It's obvious. I really have a problem....

[Ryan_M]

I have absolutely no immediate need for any of this stuff but I couldn't resist not only tracking it down but then returning with a trailer to haul it all home this morning. Something about neglected Willys parts stashed away in nondescript barns in the countryside I just can't say no to.


I really need a bigger garage.....

[Hawk]

I think we need a few more countrysides, with nondescript barns, out my way. Nice haul. How do you find this gold?

[surveypunk]

I, too, would have been in there like a hair in a biscuit.

JB

[zooke581]

I've tried trolling with my trailer in the countryside and just don't seem to have that kind of luck. What type of bait are you using?

[Deleted]

Wow! Unbelievable. Those are the barns of my dreams.

[Deleted]

nice score

[Ryan_M]

Feb 28, 2015 11:55:04 GMT -5 Hawk said:

How do you find this gold?

I've always just kind of sniffed it out either through Craigslist or "knowing a guy who might know a guy who might have some parts...." or just seeing something in someone's yard and stopping to knock on the door.

I decided it was time to change tactics a bit in hopes of drawing some of the more dormant stockpiles out of the shadows. This week I placed an ad in the local classified wanted section looking for Willys parts or vehicles. Ever see that show "Downeast Dickering"? If you have than you are familiar with the "Uncle Henry's" magazine.

I've had 6 or 7 calls already and picked up this stuff here as a result. I have an appointment to check out another spot on Monday and two more stashes to look at once the snow melts away.

Today's haul included two complete motor/trans/TC's, 4 or 5 grills with lights and radiators, a near perfect set of 2A fenders, two tailgates, a 2A and 3A windshield, a drawbar, a pair of axles, a pair of hoods, a set of tires and rims, misc gauges and small parts, a couple air cleaners, 4 or 5 vintage jerry cans, and a bunch more junk.

Oh yeah, these were part of it too. Anyone here know of someone around who might be in need of a gas tank without a giant hole in it?

[Deleted]

I knew a fellow who worked for a auto parts warehouse. He'd travel on a route weekly and loved old british motorcycles . He basically bought and sold brit bikes and also built and campained a racing 1/2 miler BSA that was one of the fastest around. He'd put adds in the town's papers he'd stay in while working. Wanted Old British Motorcycles. He would get lots of calls and then would stop in after work and check out the leads. He had a amazing collection of finds. Some he paid 500 bucks for that were worth as much as 6 grand. He also knew what he was looking at and had rare parts he'd swap meet at races with. I was jealous. Ryan needs to build a barn and start a Jeep salvage business. Next he will have pictures of Slat grill and Bantam Brc 40 and 60's he found from his add. You never know. Oil

[Haines Garage]

Ryan
You are too funny!
The gas tank comment made me laugh so hard.
I did try the add thing, and it indeed works.
There seems to be pockets of Jeep Goodies, if you are willing to try.
Problem is, with the net people think it's gold.
At least in my dealings.
Looks like your killing it,
Plans for building another?

[Deleted]

I second Oily's remarks! The only down side to that endeavor would be the ensuing power struggle that will occur between Ryan and Lee!

Can you guys imagine the barns of jeep parts up north??

[Ryan_M]

Mar 1, 2015 10:05:38 GMT -5 Haines Garage said:

Plans for building another?

I would love to but I am absolutely out of working room. The garage is packed with no chance of squeezing another project Willys in there. In fact, I left behind a frame and reasonably decent tub yesterday so as to eliminate further temptation to start bolting these parts back together.

I took a better look at these three tanks and they all have issues but if any of them would help your cause let me know and I'm sure we can strike a deal to have one or more headed to sunny SC.


Pics of gas tanks

[Ryan_M]

Mar 1, 2015 7:05:24 GMT -5 @oilleaker1 said:

Ryan needs to build a barn and start a Jeep salvage business.

LOL maybe I can start an online Kickstarter campaign to fund a new warehouse.

[Deleted]

Few things in life I find more fun than a Will-is parts score, as my dad used to say, "The Thrill of the Hunt" . The trinkets are easy to sell, engines and driveline parts are harder to market. My dad used to run adds in the local want add papers, few paid off as like HG said, they think it's gold, and the sheetmetal is gone, but the axels are good!. Word of mouth is the best IMHO, driving a flatty around has led me to treasures as well. I have done well with craigslist finds as well. Now is there more stuff up north, maybe, might have more to do with the origins of the people, Scandinavians, Germans, or the Northern Tribesmen of Europe, tend to be packrats at heart, and do not throw things away . Most Jeeps found in the upper Midwest were snowplow rigs, people kept them forever, with or without a body, LOL, unwilling to sell them as they have value in the winter months of the year. As four wheelers became more popular with snowplows, the old plow Jeeps became less of value.

[Ryan_M]

Sums it up pretty well Lee. I got a call on my ad today from an Old Timer with a '53 Willys Wagon with a plow and a VW truck body as the Wagon body has rotted off- "...runs great though!"

[Deleted]

Kinda sounds like Ryan is going into competition with Harry Sheets over at Midwest Willys!! LOL
chuck

[Deleted]

I've now realised that the WW2 stuff is out of my reach. There was a rough GPW ( missing most of the military stuff) 10 miles from my house that showed up on ebay. I PM'd the guy and asked a few questions, and said 2-2500.00. He almost laughed and said to not waste my time because it would most likely sell and go to europe. It did. 4500.00 plus the shipping. Crazy! Oil

[Ryan_M]

I was on my way to the supermarket today when I received a call on the Willys Parts Hotline. I immediately changed course and headed to the scene. Less than an hour later I was lowering this stuff out of the rafters of a garage in a milk crate tied to a rope.



Just a sampling:



Pretty cool sets.





I have a case of these. Opened this one for the first time today:


NOS 6V blackout bulbs dated from the '40's.

[Deleted]

OOOO LA LA! Now you are speaking my language of love!!

I feel guilty...I like and hate you all in one bundle of emotions. That must be jealousy raging from within.

Cool...VERY COOL stuff, my friend.

[Deleted]

Are those a set of M38 waterproof plugs? Those could be useful in your factory M38 restoration! (hee hee)

And Bobo likey the GPW boxes.

[Ryan_M]

I believe they are M38 plug wires and although a little dirty, appear to have never been used.

And yes, I have enough GPW piston rings to last a lifetime....especially since I do not own a GPW.

[Deleted]

It must be extremely uncomfortable sitting down with all those horseshoes up your but young fellow!! Awesome find! We just don't have any of that sort of stuff up here!

[jeffwho]

Well, well ... it just so happens that I too have a GPW

[Deleted]

Lucky as a twin appendaged goat for danm sure!

[zooke581]

Hmmm, maybe my GPW block rebuild is in the future. Nice score.

[athawk11]

Nice score.

So, are these GPW rings...complete sets? If so, are they for 'standard' size pistons?. If so, are you willing to sell a set to a friend in Colorado?

Tim