Things to consider before buying a WILLYS?

[married2speed]

Hi Guys!

Here is another BHPian who is about to take a plunge in the JEEP owners list. After much and much scouting around and reading GTO's threads, on this very website, I've decided to go ahead and buy a used WILLYS (against the heart-desired Gypsy only for it's looks)
However, I have absolutely no clue in the technical department of a 4*4 and seek your help to help me overcome certain questions I have in mind. The basic aim of this jeep is, to fullfill my childhood dream of having one and would be used in Delhi only when the weather is good or to fullfill my desire of driving down to Leh next year. (Current Honda city-doubt would make it till there)
I've always belived, a Jeep is more about Attitude and I plan to make my Car look like this

What i seek to know is what things should one consider before buying a jeep, especially from Dabwali including documents(following the thread "jeeps from punjab")
Also, what modifications should one carry out.(apart from tyres and ICE) The aim of the modifications would be
1. Smoother ride in city conditions especially for the rear seat fella's
2. Power Power and more Power under the hood.( Not necessarily confined to straight line speed)
The purchase budget is kept to the bare minimum price(any ideas how much should it be) as the focus on the spending the green would be on the mods.

Also, is it possible to get a Power steering installed?

I did search the forum but found threads related more towards the gypsy than the Willys.

Thanks
M2S

[V-16]

Congrats buddy. Lets have some details and pics of your ride.

[V-16]

Originally Posted by V-16

Congrats buddy. Lets have some details and pics of your ride.

Sorry man i thought you already had one.

[married2speed]

Originally Posted by V-16

Sorry man i thought you already had one.

No worries mate. I'll have one

[GTO]

Glad we converted you into a Jeep lover, M2S. How minimum is the budget? The reason I ask is that, it will be difficult to find a Willys in perfect condition. And if you do, it wont be cheap. Unless you absolutely have to have a Willys, I'd recommend a used Classic, CJ340 or MM540 / 550 to you. 4x4 of course.

There is a ton of Jeep information on Team-BHP including detailed buying tips. Spend some time on searches & results and then come back here with detailed questions.

Also, there is a recent thread of a place in North India which specialises in Jeeps. Cheap and expensive.

[PAVAN KADAM]

Nice thread guys,

There's one Low bonnet, short chasis 1967 Willys in my neighbourhood for sale.

Runs on an Ambassador Petrol Engine, with all fittings, How much can i pay for it.

[married2speed]

Thanks for the reply GTO. I'm really impressed with knowlege on jeeps and feel glad you took time out to inspire me further . The Minimum budget is minimum possible as I plan to re-build the jeep. For re-building, the budget is not necessarily a problem but it should be value for money. In the sense, no point going for a 4Ltr engine where the axels can't take the load or gives a mere 80BHP, although I know for a jeep it's considered good.
I guess would just go with my gut feeling after looking at the vehicle or do you suggest otherwise?

All I need is a 4*4 with good power and a good ride after the mods. So any is fine. What would you recommend.

I did search but found only 1 thread which contained information like where to search for rust etc. However, I have no clue as to how to check engine compression. Considering, that this would be quite an old vehicle, I do plan to get the engine refurbishment done from "tutu dhawan" as you suggested. Also, read the thread by Redmm540 about his scorpio powered Mahindra. Nice thread but again, clueless as to what the real funda is.

Following the thread "Jeeps from Punjab"

Is there a thread where a modification list is available along with the output delivered? The reason for me to go for a jeep is sheer, looks of the vehicle and the attitude it throws around.

Thanks again. Looking forward to learning a lot as I go along. Slow process but definately worth it

M2S

[nitrous]

Originally Posted by PAVAN KADAM

Nice thread guys,

There's one Low bonnet, short chasis 1967 Willys in my neighbourhood for sale.

Runs on an Ambassador Petrol Engine, with all fittings, How much can i pay for it.

I dont think low bonnets were made in '67.
Beware:
Plenty of high->low bonnet conversions around.

[GTO - Touring]

M2S, If you are looking for a rugged 4x4 Jeep, start your search for the models I outlined previously. Jeeps are incredibly simple to rebuild, due to their basic construction. They are easy to work on and parts are cheap (headlights for 200 bucks). Heck, I once got my front + rear suspension completely done up for 7,000 bucks only!

How much is the max that you are willing to spend on acquisition? And then on rebuilding her? We can start from there.

[JayD]

Originally Posted by PAVAN KADAM

Nice thread guys,

There's one Low bonnet, short chasis 1967 Willys in my neighbourhood for sale.

Runs on an Ambassador Petrol Engine, with all fittings, How much can i pay for it.

There were no low bonnets in the late 60 pavan, Most probably its a convert.

The other possibility is that, since these are mostly army disposed, the date that they are registered for civilian use will be much later than the actual production date. I've seen this in several jeeps here.

[vaspro]

Originally Posted by GTO - Touring

M2S, If you are looking for a rugged 4x4 Jeep, start your search for the models I outlined previously. Jeeps are incredibly simple to rebuild, due to their basic construction. They are easy to work on and parts are cheap (headlights for 200 bucks). Heck, I once got my front + rear suspension completely done up for 7,000 bucks only!

How much is the max that you are willing to spend on acquisition? And then on rebuilding her? We can start from there.

On the same note can you please advise, would it be a good idea to pickup a 2WD MM540(in running condition) and then convert it to 4WD? Is it worth the time & money spent in such conversion or better look for a 4WD only?

Reason i am asking this is, i found a used car dealer in Bangalore who has got about 4 MM540s (all 95-96 year models) and 3 Flat fender Jeeps (i guess they are CL500/commander). This guy is quoting from 40K (for 86 CL500/commander) to 95k for the DI engined CL500. He is quoting 85-90k for 2WD MM540s. So i am in doubt, is it good idea to pick one these and convert to 4WD or look out for a 4WD itself?

PS: GTO, infact its your review on Mahindra classic which got me hooked to Jeeps :-).

Thank you
-Vaspro

[khan_sultan]

MS, I would suggest that you first drive and experience various different types of Mahindras/4x4's. This will give you an idea of what would suit you best. For owning a 4x4, don't just go and decide based on pictures and your existing knowledge.

I would say that you become part of the 'jeep_thrills' yahoo group and there is a VERY active north India chapter of the jeep_thrills that regularly go for off-roading. I am sure there must be some t-bhpian also that is part of the north India jeepers chapter. PM me if you need contact details of Delhi jeepers.

The members of the jeep_thrills group are very friendly and would welcome you to the group and you can join few of the off-road trips with these jeeprs and get first hand experience of the various vehicles by driving/seeing them in action.

Then these jeepers can also help you zero down on what would suit you best. They can even hook you to some 'reliable' (but very difficult to find) chap from mayapuri in Delhi.

All the best for your purchase. May the 4x4 tribe grow..

[married2speed]

Excellent Idea mate but the million dollar question is, who would lend me his ride and that too in Delhi. Let's see how the Jeep thrils group goes but i'm not too sure if someone would be willing to lend their wheels and Finding a classic in the group also won't be easy. Would it. (my guess, it's mostly gypsy's in there) However, I'm contemplating a trip to Leh this summer. Let's see if that is on.

I'm on it and sent you a PM too

Thanks mate. Guess we'll be in touch more often now. The day you get bored with my continous pestering, let me know

You bet. Imagine what fun would it be when all the Jeep Group fella's head out on the road. What sight would that be

GTO- I think the budget would be from 60-2K for acquisition, depending on the condition of the vehicle and what all "taam jhaam" it has or how much more refinement will it require to a budget of 2-3K for refinement/modification. All in all, 5K is the maxxxxxx i would consider spending on this rarely to be used beauty.
Thank you all for all the answers. They really help instill confidence and make me all the more eager to plan my trip to dabwali asap.

Cheers!
M2S

[headers]

Originally Posted by PAVAN KADAM

Nice thread guys,

There's one Low bonnet, short chasis 1967 Willys in my neighbourhood for sale.

Runs on an Ambassador Petrol Engine, with all fittings, How much can i pay for it.

You could pay 20K for that red low bonnet left hand drive convert running the amby engine..If you are referring to the same jeep in my side of town. I have seen that jeep.

[married2speed]

Any chance of how much would this be worth?

Picasa Web Albums - Devils' - Willys

Cheers!
M2S