Project Wrecking Ball (1952 Willys Pickup)

Hey there, here is my rat rod project, a 52 Willys pickup. This was my grandfather's hunting truck back in the day. It's been sitting in our woods for something like 30 years. Overall it is a pretty solid truck, rockers are pretty much done for and the floors are rough but I plan on channeling it anyways.

My overall plan is to use the original frame from the back of the cab forward with a Z in front of the firewall. Also plan on bagging it on all four corners, possibly using the stock 4wd front axle, without the internals, stuck out in front of the grille. I would like to do some sort of diesel engine, probably a Detroit 6.2 or 6.5.









Make sure you wear your PPE when cleaning out mouse nests! haha



Mouse motel!



All clean! Also, notice the fiberglass floor patches.





Just an idea for the wheelbase.

Dewshine while working on her!



Grille and hood off!



Fenders off!



Pile of parts.

Looks like a good start and the family history is cool too!
Welcome to RRR! Where are ya from?*



I have a 2wd frame from a jeepster that I won't be using. I would let it go reasonable if your interested. It may work better then your 4x4 frame? Heck I may even do some trading for the 4x4 stuff out of yours!

21willys said:

Looks like a good start and the family history is cool too!
Welcome to RRR! Where are ya from?*



I have a 2wd frame from a jeepster that I won't be using. I would let it go reasonable if your interested. It may work better then your 4x4 frame? Heck I may even do some trading for the 4x4 stuff out of yours!

Click to expand...

Thanks! I'm from central MN. I think I've figured out how to make the 4wd frame work to my advantage. If I wasn't going to stick the front axle way out front I would use Jeepster suspension.

Looks like a cool project.

Oh yea ,, keep going

RabbitMan81 said:

Thanks! I'm from central MN. I think I've figured out how to make the 4wd frame work to my advantage. If I wasn't going to stick the front axle way out front I would use Jeepster suspension.

Click to expand...

Ok so what ya gonna do with the transfer case out of it?

Great truck....If you ever watch that show, Mountain Men, there is an old guy driving one of those around.......That's what I would be doing with that truck, bet your grandfather would appreciate it.

[P [P [P
Torchie

Can't wait to see what you do with yours. Mines a 51 and been an ongoing project for the last 3 years. I got mine for my 14th birthday

21willys said:

Ok so what ya gonna do with the transfer case out of it?

Click to expand...

I should have the drivetrain out within the next few weeks so I will let you know!

I have been messing around with some of my ideas in Google SketchUp.

This idea uses the stock front axle but could almost as easily use an I-beam or tube style straight axle.

They aren't drawn in but the bags will be along side the frame and radius rods. Watts link going to the radius rods underneath the frame towards the front.

cool another Willys fan

Hi glad ya found the site,kinda wondering if all those old Willys were all green ! here's a couple of mine and another of one I saw last spring.
Have fun with the Willys [cl[cl[/ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH]

RabbitMan81 said:

I should have the drivetrain out within the next few weeks so I will let you know!

Click to expand...

Ok cool Lmk.

Made any progress yet?

Made a lot of progress this weekend! With the help of a buddy and my dad got the cab off, box off, and engine and transmission out.



Got the cowl vent to function properly.


Cab off!







Engine out.



Probable wheelbase

Coming along nicley[cl

What's the bar across the top of the cab? Is that some sort of handle for riding in the back and standing up or something?

I like the mock-up. Looks neat! [cl

willyD said:

What's the bar across the top of the cab? Is that some sort of handle for riding in the back and standing up or something?

Click to expand...

I believe it was for shooting from the back of the truck to have a nice place to rest.