CJ-3a Jeep

This is the way I got her.  She's a 1950 CJ-3A, and according to the pink slip, she's the 49,359th CJ-3A made.

 I really like the colour!

Here's what Wikipedia has to say about Willy's CJ-3A.

"The Willys-Overland CJ-3A was introduced in 1949 and was in production until 1953 when replaced by the CJ-3B. It was powered by Willys' 60 HP L-134 "Go-Devil" 4-cylinder engine, with a T-90 transmission and Dana 18 transfer case, a Dana 25 front axle and Dana 41 or 44 rear axle. It featured a one-piece windshield with a vent as well as wipers at the bottom. The CJ-3A had beefed up suspension (10 leaf) to accommodate the various agricultural implements that were being built for the vehicle.^[6] Another difference was a shorter rear wheelwell (the wheelwell from the top front edge to the rear of the body is 32 inches (810 mm) on the 3A compared to 34 inches (860 mm) on the 2A) and moving the drivers seat rearward.^[7] A bare-bones Farm Jeep version was available starting in 1951 with a power takeoff. 131,843 CJ-3As were produced before the series ended in 1953. About 550 of the CJ3-A were assembled by Mitsubishi as the J1/J2 in late 1952 and early 1953, exclusively for the Japanese police and forestry agency.^[8]"

 I walk a lot in my neighborhood.  One day, I noticed two old Jeeps parked along the side of someone's house on one of my daily walks.  One was a 1956 CJ-5, and the other was this little orange/red CJ-3A.  I knocked on the door, told the very nice old man who answered that I wanted them, and he said that they were his wife's, husband's who had already passed.   He went on to tell me that the grand kids (now older than me) were in line to get them, and that they had "big plans" of restoring them.  He was quite annoyed that they had been TALKING about doing something with them.....................and 25 years after he parked them on the side of his house.........................still no restoration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  He went on to tell me if they were his, he would just give them to me, but, you know....................family.  Well, I left my information, and asked him to ask the kids how much they wanted for the pair.  I went on about my walk, and didn't hear from him for a couple of months.

I have this problem of fixating on things.  When I want something, I GET IT.  Particularly when it comes to non-running old Jeeps.  So after those couple of month pass, with no one ever trying to contact me.  I go back and knock on the man's door again.  He answers, and looks at me, and tells me that the kids want the Jeeps.  NO SALE.  He was mad.  Not at me, but at the fact that those damn Jeeps were never likely to be moved in his lifetime.  I could tell there was a possibility that I might be able to swing this deal, so I very politely told him that I understood.  I also told him that I would give him $500 total for both Jeeps if they ever changed their minds.

A few weeks later, I have two early CJ's sitting in my yard for the sweet price of $500!  The old man said screw it, told his in-laws that he was sick of looking at them, and that if they wanted them, they had better have them gone before he called me.  He waited almost a month!  He had both titles, and since he lived a mile away, I was able to flat tow both of them home with my 2wd 4Runner.  TOO EASY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The plan was to sell the CJ-5 (since I already have two), and keep the flat fender.  With new points, and condenser, the CJ-5 engine pretty much fired right up (it was a non original Ford 289 V-8).  I put an ad in Craigslist for $800, and had her sold within a few weeks when I accepted an offer of $700.

I am currently (as of 2/4/2014) +$200 ahead on this project!!!!!!!!!!!  That's not bad.  I'm hoping to spend no more than $1,000 total to get her safe, and running.  All new brakes, all new fuel system, all new electrical, and all new tires.  I HOPE to be able to reuse or rebuild everything else.

Her name is Stack O' Lee.  About six years ago I was listening to the oldies on the radio, and I "fixated" on a song I'd heard.  It was Stagger Lee, by Lloyd Price.  I fell in love with the song.
Here is the song.

    I determined that the next dog I got would have that name.  I still think I'll do that if I get another dog.

Anyway, it's the story that I liked most about the song, and apparently, it's been covered by tons, and tons of performers since it first came around in the early 1900's.  Also, the name changed a bit from song to song.  Some of the variations were Stagolee, Stackerlee, Stack-a-Lee, and of course Stack O' Lee.
It's the story about a bad, bad man........................................
I don't know why I thought to name this Jeep, I'd never named any other Jeep, or car before, but I did, and her name is Stack O' Lee  What can I say?  Some people drive their "Slice of Life" around, and some others drive their "Stack O' Lee" around...................................  ;)  (I love that they both share "S.O.L."  hahahaha

Here is a more modern version of the song done by none other than Mr. Samuel L Jackson.  Beware, he uses his favorite swear word in this song.