Throwback Thursday: This Willys-Overland CJ-2A Sat Behind an Auto Parts Store for 20 Years. Will It Ever Run Again?
It is rusted and has been sitting for so long that trees are growing through it, but a Willys-Overland CJ-2A never gives up.
The Willys-Overland CJ-2A resembled its military ancestor closely. And the military doesn’t quit just because things might look bleak. The old CJ you see here was parked behind an auto parts store and left to rot for over 20 years. That would mark the end of most vehicles. But a Jeep is a special breed. Just because it has some rust and a few trees growing through it doesn’t mean it won’t start. Of course, it won’t be easy.
This week’s “Throwback Thursday” is all about this Willys-Overland CJ-2A. It was nestled among several vehicles that likely “ran when parked” but have not moved in decades. Now the folks at BleepinJeep have decided to rescue the little Jeep and try to get it running again. Getting this thing recovered and running is not going to be an easy job, so they enlisted the help of Matt’s Off Road Recovery to lend an assist. Continue on to see how this rescue mission turned out.
Two Vehicles Saved
In addition to the Willys-Overland CJ-2A there is also a Suzuki Sidekick that the team is recovering. The Sidekick appears to have been originally painted black. And that is all we have to say about the Sidekick. The star of the show and focus of the video is the Jeep as it should be. And what better way to pull it out of the field than with another Jeep? A yellow TJ equipped with a winch and a recovery strap begins to slowly budge the CJ from its resting spot. But it is going to be a process, this is not something that is going to be quick and easy. However, after quite a bit of gentle persuasion the Jeep is finally free from the ground it was slowly sinking into. Now the real fun can begin.
Will it Start?
Most people would take one look at this old Jeep and think it should head right for the scrap heap. There is no way this thing will actually start, will it? Well, that is what the guys are here to find out. It is transported back to home base so the team can focus on getting it running again. Upon closer inspection there is a bit of good news. The oil looks OK and the CJ-2A has already been converted to a 12-volt system. A new battery is hooked up, the key is turned, and the engine doesn’t start. But it is not seized, it does turn over. That is encouraging.
Suzuki Help
Maybe that little Suzuki isn’t so bad after all. The ignition coil is taking from the Suzuki and donated to the Willys-Overland CJ-2A to help get it started. With the donor part installed, some starter fluid, fresh gas and a tap on the starter motor the old Jeep sputters to life. It might not be sewing machine smooth just yet, but the fact that this thing starts at all is something of a miracle.
Video
If you want to see what it takes to get an abandoned Jeep running again then the video below is for you. It took a bit of patience, and some know how, but really nothing exceptional. The Jeep is a tough old bird and despite its rough life it still has more to give. Hopefully this little CJ-2A will now live on for many more years to come.
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