About a month ago, I bought a “reference Jeep” in order to not only have a vehicle to look at as I build my brand new WWII Jeep from scratch, but also to pilfer a few parts off of. You see, even though the point of the project is to build the Jeep using almost entirely parts from eBay, there are some parts — specifically, the axles, transmission, and transfer case — that are so large and bulky that I did not expect to find them on eBay. But yesterday, I found out that I was wrong, because I just scored the motherhlode.
This is a big deal, because the value of this build is to demonstrate just how much of a WWII Jeep one can build using parts from eBay, and the axles, transmission, and transfer case are major components. Snagging those from the reference Jeep and not from eBay was a sacrifice I felt I had no choice but to make, as those heavy, non-reproduction components are rare to find sold online. Here’s my quote from my “reference Jeep” article in which I lament that I will have no chance to get the axles from eBay:
The goal, of course, is to buy as many parts from eBay as possible, and I already have the big things — the body and frame. I have a brand new engine coming in very soon, too (I cannot wait to show you that). But I know there are some parts that you’re just not likely to find anywhere online. Chief among those parts are axles. I know if I waited long enough, a set would pop up on eBay…
But yesterday, while surfing eBay, I noticed that someone had recently listed the motherlode of WWII Jeep parts stashes. Behold:
This is two front and two rear axles, plus a transmission and a transfer case!
I’m not sure who this “gpw9167” seller is, but they are cleary at total badass. Looking at the rest of their store; it’s full of complete gold:
It’s just an endless treasure trove of WWII Jeep stuff, and it’s become clear that I have to visit their Longview, Washington location. I have to pick up these axles, this transmission, and this transfer case. And then I need to pick up a bunch of other stuff that he has for sale so that I can focus less on parts acquisition, and more on spinning wrenches.
I have a reference vehicle, I have a new engine, and now I’m getting an entire drivetrain from eBay. Between the body, frame, powertrain, and drivetrain, I will truly have pretty much every major component from eBay, which is a testament to the power of the site, and its value to car enthusiasts around the globe.
Anyway, speaking of actually spinning wrenches, after I set up some shelving for parts storage, Jason and I spent a day earlier this week building my workbench, which is a must-have for anyone doing any major wrenching. (As I just moved into my house, I didn’t have one yet). Check it out:
I’m in the process of removing the engine from the reference Jeep, as I will put it and my new engine block side-by-side as I work to assemble the latter. Having an assembled Go-Devil engine should make putting together the fresh new one significantly easier.
That engine assembly will take place in December, when my good friend and fellow engineer Brandon (a true WWII Jeep expert) will fly out and we’ll wrench together like the good ol’ days when I lived in Michigan.
I’ve spent a good amount of time acquiring parts, and preparing The Autopian for my absence. The latter has been an incredibly hard thing to do, but with robust processes in place, reference documents that can guide decisions when I’m not there, and a great team, I believe we can get through it.
For the next 4 months, I’m stepping back from editing, and putting my heart, soul, and body into this WWII Jeep. Looks like I need to first get to the Portland area to pick up my motherlode from gpw9167, and to see what other goodies he has sitting around.
It’s only 16 hours one-way. Gulp! Good thing I have just the right truck for the job. Unfortunately, I just drove that truck from the Pacific Northwest, and its rear suspension bottoms out over expansion joints, so I’m going to have to install new leaf springs and shocks in the next [checks watch] day or two.
[Ed Note: David mentioned the idea of building a brand new WWII Jeep to the team at eBay, and they loved the idea so much they said, “How can we help?” Their financial support and David’s Jeep-obsession are the fuel behind this crazy build.]
Having made the drive to Seattle a few dozen times, I’ve learned a couple of valuable lessons. One, in the winter it’s not fun to drive I-5 through Shasta (btw Redding and Ashland) in the dark if there’s weather, so I always leave extremely early in the morning to get into Medford (or sometimes even Eugene) to spend the night. Two, Redding can be creepy so I don’t stop there.
I’ll always support an Autopian old car roadtrip!
I’m glad to see the reference jeep not getting butchered, it could be a resto for somebody.
This whole thing is gaining a happy momentum and is great reading both article and commentary.
Holy shit David you’re going to be 30 miles away from me!
Wanna hang out?
Yeah! When are you coming?
And they’re all pre-rusted! That will save you time.
Have fun!
Great news David, on multiple fronts. There are lots of people saying fly and ship or fly and rental truck, but don’t listen to them you plan is good. As mentioned you do need tire chains in your vehicle even though you have 4wd. Not worth getting a fine or being turned around because you don’t have them. As was mentioned you need to stop at a Burgerville USA personally I often stop at the one in Woodland, but there is also one in Kelso, Longview’s neighbor. Gas is much cheaper in OR than in CA or WA so plan accordingly. I usually do the Eugene Costco when I’m heading to and from CA.
Now on the other front. Congratulations on making the decision to step back from the editor’s desk for at least a while. Wrenching is your brand and getting back to doing it, and writing about it will only help the site. Yes, whoever is doing the editing won’t do it the exact same way you would, but that is OK. It is hard to accept but if guidelines and expectations are in place the world won’t come to an end if something isn’t done exactly the way you would have done it. As guys it can be hard to let go of control but doing so is another great growth opportunity for you and will pay all sorts of dividends for you and your family in the future.
Shine on you crazy diamond! Can’t wait to hear all about it :).
Dear David, Have the parts from Longview shipped. Might not be that much on a common carrier. Unless you think you’re going to pick out the “pick of the litter.
Pretty boring drive. You’ll go up I 5 for days, try not to zone out. Turn left at Portland, go west on I 30 along the Columbia River to Rainier. A quaint little dying town. I know because I lived there for 2 years. Thought I was retired! Go across the the bridge to Longview. A blah place if there ever was one. But I could drive over the bridge, buy whatever I wanted, show my Oregon license and not pay sales tax! Color me gone!
Rained almost 300 days of the year, the last year we were there.
So make sure you have new wipers, and plenty of windshield washer juice.
It’s getting cold so make sure you get some washer juice with alcohol in it. Not legal in California. But as my Uncle Ken used to say “ it ain’t illegal til you get caught”! LOL
Seriously have the parts shipped. IMHO
P.S. I have successfully retired ( for the 3rd time!) in lively Ft. Bragg, Ca.
Across the street from the ocean, and look down on Noyo Harbor.
May the Universe Smile Upon You.
How long ago could you show an OR license to not pay WA sales tax? I’ve lived in the Portland metro for a bit over a decade and have never heard of this.
It was quite a few years ago… 10-15.. Foodmax had a deal where I showed my OR license and signed a sheet and…. Maybe it has changed. The good old days?
Put some air springs in the Comanche to level it after loaded. You won’t regret it.
https://ebay.us/m/BlhaYc
I once bought an old car with sagging leaf springs. A friend suggested air shocks. Best advice ever.
This is going to be awesome!
I bet the people in Butler PA COULD source every part and provide the best information you could get. Not that eBay isn’t great but would you go there for a Ford rebuild if Ford offered support?
I bet you could do a partner post with Craigslist where you buy a complete WWII Jeep and drive it home
As a “reference vehicle…” (nudge nudge wink wink)
We’re eBay Motors folks around here!
Seems like you can build two jeeps! A looker out of the NOS shell and a beater out of the reference Jeep.
2 sets of axles? Excited to see where this might go.
8×8 Jeep. Mark my words. You saw it here first.
Godspeed David!
I look forward to the coming “Torch Unleashed” era of the Autopian. 😉
I hope you’re keeping careful track of the costs you incur to build this project. I would find that a very interesting write-up when you’re finished.
I am!