1954 Willys CJ-3B

This 1954 Willys-Jeep CJ-3B Universal has been with the seller since 1962 and was a lifelong project for the seller and his father. Power is provided by a 350ci small-block Chevrolet V8 mated to a Muncie 4-speed manual transmission and working transfer case. Equipment includes front disc brakes and rear drums, manual steering, vintage KC lighting, a PTO winch, aftermarket wheels and gauges, Painless wiring, and more. This Jeep is offered with 4.88 gears for highway-friendly driving and a clear California title in the seller's name.

The CJ-3B was a transitional model which was designed with a higher hood than its CJ-2A predecessor to accommodate the newer and taller OHV Hurricane engine upgrade. A professional gray repaint was applied after the body was sandblasted approximately seven years ago. A black fabric bikini top is fitted over matching black roll bars and a set of vintage KC lights accompanied by a vintage Koenig 100 PTO winch are mounted on the front bumper. Signal lights have been converted to LED units and the all-steel tub features sealed seams as well as custom-built doors.

Custom 15" aluminum wheels are fitted with manually locking front hubs and wrapped in 31"x10.50" BFGoodrich mud tires which show minimal wear. Handling components consist of a manually operated Camaro-sourced Saginaw steering box, front discs, and rear 11.5-inch drum brakes. The complete underside of the tub has been fitted with a protective steel skid plate positioned between the frame rails to expose a custom side-exit dual exhaust system. 

The Willys is fitted with aftermarket bucket seats up front and the branded fold-down tailgate reveals a black tub with rubber flooring. Painless wiring has been installed throughout with all new fuses and is reported to work flawlessly. 

AutoMeter instrumentation is mounted in the flat dash panel and consists of a 120-mph speedometer with a built-in 7k-rpm tachometer and separate dials for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and battery voltage. The seller notes approximately 1,300 miles have been driven since the rebuild. 

A 4-bolt main 350ci small-block V8 crate engine sends power to the rear via a 4-speed Muncie SM420 manual gearbox and to all four wheels when the working transfer case is engaged. The engine is dressed with a finned Edelbrock air cleaner which sits atop an off-roading specific Holley Avenger 470cfm 4-barrel carburetor and cast aluminum intake manifold. Additional upgrades include a set of ceramic plug wires with matching ceramic boots and an Optima Red Top battery.

Underside photos can be viewed in the gallery.

AUTOHUNTER ADMIN UPDATE 9/05/21 10:34 AM: The carburetor is a Holley Avenger 470 cfm built and used for off-roading.