Carl Walck discusses common Willys Jeep brake issues and how to fix them.
Posts Tagged Jeep Restoration
Brakes Part One
Sep 7
Willys Jeep restorers will inevitably experience difficulty in finding particular parts made specifically for these old Jeeps. Most times the sale of these parts has long been discontinued. Or even worse, the parts you have are rusted beyond use. Here at Walck’s 4WD we have the solution to this problem. We make these parts ourselves, or we have them made for us – in the USA of course. We get a lot of questions about our exclusive parts that you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s a list of some of our most popular exclusive Willys Jeep Parts:
Willys Clutch Linkage
Lever & Tube Clutch Control
We carry the Jeep clutch linkage parts for the 4 cylinder Willys Trucks and Willys Station Wagons, as well as the L226 6 cylinder version. They’re all USA made. The clutch linkage is the part that connects the pedal to the clutch. It is nearly impossible to find this part anywhere else.
Cable Clutch Release
The making of your clutch linkage is confusing, so read carefully: Your clutch cross shaft goes from the frame to the bell housing, and adjustable linkage runs back to the fork. Original notches on are still on the linkage. Our linkages feature an adjustable nut with curbed face to fit clutch fork and a small nut to lock. linkage piece for pedal back to cross shaft. The 6 cylinder clutch linkage features an adjusting block and original notches which prevents sliding. Sound like a lot of movable parts? Imagine if every single one was rusted!
Some problems with your current linkage could be that there are holes that wear out in the cross shafts, and this wears thin to the point of breaks off side. Also your ball studs could break from going back and forth for 50+ years of driving. This problem could render your Jeep undrivable. And of course, this will only happen when you’re stuck in traffic and can’t get the Jeep off the road.
Willys Grill Screen
Fits most Willys Models
Willys with our grill screen installed
The Jeep grill screen is our own reproduction. This grill screen is a Jeep Approved option offered in the parts books under the Special Equipment Section. This is a carbon-copy of the original down to the diamond pattern. There is no drilling required with the grill screen. Easy installation – just push it on the grill and go. This item works great at preventing bugs and other road debris from getting into your grill.
Willys Throttle Stop Clamp and Throttle Cables
Most Willys Models
As we have stated before, rust is one of the biggest enemies of Jeep restoration. Sometimes the rust is so bad that a piece of a part will fall off, and you might not even realize what happened – until it’s too late. Many of these exclusive items we’re going to discuss in this post are parts that could be susceptible to rust or other problems that you might be unaware of.
These throttle stop clamps are perfect examples of this. The first is the throttle stop clamp. This helps hold the throttle cable in place in order to rev the engine. This part is often missing or rusted away. The next part is the throttle cable stop clamp. This screws on by the choke cable and holds your Willys throttle cable up at the top of the carburetor.
Willys Ragtop Brackets
Fits Most CJ2As
As Jeep enthusiasts know, the Jeep ragtop can sometimes give you trouble – not only with the ragtop itself, but especially with the brackets that hold them into place. They could be rusted away or gone. Well we’re here to save your Willys project yet again. There was problems before with foreign brackets falling apart or not working, so all of our brackets are now USA made.
Installing new ragtop brackets
First we have the Front Ragtop Bracket which went on the front of the CJ2A by the gas tank, holding the ragtop bows. There is also a Rear Ragtop Bow Bracket to go with it. There’s a Left and Right for these. Made from steel just like the original.
The next is the Center Ragtop Bracket which went behind the seat of the Jeep to hold the center ragtop bow in place. This is welded on the seat by the wheelhouse to hold the center bow.
Lastly, we have the Ragtop Bow Windshield Bracket which held the ragtop by the center of windshield and in the back of the Jeep.
If your ragtop doesn’t stay in place with the help of these parts, your restoration project is probably beyond our help.
Hope this list answers some of your questions about our exclusive parts. As always, we’re to answer them if you still have some!
Happy Restoring!
Wiring Harnesses Q & A
Jul 14
Dan Walck
We get many questions here at the shop regarding our exclusive wiring harnesses. All this wiring can be confusing to some restorers. Hopefully we can help reduce some of your confusion with these series of posts.
Here are some common wiring harness questions we get asked:
1. Q: What kinds of harnesses do you carry?
A: We carry harnesses for all the MBs, GPWs, CJ2As, CJ3As, CJ3B,s CJ5s, CJ6s, DJ3As, Willys Jeepsters, Wagons, Trucks and Forward Control Trucks.
2. Q: Can I custom order a wiring harness?
A: We do some customizing if you call before you order the harness. We can add writes or lengthen wires here and there as needed to accommodate customizations or other accessories you may have added. It’s hard to do a lot of custom work on a harness when we don’t have access to the Jeep in order to measure. So, if you need extra wire to perform some modifications yourself, we can gladly provide it!
3. Q: 12V / 6 V?
A: Many people ask us this question. 1956 and earlier Jeep are 6 volt, and they work just fine as long as things like the starter are in good shape, you have heavy battery cables, the ground strap is in place and the ETC is in good shape. We like to keep our old Jeeps 6-volts and they all work just fine – there really is no reason to change them. If everything is in good working order, your lights are just as bright and they start just as easily as on 12 volt Jeeps. If you’re keeping it all original, there aren’t really many reasons to change it. We recommend you stick with what ya got!
4. Q: Do I need turn signals?
Wiring in-Jeep
A: Turn signals make it a little safer and easier for regular driving. But in most cases they are not mandatory. You should contact your state Dept. of Motor Vehicles to see what the laws are in your state regarding turn signals. Most states require turn signals if you’re putting a regular license plate on it. But most don’t require it if you’re putting on antique plates. Since most of you will be driving your Jeep on the road regularly – you should think about adding turn signals.
5. Q: What does Walck’s do differently with harnesses?
A: Walck’s wiring harnesses are made in the USA out of high-quality materials that exceed the original factory specifications and electrical requirements. All of our ends are soldered and pre-determined so you only have to do a minimal amount of work yourself to install it.
We don’t like to brag, but our harnesses are so known for their quality that several other retailers also carry them!
And now… all of our wiring harnesses – and any order over $150 – ship for FREE!
2010 Show Jeeps
The 12th Annual Willys Jeep Picnic in Lansford, PA was another great success. This was the second time that the Picnic took place at the Lansford #9 Coal Mine Museum, but this time was even better than the first. Saturday, June 12th was a sweaty day to have a car show – but despite the muggy weather, over 50 Willys vehicles were in attendance. A variety different models could be seen: Military Jeeps, Station Wagons, Jeepsters, CJ’s and Pickups, just to name a few.
Some attendees took a tour of the old coal mine and caught a glimpse of what miners dealt with. Their jobs were incredibly difficult. It’s amazing to reflect upon things like that nowadays, considering how easy and convenient many aspects of our lives are.
Anyway, back to the Jeeps. I was very impressed by the quality of work put into many Willys Jeep Restoration projects. Their work proved to me that people are still taking their Willys Jeep Restoration projects very seriously, which greatly pleased us. We spent a good part of the day fielding a myriad of restoration questions. But, that’s what we’re here for! Keep ‘em coming, we love talking Willys Jeep Restoration!
Willys fans of all ages
Kudos to the Lansford Fire Department for making lunch and to DJ Shawn Frederickson for providing the tunes. We’d also like to thank Northeast Classic Car Museum, Jeep Classic Calendars and Larry Long for their contributions. Mother Nature cooperated with the Willys Jeep Picnic at least somewhat, holding the rain off until the very end of the day.
Be sure to attend next year’s Picnic, same time, same place!
Excellent show, everybody! Keep up the great work!
Don’t miss the 2010 Willys Jeep Picnic photos here.
Dan from Walck’s 4 Wheel Drive continues to provide ways to correct play in steering on your Willys Jeeps.
Dan from Walck’s 4 Wheel Drive explains the Willys Jeep steering box and how it can contribute to play or float in the wheel.
With over 16,000 sq feet, over 10,000 items in-stock and over 30 years in the business - we've earned our status as the world-wide premier replicator and retailer of Willys Jeep parts and as the most dedicated Jeep restoration experts you'll find. Since we cut out the middleman and reproduce and reclaim most parts ourselves, you always get the lowest possible price on your parts.
