1951 Willys CJ-3A - Project Colonel Mustard

Somewhere in Nebraska, with Brubaker rattling on about finding a homestead along the Platte River for the umpteenth time, it hits me-as if locking myself in a yellow H3 just months ago with Brubaker wasn't enough, here I am again with what, a little under 1,500 more miles to go? But this trip was different-we're on our way to Hollister, California, from Detroit, with precious cargo in tow: my brand-spanking-new (to me) flatfender.

It all started this past April at the annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari, when I mentioned to a Jeep guru friend of mine, Jim Repp, that I was looking for a flatfender, and he mentioned that he might know of one in real good condition that was in need of a new home. Phone calls were made and e-mails exchanged.

The Willys in question was a 1951 CJ-3A, number 46 off the production line, originally sold in California. The second owner was a family member tied to Rancho Suspension (from 1959 to 1996, as I know it), where it was used as a mule for various projects. It was then sold to a Jeep executive in October '96, which is whom I bought it from. Back in 1997, some of the guys at Jeep-you may know some of the names: Dave Yegge (now at AEV), Jim Repp (still at Jeep), and Jim Frens (of Nth Degree) among others-helped to complete a frame-off restoration in a matter of weeks. Since that time, the Jeep has had less than 500 miles put on it and has lived a privileged life in a heated garage, away from the Michigan elements.

Knowing the cool history behind the '51, I couldn't pass on the chance to own it and keep it in the four-wheeling family and community. With excitement building, I hopped on a one-way morning flight out of Orange County's John Wayne airport, and arrived in Detroit at 5:00 p.m. with Ken and the Land Cruiser (and his oldest son Dave along for the ride) waiting, apparently not having enough of cross-country trips with me yet. It didn't hurt that Ken was already headed out to TTC from the Midwest Bureau to exchange our Long-Term Land Cruiser for the Power Wagon.

Before picking up the flattie, we had to first stop by the local U-Haul to get our one-way trailer rental. After arriving to find the Willys ready for a new adventure, we went over the details of the little Jeep and what bits might need attention. I was surprised to find out that both differentials had lockers in them already and was equipped with turn signals. The Willys also sported a trick one-off Bestop bikini top and seatbelts.

The 60-horse, 134ci flathead started right up, sounding much like a well-tuned sewing machine. Ken snapped the first pictures of me in the driver seat as I left for a several-mile testdrive. The brakes were what I expected for non-power drums of that vintage. There were a couple of paint chips that need touching up, the parking brake works, but the ratchet doesn't always hold, the toolbox needs a new seal, and the parking light sockets need to be replaced. Other than that minor stuff, it is a runner and I can't wait to get started on it.

After an exchange of money for title and a handshake, we loaded my new Willys up on the trailer for a quick trip to Jackson, Michigan for the night. We wanted to be well rested for the drive ahead, as a major spring storm was moving right through our corridor of travel, complete with tornado and flash flood watches.

It was another long day behind the wheel when we arrived in Omaha, Nebraska, with a downpour in the air and steak on the mind. However, the only thing open, easy and close to the hotel was a local Arby's. Of course, it was after dining-room hours, and just the drive-thru was open. Being as hungry as we were, the fact that we were towing a trailer was no obstacle in our minds. So through the drive-thru we went, Land Cruiser, Willys and all, giving the Arby's late night staff a good laugh. This is not the first time I have had to tow through a drive-thru and I was not afraid. I also pulled RangeRunner with the Power Wagon through Jack In The Box once, tearing out some bushes (oops). All I can say is when a man is hungry and on a late-night road trip, there is nothing that will stop him from getting food before bed-not even a curvy driveway and a 45-foot long rig. You guys who tow a lot will understand.