1946 Willys FrankenFender

#1
I picked this up about 3 months ago on a whim, just felt like i needed something to build again.
it is a 1946 CJ2a. Pretty rough around the edges, but pretty much complete except for some Engine bits.

Original plan was going to be lengthen it, use a 4.3l V6 and Auto tranny. Use Samurai Axles.

But like all things plans change

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#2
I got it stripped apart and started working on it.
I found the 4.3L i hd for it had too much internal rust to use, so i ended up scrapping it.
The Flathead in the jeep was not stuck, so i ended up sending out the carb for a rebuild and it returned as a piece of art.

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#3
The frame had a bunch of issues to it. mainly all the springs at some point in life broke, and they were welded back together. Also the driver side rear spring mount was rotted real good at the frame. So i had to repair the frame before doing anything else. After i got the frame repaired, i got my spring and shackle mounts positioned and tacked to the frame for the YJ springs i am using. And i put the axles back under to see if everything is centered good. Then i will pull it apart and fully weld the mounts and then work on the saginaw steering mount.

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#4
The body was complete but repaired pretty poorly at times. One of the reasons why i was going to stretch the tub is because it was not great to begin with so i didnt care if i cut into it. But i decided that it would cost too much to repair just the rear, compared to finding a different tub. Then i ended up finding a good deal on a M38 tub. This tub was sandblasted before i got it and it looked to me that it was a repro tub at some point because it was in real good shape and the few places that had rust it was never properly prepared for paint. I decided to not stretch the tub anymore and now the CJ2a, looks to be a M38 body, with probably a cj3a windshield frame. Hence the FrankenFender name.

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#5
I replaced the hat channels on one side of the tub as well as the step. Gave the bottom a coat of primer and i will put it on the frame to see how the wheels center up in the wheel wells and finish two more spots on the tub. And the it gets pulled back off again.

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#10
I put the tub on the frame this weekend to see how i was with center the axles on the tub. Well I didnt realize how tall it got. I only used YJ 2.5" springs, but it looks like i will start looking for some stock YJ springs. The spring mounts also gave me an unexpected 1.5" lift. I love lifted rigs, but i wanted this one lower with 7.50/16 tires.

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#11
I put the tub on the frame this weekend to see how i was with center the axles on the tub. Well I didnt realize how tall it got. I only used YJ 2.5" springs, but it looks like i will start looking for some stock YJ springs. The spring mounts also gave me an unexpected 1.5" lift. I love lifted rigs, but i wanted this one lower with 7.50/16 tires.

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time for some 9.00/16 :grinpimp:
 
#13
I got a set of stocker 76-83 CJ5 springs. And threw the rears on this afternoon. It did drop things and put me where i want to be, but i will have to move the mounts. these springs were about 2 inches longer than the YJ springs and with weight on the rear, the shackles go horizontal. Good thing i am still in the mockup stage. I did bite the bullet yesterday and bought a set of 7.50/16 Power King Traction tires. Getting these will orce me to make a decision on what height i am going to stay at. They should be arriving tomorrow... i am excited. newsprings4.jpeg newsprings3.jpeg newsprings2.jpeg newsprings1.jpeg newsprings6.jpeg
 

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#16
Can I get the specs (brand, size .... or even better, part number/vendor) of those tires? I need to get a set for mine and I like the look of those.
 
#20
Back together for a bit. i move the rear spring mounts for the CJ springs. It still will need some adjustment for wheel well centering, But I am spot on for the stance I wanted with this Jeep. Also decided to put my new body 183982403_10159399522987369_1433769807887348809_n.jpeg parts3.jpeg parts2.jpeg parts1.jpeg pieces on. I am not sure what parts are reproduction ;)
 
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