Meticulous - Custom 1949 Willy's Jeepster

BODY

Ron started with a really rough Jeepster tub and spent quite a bit of time cutting out rust, installing new panels, and learning how to weld sheetmetal. The rear wheelwells were opened up a bit to allow the tires to stuff fully without rubbing, and the firewall and floor received much attention to better fit the new drivetrain. Up front, Ron extended the bottom of the '49 grille about 4 inches to allow the fitment of a larger radiator.

Ron found out the hard way that much of his bodywork had to be redone (doors wouldn't shut properly). Paul Pitzonka from Performance by Paul in Riverside, California, took care of the final bodywork and alignment. Tory Franks from Pinstripe by Tory took care of the graphics, marbleized rollcage and bumpers, and other detail paint work. Both Paul and Tory worked together to come up with the paint design, color selections, and multiple masking and back masking.

With the paint done, Ron sourced friends, junkyards, and The Jeepster Man in Howell, New Jersey, for windshield and wind-wing rubber, taillights, latches, springs, handles, and other miscellaneous trim parts. The original Willys trim pieces are made from stainless steel, so they polished easily.

INTERIOR

Inside is where you really notice the attention to detail in Ron's Jeepster. The paint theme continues here, and one-off billet parts grab your attention as much as the modified and airbrushed dash. For seating, Ron installed two MasterCraft Pro 4 seats with removable headrests and a MasterCraft bench seat for rear occupants. He also did his own upholstery work using black and gray carpet that can be easily removed for cleaning. Since Ron is a semi-retired electrical contractor, he spent some extra time on the wiring -- the easiest part, he says. The switches, turn signals, high beams, emergency brake, and transfer case levers have LED status lamps in the dash. A Momo steering wheel directs the Jeepster and features right and left tabs to activate the self-canceling turn signals. Auto Meter gauges let Ron keep an eye on what the Jeepster is doing under the hood, and an Art Car gated shifter lets him pick the gears. Oh, and of course, the marbleized DOM cage protects the occupants in the event of a roll.

WHEEL and TIRES

Ron built the Jeep around the 35x12.50R15 BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires. They tuck up perfectly into the carefully trimmed rear fenders. The wheels are 15x8 aluminum Ultra Type 164s. They were sent to OMF to have real bead locks installed. OMF Domes give the wheels a unique look.

GOOD, BAD, & WHAT'S IT FOR

Ron learned that he should have supported the tub better before welding in the new replacement panels. With this bit of experience under his belt, he recommends starting with a clean tub. Ron is currently having a factory-looking soft top made for the Jeepster and is installing a stereo. The full-hydraulic steering was a little twitchy at first and took some time for Ron to get used to. Changing the spring rate helped make it more predictable. Ron plans to change the shock valving and add a rear sway bar to improve the handling even more. This will also help him achieve the smoothest ride possible over the desert roads and trails which he frequents in Ocotillo Wells and Anza Borrego, California. Other possible changes include the addition of a selectable front locker and possibly slightly less gearing (3.0:1) in the transfer case.

WHAT WE THINK

Ron's Jeepster reminded us of a meticulously clean hot rod at a car show, and it's no coincidence that Ron used to own a hot rod. The attention to detail is unbelievable. The fact that it can really scoot down desert whoops and washes all day long without beating the snot out of your body is a real bonus. The chassis is perfectly rigid, thanks to the well-built cage that makes the Jeepster squeak and rattle free. Ron figures the value of his Jeep is $55,000 if you include his own labor at $1 an hour. Whatever the cost, Ron's Willys is clean, tight, fast, and probably more of an attention-getter than Ron had originally planned. But we doubt you'll hear him complaining. At only $1 per hour, we're thinking we might just have Ron build us a Jeepster.

HARD FACTS

Vehicle: '49 Jeepster
Engine: '03 GM 5.7L LS1 V-8
Transmission: '87 TH700-R4
Transfer case: Advance Adapters Atlas II
Suspension: Three-link front and rear with coilovers
Axles: '87 GM Dana 44 (front), Currie Ford 9-inch (rear)
Wheels: 15x8 Ultra Type 164 with OMF bead locks
Tires: 35x12.50R15 BFGoodrich Mud Terrain
Built For: Desert running
Value: $49,000