The work has begun! The boys washed, polished and cleaned the Jeep today. Its looking very good. A few things are missing, small items that will be easy to find and replace. For example, the eyes that are used to secure the windscreen in the down position. Its only a minor detail, but its in the detail that makes all the difference..
As you can see from this shot, the dash is quite original too, with only the blinker switch and choke knob are later additions. If you look closely at the floor on the passenger side, you will see some surface rust on the floor. Again with modern rust killing agents and a coat of paint, it will be back to original.
One of the good things is that the manufacturers plates are still located on the glove box lid. This gives you the year model and who made it... Either Ford or Willys.
She has not been registered since 1976, and not driven for 5 years. Today I found that the original plates, (which are still on the car), were available for re- registration and so I placed the order. These will be ready in three weeks. A rare find after 30 years in hiding....
On Monday it will be taken by Tilt tray to the mechanic who will perform a full service, and provide the safety inspection report for registration purposes. It will seem funny to drive a car with no seat belts, no air bags, no doors and no roof! fun in fact!
I hope, that over the next few weeks I will locate the roof and she will look like this one:-
This is a full winter roof set up. There are many variations eg canvas 1/2 doors and a roof with no curtains etc...
So after a few weeks of stress I am finally enjoying the Jeep as a distraction...stay tuned!
