Believe it or not, what you're looking at is the Willys original paint from 1962. Hulbert says the only mods to the metal work of his Willys came from "crushing cars, trees, and a Sawzall." Exterior mods are sparse; a Warn 9.5ti winch, a homemade snorkel, a set of 49-inch IROKs, and a set of USA 6x6 16.5x12 wheels. What else do you really need?
Due to some last-minute changes in the Top Truck roster, Hoby Hulbert got the nod to participate in this year's event at the very last minute. Fortunately, Hulbert and his rig were ready for action. After a quick rollcage install to meet the competition requirements, he arrived in Hollister with his '62 Willys Wagon. Can a 46-year-old truck with only a $7,000 investment survive Top Truck? We'll let you know next month.
Specifications
Owner name/city: Hoby Hulbert/Sylmar, California
Occupation: L.A. Local 105 sheetmetal worker
Vehicle model: 1962 Willys Wagon
Estimated value: $7,000
Engine/aspiration: 327ci V-8, Rochester two-barrel carburetor, Flowmaster mufflers
Transmission(s): SM420
Transfer case: NP201
Suspension (f/r): Chevy 6-inch-lift leaf springs, Rancho RS 9000 shocks/International Travelall leaf springs
Axles (f/r): Rockwell 21/2-ton, spool/Rockwell 21/2-ton, Detroit Locker
Axle ratio: 6.72:1
Wheels: 16.5x12 USA 6x6
Tires: 49x16.5-21 Super Swamper IROKs
Hulbert says that over the 9 years he and his wife Amy have owned the Willys "as something broke we just kept upgrading." And stout upgrades they are, demonstrated by the pair of Rockwell 2 1/2-ton axles. The rear Rockwell has a Detroit Locker and a USA 6x6 pinion brake and it's fed power by an owner-fabbed driveshaft with 1410 and 1480 U-joints. The rear suspension is ultra-simple and consists of leaf springs sourced from an International Travelall. Shocks? Hulbert don't need no stinkin' shocks.
The front Rockwell has a homemade pinion brake and a spool. Like the rear axle it's fed by an owner-fabbed driveshaft. A full hydraulic steering system makes pointing the big 49-inch tires easy. The suspension consists of Chevy leaf springs and a pair of Rancho 9000 shocks. That's it. No bling or fancy parts. | 
The Panasonic head unit doesn't work and the passenger side of the dash seems to be a tad tweaked. That's OK, because those things won't matter one bit when the Willys is in the murky depths of the Mud Pit. The rollcage is new; the quasi-luxurious seats are from a '91 Honda CRX and the steering wheel is from a postal Jeep. | 
Under the hood is a '68 327ci V-8 with a Rochester two-barrel carb. The powerplant is stock. When asked if it has had machine work, Hulbert responded by saying "Chevrolet in 1968." The engine passes gas through a pair of Flowmaster mufflers and an Optima Blue Top battery provides juice. Power is routed through an SM420 trans that Hulbert said he modified by "adding fluid." Power is split to the axles via an NP201 transfer case. |