Kaiser Willys 65

Project is a 1965 Kaiser Willys. 4 Cylinder Hurricane engine with optional 4 speed transmission. This jeep was purchased from a scrapper in Georgia. Jeep was a wreck, was used as a woods / hunting truck. Just about EVERYTHING needed to be replaced. Brought to Florida. To start, all fluids were changed. First thing I did was cut off anything not original to jeep.

Objective was to get it running- replaced radiator with a custom aluminum radiator. Replaced radiator hoses, thermostat, and battery. Replaced battery bracket, new spark plugs, wires and carburetor rebuilt. Engine still struggled to run, replaced voltage regulator, under-seat fuel tank, fuel filter and hoses.

The original starter and generator (not an alternator) had to be rebuilt. Replacement water pump and v-belt were also replaced. Replaced distributor with new solid-state distributor installed, which got the jeep to run reliably.

On test drives we noticed the rear tires wobbling. Replaced the rear axle shafts, bearings, seals, brake lines, brake light switch, new speedometer and cable installed. Rear wheels still wobbling, and determined the original rims were bent. We sourced original steel wheels from a 1968 jeepster and installed matching used tires to replace the originals. This fixed the wobble and the wheels tracked true.

Also replaced all brake components. Jeep has 5 drum brakes. One for each wheel, and one drum brake for the parking brake.

Had seats reupholstered, new seals and gaskets installed on engine, new oil bath cleaner intake hose, all coolant hoses replaced. New oil pressure and temperature gauges installed. Replacement driver side fender was damaged, but replaced with a new steel reproduction from the Philippines. Installed new lockout hubs on the front axle. All of the hardware on the jeep was corroded and seized. WD40 was used profusely to bathe many of the jeep components to free them up.

A set of steel wheels were sourced from a 1968 Jeepster Commando. New (used) tires were installed. A new steel windshield frame was sourced and installed with new glass and cowl seal. Boat wiper motors were sourced from a boat store. Wiper arms are reproductions. Wired up to function individually OR singly.

Once the jeep was reliable enough to drive, a rustoleum paintjob was applied and we attended our first JEEP BEACH in Daytona Beach- The Jeep was part of a Word Record Attempt at the longest jeep parade.

Getting there was a difficult drive as alternate routes had to be taken to Daytona Beach. This jeep's maximum speed is 55 mph and taking highways was not an option.

After a few years, I painted the jeep red with auto part store brand automotive paint.

Worked on it for 10 years. WD40 was instrumental in cleaning and penetrating parts. Even when fasteners were broken while extracting, WD40 made drilling, tapping and extracting so much easier. This IS my biggest project to date. It was a pleasure to work on and is a pleasure to drive. This was only a brief synopsis of has been done, but I hope you appreciated reading my little adventure. Thank you.