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.
| 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: |
| DJ3A DISPATCHER CONVERTIBLE; RESEARCH THREAD | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Dec 6 2013, 05:39 PM (10,287 Views) | |
| PapaC | Jan 2 2014, 12:58 AM Post #91 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
Hey Steve! Never meant to insinuate this was a dj top, but that said, other than details, whatever that means, the similarity in design and apparant function are astounding. Maybe the same thing happened as what happens now with different companies copying others designs with just enough changes to get around a patent or copyright. Or.................. I still believe that the folding mechanism aspect should be close to the same as what were looking for. Especially when there's a closer comparison of This modified CJ3B...................... like Bill said, "pretty darn COOL)................... ![]() To this image of a convertible DJ3A................. EDIT: now identified as prototype tops and not believed ever actually produced on the factory floor. charles tate: ![]() Which has ONLY to this point been seen on what appears to be on early Willys PROTOTYPE images. _______________________________________________________________________________ As for the windshield on the 3B it's the tall one. I'd still like to have verifiable photographic, or even eyewitness evidence that a short ventilating windshield ever existed. That said, hardware for it IS on the parts list so it's existence can't be discounted yet. ________________________________________________________ Thanks for the feedback. Sometimes even the tiniest details lead to my searching in a new direction to find absolute positives, if there is such a thing. One thing for sure and I'm not sure how to say this but I'll try. From the beginning in order to completely prove not only that the top design we're looking for actually exists and was a factory option from Willys.......and to get that evidence accepted on record by the Willys community........Every single bit of what I'll call negative evidence had to be closely examaned...... and the discrepancies explained...........until they're either no longer part of the equation and dismissed.......or the dots they contain become connected and become part of the answers that are seeked..... |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| F Bill | Jan 2 2014, 01:11 AM Post #92 |
|
Jeep discovery and aquisition specialist
![]() ![]()
|
I wonder if the slant we see in the door rearward surface that gives that top that sporty angle is the same as the slant we see in one of the tennis pics.. I can't tell if it is the same or less in the (EDIT) NON-tennis jeep with the woman beside it. Or was the prototype more rakish yet they made the production top with a vertical door opening? Looking at the photos in this thread I am unsure....The side shots seem to look different jeep to jeep and brochure to real jeep.... I was thinking if someone put the DJ top on a High hood 3B, using the normal short windshield, it would tend to make the top assume the very same position we see on the red snow jeep. This would be due to the cowl added height lifting the front of the top upwards...To me the ventilating? windshield we see on the 3B appears to be the same height as the low silhouette DJ windshield but the glass is shorter appearing, which makes the lower panel look as if it is the higher windshield. Clear as mud yet? Lindsay has come up with a name and possible location for the low mileage DJ, so I will be calling him soon to get that info from him and we can hopefully track down the new owner of his old DJ...I am starting back on the road this week so it might be a few days before I get the time to call him at a normal hour. |
|
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.. | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 2 2014, 01:31 AM Post #93 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
Hmmm. Seems like I was looking at that windshield but I wasn't 'seeing' it! It almost looks to me like if the bows were folded back on the black and white one they'd both come down in front of the back panel. Weird. I also wonder if the door reinforcement is maybe a rod sewed into the material similar to what we think the bottom rod is that slips into the quarter panel and back panel brackets... |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| F Bill | Jan 2 2014, 10:28 PM Post #94 |
|
Jeep discovery and aquisition specialist
![]() ![]()
|
I talked with Lindsay today. I PM'd Charles with the contact info for the gentleman who bought the convertible from him. The few details about the top Lindsay could remember were that one bow had a bracket that attached where we have thought, and the other bow pivoted off the first bow. There were pockets sewn into the top that the bows were attached somewhat to, the front most was locked in place with the turn fasteners. He never actually had the top completely off the jeep so we are not sure what the attachment to the side mounting hooks was. He did say that you would pull the top up in place with the bows and then stretch it into place on the windshield, and it was pretty tough to do . In fact he had let it stay folded too long once and it shrunk to the point he had to heat the jeep up in his spray booth bake oven to get the top back up. He mentioned the doors were somewhat unusual but we got interrupted and I didn't get what he meant by that, It has been 2 years plus so he was a bit sketchy on some of the details, but he did say we are looking at a vinyl coated canvas material. We will see if Papa C can coax some more details out of the present owner. I've got my fingers crossed! |
|
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.. | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 3 2014, 01:12 AM Post #95 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
WOW! Bill, I'm crossing my fingers AND my toes! I'll attempt to make contact with the gentleman and if he is still in possession I'll try to arrange a meeting.... |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 3 2014, 12:51 PM Post #96 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
Just heading home from TN. No joy on the Green convertible, said he hadn't seen it, nor did he have any information about it..... BUT.................. BUT.................. BUT.................. Stay tuned. Later today, check back in. Surprises are in store.......AND......... The dots WILL be connected!!!!! |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 3 2014, 02:03 PM Post #97 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
Still working my way home, 15 minutes out . The wife just called and I've got to stop in town and pick up a few things . Uggggg, didn't dare tell her I've got more IMPORTANT things to do! Did I mention there's a new DJ to add to the database? And yes...... ITS A CONVERTIBLE!!!!!!! |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 3 2014, 03:23 PM Post #98 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
I made the phone call this morning. A really sweet sounding lady answered the phone. Without question she gave me her husbands cell number. I thanked her and made the second call. When he answered the phone I began to introduce myself. When I told him where I got his number from and what I was hunting......... a green dj convertible things got real confusing....real quick. As he listened I began to explain. I was looking for ANY information I could find out about a DJ convertible. That almost became awkward too, until I began to explain it fastened to the windshield with turn fasteners........and also it folded back like a regular convertible. It was I could almost tell over the phone like a light went off in his head. He told me to come see him......now.... He didn't really explain why.... Just told me to come and look at his jeeps. He gave me the address of his warehouse, and we hung up the phone. I grabbed a cup of coffee and punched the address into my gps. Found out he only lived about a hour away..... And headed for TN,....... |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 3 2014, 03:50 PM Post #99 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
Wife's having a few problems. Later I'll finish the story which is almost as important as the pics. At least to me it is. |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 3 2014, 05:45 PM Post #100 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
I found the warehouse fairly easily. As I pulled into the parking lot I still didn't know what to expect to see exactly. As I stated earlier on the phone he had only told me to come see him. He met me at the door. We introduced ourselves and he told me to come on in. My eyes were wide I know. Glass counters filled with all sorts of collectables. Everything jeep related you could think of. Brochures....models.....helmets....much of it under glass. The walls were covered. There was a pretty extensive library in a room off to the side. And conference tables in the room I'd first walked in to. Even though I hadn't see the first willys jeep yet.......I was in heaven. We sat down at one of the tables and began to talk. He didn't seem like a really private person, but also he's not a internet guy. That I could relate too. Once my kids graduated I was completely computer less myself for over five years. My phone was about that old too, up until almost exactly a year ago today. For a LONG time I despised texting.....and people who played with phones. As you can see....I've sorta got over that frame of mind. I listened as he began to talk. I can't tell everything, including his name , or post other pictures of his jeep collection other than the convertible, which is extensive, but he told me he saw his first jeep while watching an RKO movie at the theatre as a child. He said even then he fell in love with them. It was kind of funny. He said his dad hated them....and that just made him love them more over the years. |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 3 2014, 06:01 PM Post #101 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
I could have sat there listening to his stories all day. But I knew he had told me on the phone that he always left and went home around lunch. So our talk finally drifted to the convertible. He asked how I got his name and number and I told him and told him how my search had led to him. Then I showed him a picture of the Green one. My heart fell when he didn't recognize it. We talked a few more minutes......and he told me to follow him. We went through a door.....and there they were. Dozens of jeeps. All different kinds. I must have almost went blind!!! And then he pointed his finger and there 'IT' was. NOT a Green DJ Convertible at all. Oh no. It was a RED DJ Convertible!!! I saw it from the front first. There were the turn fasteners on the windshield. The top was made our of canvas. The red paint on the tub itself was fairly new, but no pictures could do that canvas justice. It definitely looked authentic, and old. |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 3 2014, 06:20 PM Post #102 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
As I walked towards it he asked me if I wanted to BUY one. NOT this one. ANOTHER one he knew about. I must have about went to my knees. But the time was passing quick and it was coming up on noon. I gracefully declined. The one I do own has about got me financially strapped and that's no joke. Luckily I've managed to already gather up most of the rarest of parts I need, other that the top that is. In fact, when I did get back home, my SECOND ALA Tail Light was waiting in my mailbox. Brand New, never been installed. It's funny. I bought my first one from GaryC here on this site and my second one....... It came from a guy named Gary too!!! I'll just have to call him...Ebay Gary!!! |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 3 2014, 06:45 PM Post #103 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
At his insistence we pushed a jeep pickup out of the way so we could roll the Convertible out into the aisle so I could see it better. He then invited me to take any and all the pictures I wanted. I crawled inside, at his instance, and began to connect the dots. Wait. Before I climbed in I was able to CONTRIBUTE something! And that my friends. That was the best feeling of all!!! He had taken his seat out and it was there on the floor besides the Dispatcher Convertible. AND it was only a single narrow seat. Not only that.......he didn't exactly know what year his was. Like I said before, he's not a internet guy. That, and I don't think it even really mattered to him. I KNOW from his knowledge that he could figured out if he'd really wanted to. I told him what little bit I knew about seats. Promised him in the near future I'd bring him back hard copies of correct seats, along with images of underneath and how they fasten to the floor. So listen up guys . Since mine have been somewhat altered and my small one has polly cushions instead of springs...... Well I'll just put it plainly.......HELLPPP..... Also we need to check his serial number to determine his year. Oh.... The reason he 'did' have his seat out. (It was a narrow one with springs) He needed to hook up his defroster hose. I KNEW my convertible used to have a heater, even if mine is a earlier model which I expect will be shown from the serial numbers. ![]() That's 56337 20394. Paint code 78 Trim 164 Somebody check that out and see if that's on the up and up for a bright red convertible, Ok? |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 3 2014, 06:58 PM Post #104 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
Ok. Here's the deal. My cell phone camera isn't great, and it was kinda dark in there. Doesn't matter. I've been invited back to come with a real camera to take better pictures. And also with a tape measure to take detailed measurements. Also he said if I wanted I could fold the top back. By the time I do go back. I'm going to have his year for him and detailed hard copy pictures of seats. Oh, once again before I start. We also had a conversation about prototypes. I'll tell you what he said after I get a few pictures loaded, and posted. It was real interesting to me. Also if anyone sees anything wrong.....as always don't be afraid to point it out. Even he wasn't sure his 'cover' on his top was original, especially being that old. I'll say this. If it's not.....well there's a lot of detail there as you will see that's been duplicated.
|
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| PapaC | Jan 3 2014, 07:09 PM Post #105 |
|
Papac
![]() ![]()
|
![]() ![]() ![]() |
|
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) | |
![]() |
|
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · DJ-3A Dispatcher Posts · Next Topic » |



![]](http://z4.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)










7:36 PM Jul 10