After 5 years, my retirement project is finally running/driving/stopping. It’s a ‘50 Willys Wagon sitting on an ‘02 S10 4x4 chassis. I used the OEM drivetrain with the 4.3, 4L60e, and 231c. Behold the nearly finished product…….
I’m here on this forum because I’m still alive, occasionally coherent, and apparently addicted to the old car restoration disease. During the winding down phase of the Willys combo I began shopping for a challenging woody wagon project. Six months of shopping led me to conclude that the market was only offering beautiful restored woodies or incomplete barely recognizable basket cases!! And then a miracle happened. A 1941, K1, 1/2 ton, 2-owner, 3-door wagon popped up for sale in Massachusetts. I described to the owner what I had in mind for it and we soon struck a deal. So, in mid-August ‘25 I dragged the trailer 1,300 miles to the Cape from central Florida to pick my new obsession. It was in great shape, just as the owner described, with no rust or rot. Take a gander……
All the associated parts are stashed in the back or in the car. Not too shabby, eh?
Having spent the bulk of my career as a furniture maker, you can probably imagine my sheer delight that fate has awarded me this awesome Internstional woody wagon. Now, since this is likely my last big adventure @74yo, the plan is to go completely NUTS on this rig before I go completely NUTS! As of 11/25, the plan calls for……..
*Keeping the original frame but swap in Dana 44’s and convert to 4wd
*Power 4-wheel discs
*Aftermarket steering column with power steering
*New custom springs/shocks
*Repower with a 5.3 LS with modest horsepower
*A 4L60e transmission
*A manual shift 241 transfer case
*Convert to 8” steel wheels
*New individual front seats with Seat Belts
*All new green tinted glass
*ALL NEW WOOD! Knot a single piece of OEM wood will be harmed in this project. New Cherry framework, African Satinwood panels.
*Attempt to increase framework width to accommodate insulation/sound deadener and separate trim panels
*Delete 3rd door, use fold-and-flip passenger seat for rear access
*Convert tailgate/hatch to one-piece hatch with gas struts
*Add HVAC/defrost
*Delete cowl vent
*Update rectangular instrument cluster with current tech
*Electric E-brake
*Carpeted floor
*Update exterior lighting running/brake/turn/reverse
*Convert to rear fender gas filler cap to avoid defacing side wood panel
Well that list should keep me occupied for several years! No telling how this thing will evolve, but I will be posting the process here if anyone is interested. Thanks for stopping by.
