The old flattie had previously received a frame from a '65 CJ-5, which was boxed end to end and reinforced at key stress points. Front and rear spring perches were fabricated to accommodate a set of flexy BDS 2-1/2-inch Wrangler lift leaf springs, which would be mounted above the axles. To further enhance driveability and articulation, the axles were moved fore and aft 2 inches, resulting in an 84-inch wheelbase. The front received a shackle reversal kit, and the original rears were replaced with a pair of Revolver shackles. Dampening duties were left to a set of Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks, while directional control is managed via a high-steer setup.
For Dillar, the axle selection was easy. Scott went back to S&H Four Wheel Drive for a custom rear Tera 60R and front Dana 44. S&H fit both ends with 4:10 ring-and-pinion gears, ARB Air Lockers, and power disc brakes. Additionally, the full-floating 60R received a pair of 35-spline axles and Warn hubs. To accentuate a perfected powerplant, drivetrain, and suspension combination, the entire assembly was placed on 36-inch Interco TSLs wrapped around 15x10-inch Outlaw aluminum wheels.
With the drivetrain in place, Scott's focus turned toward the sheetmetal. What he started with was a literal potpourri of Willys parts, consisting of various years and models. With a barrage that included a '53 front fender, a '42 grille and headlights, and a '55 windshield frame, the puzzle finally came together in the form of a whole Jeep. Once assembled, the tub's undercarriage and interior were treated to a coating of Line-X, then taken to Highlands Paint for a gorgeous coat of Viper Red.
The view from the driver's seat is no less impressive than the exterior. A full set of Auto Meter Phantom Gauges complement a stainless-steel dash while keeping a pulse on the system's vitals. Swing pedals and a Cadillac tilt steering column enhance driver input, and custom bucket seats cradle a Tuffy security console. Out back, a Con-Ferr rear seat doubles as a storage bin and carries a Ready welder, Optima batteries, tools, and a 750-watt DC power inverter. To optimize storage capacity, Dillar also fabricated matching storage boxes to fit over the rear wheelwells. Other cool items are the original blackout driving lights, a custom-fabricated rollcage, rock sliders, a swing-out tire carrier, a track bar, and heavy-duty bumpers, of which the front carries a Warn 8274 winch.
As with any true obsession, especially that of a master craftsman, a project is never complete. The final touch was a matching trailer fashioned from mere slabs of sheetmetal. Fifty-six years after it rolled out of the Willys Overland factory, this "Old Boy" is back on the trail and in pristine condition. Dillar got to fulfill his dream Jeep project and Nick Holden got to ride the trail with his classic old friend.