Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Home

Welcome to the CJ-3B Bulletin Board, the discussion forums section of the website CJ3B.info. Everyone is invited to view the postings here, but you must register as a member in order to post messages. The moderator reserves the right to remove items posted. Items may be archived in the Tech Tips section of the website. If you post a tech problem, please follow up by posting the solution when it is found, as it may be useful to other readers. For forums covering other Jeep models, see the bottom of this page.

Search for keywords or phrases anywhere in the CJ-3B Bulletin Board using Google. Enter key words here.

Google
WWW CJ-3B Bulletin Board
You're currently viewing the forums as a guest. This means there are some features you can't use. If you register, you'll be able to post messages and use member-only features such as customizing your profile and sending personal messages. Registration is simple and free.


Join the CJ-3B Bulletin Board!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
DJ3A DISPATCHER CONVERTIBLE; RESEARCH THREAD
Topic Started: Dec 6 2013, 05:39 PM (10,292 Views)
F Bill
Jeep discovery and aquisition specialist
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
I'm thinking like you the back seat area was reserved for tennis rackets and the like, no seats allowed. :D Which means an original convertible may not have the floor brackets for the rear seat legs.
59 convertible 15933 needs drivetrain
60 convertible 17052 has a V6 and 4WD
60 Surrey 17509 went thru Katrina and looks it.
60 Surrey 17918 started it all...Toyota axle, BW
Wrecked Surrey Tub with fenders and grille
56 tub, from 11826
And a couple parts DJ's with no ID left.
All my jeeps are projects....only runner is my
DJ with doors..
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
binthere
Member Avatar
Member
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
You gotta be kidding me!! A 3B windshield on a 3A body?
Boy, those tennis players must be 5ft or less!! I'm 6'1, and had to lower the seat in my 3B as low as I could, and I still can't see to far down the road because the top of the windshield is to low!!
Learn something every day!!
somedays your the windsheild--somedays your the bug

Chuck - Cherryville B.C. Canada


53 3b [0IIIII0] stock except for wheel's and seats " a fistfull of dollars"
49 willys jeepster " a few dollars more"
and a few other retirement toys
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
PapaC
Papac
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
Quote:
 
You gotta be kidding me!! A 3B windshield on a 3A body?
Boy, those tennis players must be 5ft or less!! I'm 6'1, and had to lower the seat in my 3B as low as I could, and I still can't see to far down the road because the top of the windshield is to low!!
Learn something every day!!



Apparently there are dozens of variations of the two wheel drive, many of them just to use up extra parts. Dj's came with at least three different variations of windshields. Perhaps (at least in my mind) the short windshield was a poor mans version of.....this......which the company also dropped the ball on.



http://stevemckelvie.wordpress.com/2012/07...ass-sports-car/

That's right, Americas First Sport Car, even before the corvette.

I suspect somebody tall would be scrunched up in one of these too, same as they would be in a corvette, or if they were tall a two wheel drive jeep with a short windshield.

I can find quite a few photos of the ones with the shorter windshield. To date, I have YET to see even one with a recognizable piece of channel across the top of the windshield frame. Edit: I am also aware that some of these came without any top at all!

So, I still don't know.

Guessing because of lack of other evidence.......for the convertible...Snaps. Edit: this has proven to be common sense fasteners with evidence as supplied by FBill below

Guessing because of some evidence.........At least one top bow that the height can be adjusted

Guessing because of 'some evidence'......both top bows will fold back without taking them apart

Guessing, well, guessing because of my gut.....I believe on the soft top convertible that the top could be unsnapped from the windshield and folded back without completely taking it loose from the bows, 'perhaps' the sides too

Here's a new one

On my bed floor just behind where the front seats would be. (None of that is rust. Grease and dirt mixed together. If anything and in spite of everything, my old dj was kept greased and serviced its early years) (the stuff is like concrete and has been a nightmare to clean off)

Posted Image

Three depressions. Each depression has three holes. The end holes of each one have a Philips head screw plugging them with a nut and washer on the bottom as seen. The center hole of each one of these depressions is still open.

I don't know what the purpose of these are or why???!
Charles Tate....North Mississippi

1956 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible
Doing ground up nuts and bolt restoration by almost entirely reconditioning original used or a few NOS DJ3A parts.

1962 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible. (For research and parts only)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
F Bill
Jeep discovery and aquisition specialist
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
How does the screw spacing compare with a set of footman loop screws?
59 convertible 15933 needs drivetrain
60 convertible 17052 has a V6 and 4WD
60 Surrey 17509 went thru Katrina and looks it.
60 Surrey 17918 started it all...Toyota axle, BW
Wrecked Surrey Tub with fenders and grille
56 tub, from 11826
And a couple parts DJ's with no ID left.
All my jeeps are projects....only runner is my
DJ with doors..
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
PapaC
Papac
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
Quote:
 
How does the screw spacing compare with a set of footman loop screws?
[/i]

Good question and that was my thoughts too except for there's three holes in each depression.

Measurements of the outside, machine threaded screws are between 2 1/8 inch and 2 3/16 on center. Leaning more to 2 3/16 with the center, unplugged hole squarely between each one.
Charles Tate....North Mississippi

1956 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible
Doing ground up nuts and bolt restoration by almost entirely reconditioning original used or a few NOS DJ3A parts.

1962 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible. (For research and parts only)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
SteveK
Member
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
The three indentations are for the loops with a drain hole in the center. They are there for the Half Tops to hold the rear window section. Mine has two more (without drains) on the top of the fender wells to tie down the top.
SteveK
62 Dispatcher
South Florida
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
PapaC
Papac
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
Thanks Steve. I don't seem to have any signs of them being on the fender wells themselves soo, I guess I'll just have to install the lower loops and use them to strap down my tennis rackets or my beach ball if anybodies got some I can borrow:D

Still looking for more info.........HELP before I continue to make a complete fool out of myself with my conjectures!!!
Charles Tate....North Mississippi

1956 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible
Doing ground up nuts and bolt restoration by almost entirely reconditioning original used or a few NOS DJ3A parts.

1962 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible. (For research and parts only)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
F Bill
Jeep discovery and aquisition specialist
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
Patience......we are definitely making slow progress, or at least YOU are. Good find, the brochure with the top folded.

It looks like the convertible was not supplied with doors?

59 convertible 15933 needs drivetrain
60 convertible 17052 has a V6 and 4WD
60 Surrey 17509 went thru Katrina and looks it.
60 Surrey 17918 started it all...Toyota axle, BW
Wrecked Surrey Tub with fenders and grille
56 tub, from 11826
And a couple parts DJ's with no ID left.
All my jeeps are projects....only runner is my
DJ with doors..
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
PapaC
Papac
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
I think there were doors. Not only does mine have holes in the windshield frame, it still has the door hanger channel on one side.

On the drivers side the channel is missing but the spot welds for where it was are still there.

_______________________________________________________________________

This factory photo does show doors. It also shows that the rear window has been removed......and then something else hung underneath and covering the hole.


I thought a while on this. Then I guessed (see, there's that word again)


Anyway, I guessed that at that camera angle the window would have messed with the flash or the look of the photo or something!!!

http://www.film.queensu.ca/cj3b/Photos/Dis...FactoryRear.jpg

Charles Tate....North Mississippi

1956 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible
Doing ground up nuts and bolt restoration by almost entirely reconditioning original used or a few NOS DJ3A parts.

1962 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible. (For research and parts only)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
F Bill
Jeep discovery and aquisition specialist
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
Great shot... I can't tell if you are looking at the back panel with a very shiny plastic window reflecting the sky, or a missing back window showing a contrasting inside color. This is the first pic where I noticed the little band of material at the top of the window area.

And yes, I see doors. Good find!

We are getting quite a thread of convertible pics. Any other pics anyone has of factory convertibles around?? (Or period pics of fairly new Convertibles??
59 convertible 15933 needs drivetrain
60 convertible 17052 has a V6 and 4WD
60 Surrey 17509 went thru Katrina and looks it.
60 Surrey 17918 started it all...Toyota axle, BW
Wrecked Surrey Tub with fenders and grille
56 tub, from 11826
And a couple parts DJ's with no ID left.
All my jeeps are projects....only runner is my
DJ with doors..
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
PapaC
Papac
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
Here's another non-tailgate dj with the holes in the windshield.

http://www.ewillys.com/wp-content/uploads2...clinton-oh1.jpg


http://www.ewillys.com/category/dj3a/page/3/



And here's the 92nd dj ever built. (Identified as such thanks to Colin.


1955 dj3a...channel for the top, but tall windshield and the extra bow brackets at the back

http://www.ewillys.com/2011/09/26/1957-dj-3a-ukiah-ca-ebay/
Charles Tate....North Mississippi

1956 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible
Doing ground up nuts and bolt restoration by almost entirely reconditioning original used or a few NOS DJ3A parts.

1962 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible. (For research and parts only)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
F Bill
Jeep discovery and aquisition specialist
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
I got to make a side trip to the house for ONE day. Guess what's on the list? PICTURES!! I'll post up a few in the AM.
59 convertible 15933 needs drivetrain
60 convertible 17052 has a V6 and 4WD
60 Surrey 17509 went thru Katrina and looks it.
60 Surrey 17918 started it all...Toyota axle, BW
Wrecked Surrey Tub with fenders and grille
56 tub, from 11826
And a couple parts DJ's with no ID left.
All my jeeps are projects....only runner is my
DJ with doors..
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
F Bill
Jeep discovery and aquisition specialist
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
Conclusion: I don't know half what I thought about the Convertible model!

I went and took pics. Here's some conclusions:

The convertible DOES NOT use the top bow socket of the Surrey and CJ2A/3A model. It is totally missing, not just there and unused. BOTH of my convertibles have no top bow sockets on the wheelwell top. Both of my Surreys DO have them.

PapaC is totally correct about the lack of a windshield channel on the convertible model, and the use of common sense fasteners. They are held on with threaded studs and nuts thru round drilled holes. Surreys used the higher windshield and they had a channel for the front of the top.

I may actually have found an original top bow bracket remaining on my V6 convertible. There is a picture in the album of it, see what you think. It does explain what those holes are for.. I could believe that the bows fold down and remain in position on top of the body sides. We need an original set to take pics of.....if we could find one!!

Here's the pics I shot today. I gotta get on the road again tomorrow so if you need any more pics get back to me soon....
URL HERE: (Cut and paste is not working , search Photobucket for fbills jeeps and album name is DJ3A COnvertible Vs Surrey)
Maybe this will work??
http://s1296.photobucket.com/user/FBilljee...y?sort=3&page=1
59 convertible 15933 needs drivetrain
60 convertible 17052 has a V6 and 4WD
60 Surrey 17509 went thru Katrina and looks it.
60 Surrey 17918 started it all...Toyota axle, BW
Wrecked Surrey Tub with fenders and grille
56 tub, from 11826
And a couple parts DJ's with no ID left.
All my jeeps are projects....only runner is my
DJ with doors..
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
PapaC
Papac
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
"I've got ALL of them same 'holes' in my convertible where you have brackets!"


Sorry, I just couldn't help myself. And unless we start seeing more of them I concur with one of your earlier statements.....and I've been thinking.......

Survivor convertibles are becoming sparse. Dare I say it but I can find pictures of at least two or three Surreys for every convertible pic I can find .

Going to go back and look at the rest of the pics now. THANKS BILL


Ps. Betcha there's a marking like this on your convertible frames


Posted Image



Posted Image
Charles Tate....North Mississippi

1956 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible
Doing ground up nuts and bolt restoration by almost entirely reconditioning original used or a few NOS DJ3A parts.

1962 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible. (For research and parts only)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
PapaC
Papac
[ *   *   *   *   *  ]
Allow me, if that's ok

Bill's dj3a convertible windshield with common sense fasteners.

Posted Image

This shows the piece of channel and a bracket I'm missing on the drivers side.


Posted Image
Charles Tate....North Mississippi

1956 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible
Doing ground up nuts and bolt restoration by almost entirely reconditioning original used or a few NOS DJ3A parts.

1962 WILLYS DJ3A Convertible. (For research and parts only)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · DJ-3A Dispatcher Posts · Next Topic »
Add Reply

Other Willys Jeep forums:

The CJ-2A Page has a CJ-2A Message Board.
There is also a CJ-3A Page Forum.
For CJ-5 and Dauntless V6 postings, see the Early CJ-5 Bulletin Board.
The Old Willys Forum is dedicated to wagons and pickups.
Surrey Gala and Dispatcher Jeeps are under DJ-3A Dispatcher Posts.
The M38/M38A1/M606 Preservation Group has a forum.
For other CJ and military Jeeps, see the g503 Message Boards.
See the Forward Forum for Forward Control Jeeps.
To post ads for other Willys parts or Jeeps, see the WillysTech Buy/Sell/Swap Message Board.
For tech problems with other Willys models, try the WillysTech e-mail list.
The Bantam Trailer forum covers Jeep trailers.