Vintage Jeeps can be Rebuilt or Restored Depending on your Goals

The history of the Jeep is a fascinating and sometimes conflicting one and adds to the current allure vintage jeeps have for many of us. The two companies often given credit for developing the vehicles that we now know as jeeps are first, Willy-Overland and secondly, American Bantam Car Company , the maker of the widely used military vehicle the Bantam Reconnaissance Car. Willys-Overland models were the first ones to gain wide popularity when W-O began producing them in partnership with Ford. They were made for both military and civilian use.
Today many Jeep enthusiasts are bringing vintage jeeps back to life through restoration. The most popular models for many are vintage jeeps from the WWII period, models like the 1941 Willys-Overland. Jeep CJ models from the 40’s to 70’s are also popular while others prefer vintage jeeps like more recent Wrangler or Cherokee models. The jeep brand has passed through many hands, from Willy-Overland to Ford to Kaiser to Chrysler and each lover of vintage jeeps has their own favorites.
The key to rebuilding vintage jeeps is to begin with an original drive line including the engine, transmission, steering components and axles. Having an original body to work with is essential for many as well, though it is possible to find replica bodies for most vintage jeeps. If you have a restoration project in mind it is a good idea to start by finding a quality supplier of parts. Many vintage jeeps shops exist and offer just about anything you need. Sometimes, however, the best prices are found on auction sites where good used parts are sold by individuals and by parts suppliers.

If you love vintage jeeps and have one you want to work with you’ve got a decision to make. Will you rebuild it or will you restore it? To rebuild a jeep is easier in many ways because you are not attempting to use all original equipment parts. Rebuilt vintage jeeps may sport parts from a variety of series – as long as it works. If you are rebuilding your vehicle you can also modify it in any way you like.

Restoring vintage jeeps is what the purest attempts to do. The goal is to restore it to the exact way it left the factory – with as much original equipment as possible. The best restored jeeps are known as museum-quality jeeps and are rarely driven and often do end up in exhibits. It is rare that you’ll find vintage jeeps that are in good enough condition to restore or that the needed parts are available. Of course the more recent the models, something like a Chrysler built CJ-7, will be easier to find original parts for than a WWII era Willy Overland. Whichever way you choose to go, bringing vintage jeeps back to the road is a fascinating and rewarding hobby.