not sure. Just throwing it out there...

[TJ's02TJ]

check this link for reference.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Willys-GPW-WW2-1943-FORD-GPW-JEEP_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6470QQihZ008QQitem Z180207212160QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[Lostj]

Originally Posted by 1claentj

if you dont plan on lifting it, these tires would probally be the closest to the old WWII jeep tires

http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?jeep-sid=165&plID=450&partID=14428

at $87 there cheap too. height wise there equal to a 235/75-15 so they will look and fit great on a stock jeep. They have a very nice tread and are narrow like the old jeeps

if you do lift it:
http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?jeep-sid=0&plID=450&partID=14426