17th Annual Mason Dixon Willys Jeep Gathering. Oct 13-15th

!!2024!! 18th Annual Mason Dixon Willys Jeep gathering events will be Oct 18-20.

-This site is now completely updated for the 2023 show. Information on both drives is updated. All events are rain or shine. Weather predictions have improved for Sunday–

Scroll down past sponsors for dates, times, directions and more

October 13th 6pm until ??  Open House at Hanson Mechanical Restorations at 40 NorthQueen St. Littlestown, PA. There will be pizza, donations of chips, cookies, snacks etc.. are more than welcome. BYOB. Follow directions below or you will not find it!

—Only park in the field, or on Queen St. or directly in front of barn (Never beside it)

Coming from Gettysburg drive South on 97. If attempting to park in by the barn entrance then after you pass the blue Napa Auto Repair (on left) watch for your next right at an empty gas station. At the vacant gas station turn right on Locust. Drive halfway down the block and turn right after the grey building. You will see the barn with jeeps in the parking area. 

If parking in the field turn right on West Myrtle when you see the Blue Napa Auto Repair. Then take your first left on Dixon Alley (there is no sign.) Drive down to the field and park in the field.

Coming from Westminster go North on 97. Pass through the light in the center of town where King and Queen Streets cross.  If attempting to park in by the barn entrance then watch for your next left on Locust at an empty gas station. Drive halfway down the block and turn right after the grey building. You will see the barn with jeeps in the parking area. 

If parking in the field turn left on West Myrtle when you see the Blue Napa Auto Repair (on right). Then take your first left on Dixon Alley (there is no sign.) Drive down to the field and park in the field.

Red Boxes and lines are recommended parking. Smallest red box by barn is for vintage Jeeps. Green lines are how to get to parking. Blue lines are walking to the barn.

October 14th Annual Jeep drive ALL drives meet at the WWII American Experience Museum 845 Crooked Creek Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325. There is space for trailer parking. It is just up the road from our old meeting point at the Peace Light. Drives leave at 9:30 am sharp. Arrive early so you don’t miss your drive. No Sign up needed

Requests for rides: We are not in any way coordinating folks who want to ride in a Jeep with Jeep drivers and owners. That is up to the discretion of the Jeep owner/ driver. You have to ask them. Expect that many folks will likely say no for liability reasons, or because they just enjoy driving on their own. We have had alot of requests for rides and drivers should not feel obligated in any way to take on riders for the Saturday drives.

Drive # 1 This is a about a 65 mile run out into Michaux forest. We will stop by Laurel lake and drive through the remains of Camp Michaux (a former WW2 Prison Camp). You need working 4wd low on this as there is a steep rocky road. Pack food. Restrooms are only available at Laurel Lake, about 35 miles into the trip. Thank you to Paul Rea for leading this drive!

Drive #2 This is a local run around the Gettysburg area and battlefield. Kyle Buchter will lead this and the goal is to find vintage locations for cool vintage style photos. dress 1940s and fall back in time! The length of this run is not currently determined but it will stay close to home and keep an eye on the weather.

October 15th 9am to 3pm:  Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158. 

Website: Union Mills Homestead

Show Basics:

• Cost: Free.  Entry and attendance are free. Donations are happily accepted and go towards show expenses and Union Mills Homestead.  Over the years we have donated over $10,000.00 to Union Mills Homestead.
• T shirts are $20.00 first come, first served. Sizes from small to XXL (a couple XXXL may be available). Limited quantities of shirts are available. Last year’s shirts are available for $15.00 each.
• 
• All civilian Willys and Kaiser products are welcome.  No newer jeeps in the judged areas.
• Stock AMC Jeeps now are a judged class. Expectations for AMC Jeeps are unmodified or lightly modified. Cut off date is 1986.
• Military Jeeps from WW2 onwards are welcome, and we love to have any other vintage military vehicles on display.  Those with living history displays are welcome to set them up.
• Slow crawl race is planned for 12 O’clock. (Weather permitting) There will be a prize sponsored by Kaiser Willys (neon clock) for the winner.
• Parts fleamarket:  Those selling used parts the fee is $25.00  if you have an awesome day selling we ask you to be fair and throw a bit more towards the show as this is a not for profit event.  If you are just selling 3 parts you brought in your car or something then there is no charge.
• Vendors:  Jeep related commercial vendors are more than welcome.  We usually ask $250.00 towards the show, and if you sign on early enough we add you as a sponsor and place your logo on the t-shirt.
• Behavior. Attendance at the show requires agreement by the attendee to participate in a positive manner. Show entrants/ attendees who create a negative environment will be asked to leave, and if they do not leave the police will be called.

16th Annual Mason Dixon Willys Jeep Gathering. Oct 14-16th

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES ADDITIONAL SPONSORS TIMES MEETING PLACES AND MORE (Last update Oct 10, 2022)

http://www.G518parts.com

pajeeps.org

https://www.lenstolerdodgechryslerjeep.com/

http://www.kaiserwillys.com

https://www.thejeepsterman.com/

https://redeyecafemoto.com/

https://offroad-consulting.com/

www.hagerty.com

NEW LAST YEAR: Stock AMC Jeeps now are a judged class. Expectations for AMC Jeeps are unmodified or lightly modified. Cut off date is 1986.

What’s happening when and what day???

October 14th 6pm until ??  Open House at Hanson Mechanical Restorations at 40 NorthQueen St. Littlestown, PA. There will be pizza, donations of chips, cookies, snacks etc.. are more than welcome. BYOB. Follow directions below or you will not find it!

—Only park in the field, or on Queen St. or directly in front of barn (Never beside it)

Coming from Gettysburg drive South on 97. If attempting to park in by the barn entrance then after you pass the blue Napa Auto Repair (on left) watch for your next right at an empty gas station. At the vacant gas station turn right on Locust. Drive halfway down the block and turn right after the grey building. You will see the barn with jeeps in the parking area. 

If parking in the field turn right on West Myrtle when you see the Blue Napa Auto Repair. Then take your first left on Dixon Alley (there is no sign.) Drive down to the field and park in the field.

Coming from Westminster go North on 97. Pass through the light in the center of town where King and Queen Streets cross.  If attempting to park in by the barn entrance then watch for your next left on Locust at an empty gas station. Drive halfway down the block and turn right after the grey building. You will see the barn with jeeps in the parking area. 

If parking in the field turn left on West Myrtle when you see the Blue Napa Auto Repair (on right). Then take your first left on Dixon Alley (there is no sign.) Drive down to the field and park in the field.

Red Boxes and lines are recommended parking. Green lines are how to get to parking. Blue lines are walking to the barn.

October 15th Annual Jeep drive, three options to choose from. ALL drives meet at the WWII American Experience Museum 845 Crooked Creek Rd, Gettysburg, PA 17325. There is space for trailer parking. It is just up the road from our old meeting point at the Peace Light. Drives leave at 9:30 am sharp. Arrive early so you don’t miss your drive.

1) Certified battlefield Tour guide drive. This is being organized and sponsored by Kyle of Offroad Consutling.

2) Dee’s Gettysburg drive. A leisurely wander around Gettysburg and its environs with Dee Pierini.

3) The LONG drive. Last year Paul Rea led us on a great convoy out to Pine Grove Furnace and back. It was a fun run, really good for those who want to blow the cobwebs out of their Willys.

SIGN UP FOR THE DRIVE OF YOUR CHOICE HERE. SPACE IS LIMITED FOR OPTION 1 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4baca723aafcc70-2022

October 16th 9am to 4pm:  Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158.  website: Union Mills Homestead

Show Basics:

• Cost: Free.  Entry and attendance are free. Donations are happily accepted and go towards show expenses and Union Mills Homestead.  Over the years we have donated over $10,000.00 to Union Mills Homestead.
• T shirts are $20.00 first come, first served. Sizes from small to XXXL. Very Limited quantities of shirts are available. Last year’s shirts are available for $15.00 each.
• Behavior. Attendance at the show requires agreement by the attendee to participate in a positive manner. Show entrants/ attendees who create a negative environment will be asked to leave, and if they do not leave the police will be called. (Sadly we have to add this due to one attendee last year who spent most of the day libeling the show organizers.)
• All civilian Willys and Kaiser products are welcome.  No newer jeeps in the judged areas.
• Stock AMC Jeeps now are a judged class. Expectations for AMC Jeeps are unmodified or lightly modified. Cut off date is 1986.
• Military Jeeps from WW2 onwards are welcome, and we love to have any other vintage military vehicles on display.  Those with living history displays are welcome to set them up.
• Parts fleamarket:  Those selling used parts the fee is $25.00  if you have an awesome day selling we ask you to be fair and throw a bit more towards the show as this is a not for profit event.  If you are just selling 3 parts you brought in your car or something then there is no charge.
• Vendors:  Jeep related commercial vendors are more than welcome.  We usually ask $250.00 towards the show, and if you sign on early enough we add you as a sponsor and place your logo on the t-shirt.

Sponsors (this section will be updated with logos and links shortly)

1957 Willys truck $4,000.00 OBO (no trades)

(Okay, two possible exceptions to the trades…. will take as partial trade an interesting running hit and miss, or maybe a Farmall cub with mower. Partial trades only though. That means trade and cash.)

1957 Willys truck. Clear Maryland title. This lived its life on a farm near Westminster, Maryland. This was a project that stalled. I need the space in my shop. Please read carefully and review photos before asking questions. Questions, offers etc.. email: merlin at hansonmechanical.com

-All parts are shown (except I forgot to photograph the interior windshield surrounds, I have those too.)

-Missing: Radiator, Carburetor, gas tank was replaced by prior owners with a fuel cell which is included.

-Engines: two 6-226 engines. The one in the truck is a “ran when parked” scenario. I never believe it until I see it run. The blue engine obviously was worked on at some point, and then left outside (I didn’t do that). As you can see it looks nice inside. I have no idea why they did not clean the oil pickup! I would open it up, hone the cylinders, lap the valves and reset the flywheel studs that have worked there way back a hair and are keeping it from turning as a result (you can see in one of the closeups.)

-Sheetmetal. Fenders etc.. were removed, media blasted and primed. Everything needs work. Rear fenders need ALOT of TLC but are quite repairable. Several new pieces are pictured. Most areas needing major repair are pictured. Doors need repair, spare doors are included as well.

-Glass: Glass needs replacement, door glass may be fine. A local small glass shop that will work on antique cars usually can cut and install the glass for far less than buying a glass kit from one of the Willys parts suppliers.

-Bed. Two beds are included, they would be able to make one good bed. One has several inches cut from one end and can be used to finish the other bed (standing vertical in photos). Included as well is an original WO tailgate. Hard to find item.

-Frame. Frame was media blasted then primed in Rustoleum prime over rust and then painted in Rustoleum industrial black.

-Brakes, wiring, exhaust etc.. need to be purchased and done (You may get lucky, I may have worked on the brakes and just not logged it, I cannot remember)

Summary: this is a project for someone with the right skills. There is alot of value here and the greasy, tetanus inducing, bolt shearing, soul killing horrible cleanup was done for you. It is not a project I will put any work into, it comes as is, where is, no warrantees implied or offered. Cash is the only payment I will take. Reasonable offers entertained. I do not want more stuff, so please do not offer your 1995 Honda, jet ski, Chevy truck project, yard trailer etc… as a trade. I am not interested.

All front end sheetmetal media blasted and primed in rust preventive primer.

2020 Mason Dixon Willys Jeep Gathering

Coming soon is the 14th annual Mason Dixon show.  Come to one of the only shows happening this year! Merlin worked up a plan that was approved by the health department to keep the show on schedule. We will spread out over more of the Homestead property this year. Stay tuned to this page for updates, times and locations of the show and associated events, and much more.  Questions should be directed to Merlin Hanson at the following email: merlin AT hansonmechanical.com 

What’s happening when and what day???

October 16th 5pm until ??  Open House at Hanson Mechanical Restorations at 40 North Queen St. Littlestown, PA. Follow directions below or you will not find it!

Coming from Gettysburg drive South on 97. After you pass McDonald’s on right start watching for the fruit stand on the right.  Turn right at the fruit stand (Blue star) onto Locust St.  Park in the red star lot then walk across the lane down to our shop which is in a massive brown barn with red doors.

Coming from Westminster go North on 97. Pass through the light in the center of town where King and Queen Streets cross.  Then take your next left at the fruit stand (Blue star) onto Locust St.  Park in the red star lot then walk across the lane down to our shop which is in a massive brown barn with red doors.

October 17th 9:30am onwards.  Annual Gettysburg area Drive lead again by the amazing Dee Pierini!  Thank you Dee!!    We will meet at the Peace Light on Gettysburg Battlefield at 9:30 (maps and address at this link: Peace Light Memorial).  First stop will be the Buck collection (WW2 vehicles, Jeeps, tanks and more!!)  After our battlefield drive we will gather at the Mason Dixon Distillery in Gettysburg for food and libations (331 E Water St, Gettysburg, PA 17325).

October 18th 9am to 4pm:  Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158.  website: Union Mills Homestead

Show Basics:

• Cost: Free.  Entry and attendance are free. Donations are happily accepted and go towards show expenses and Union Mills Homestead.  Over the years we have donated over $10,000.00 to Union Mills Homestead.
• All civilian Willys and Kaiser products are welcome.  No newer jeeps in the judged areas.
• Stock AMC Jeeps will have their own row this year, if I get really organised we may include that in judging.  Expectations for AMC Jeeps are unmodified or lightly modified. Cut off date is 1986.
• Military Jeeps from WW2 onwards are welcome, and we love to have any other vintage military vehicles on display.  Those with living history displays are welcome to set them up.
• Parts fleamarket:  Those selling used parts the fee is $25.00  if you have an awesome day selling we ask you to be fair and throw a bit more towards the show as this is a not for profit event.  If you are just selling 3 parts you brought in your car or something then there is no charge.
• Vendors:  Jeep related commercial vendors are more than welcome.  We usually ask $250.00 towards the show, and if you sign on early enough we add you as a sponsor and place your logo on the t-shirt.

Sponsors (this section will be updated with logos and links shortly)

Trip to the Classic Auto Mall

A longtime friend contacted me recently and asked if I wanted to go on an adventure.  That adventure? An excursion to the Classic Auto Mall in Morgantown, PA.  I only recently heard of the place when two customers told me about their visit.  They described an old mall converted to a museum and sales facility.  They also said the massive collection was a bit overwhelming. This meant I needed to see it!

The low rent district. Higher end vehicles were up front.

John, his wife Diane, and I met in Gettysburg and rode up together, chatting vintage cars, catching up, me spilling coffee all over the place.  Maybe an hour or so later we arrived.  The mall is your typical smaller 1980s indoor mall.  Opened in 1985 it survived until 2011.  Sometime after that the antique auto mall took over.  Attached at one end of the mall is a recently renovated Holiday Inn.

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1909 Dorris Company ran from 1907 to 1926 in St. Louis, MO. This may be the only assembled one in existence.

1909 Dorris pickup.  Dorris vehicles were made in St. Louis, MO from 1907 to 1926.  This may be the only assembled one in existence.

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1923 Chevrolet Weidman Motor Home.  Obviously an unrestored example, I was really excited to see this.

Great video of a restored example.

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The Classic Auto Mall houses a massive barn find collection.  These vehicles are in areas you can walk through, and displayed behind store windows as well.  There are many rarities, some of my favorites hi-lighted through this article.

Classic Auto Mall is also a place where you can sell your own antique car.  These are consignments and a large portion of what you see throughout the mall are consignment vehicles.  This means there is a constantly shifting collection to visit.  As for the prices? There were a handful of vehicles priced at market value, but as with many online sellers, a high proportion of the prices were far beyond the market value.  A Willys CJ2A that would maybe sell for $7,500.00 was listed at almost $16,000.00  A rusty VW Beetle that would normally sell for maybe $2,500.00 was listed for around $9,000.00  Some vehicles were fairly priced.  I am unsure if this is pricing by the auto mall, or just unrealistic sellers.

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The barnfind collection goes on and on.  I would say the barnfinds were my favorite part of the collection.  Pierce Arrows, Hudsons, Grahams and other rarely seen early marques.

The Classic Auto Mall is free to visit, and definitely worth the trip.  Staff were friendly and helpful.  The parking lot is massive and they do offer rental rates for hosting events in or outdoors.

For more information on the mall, visit their website at: www.ClassicAutoMall.com

2019 Mason Dixon Willys Jeep Gathering

 

Coming soon is the 13th annual Mason Dixon show.  This year promises to attract a wide array of vehicles.  Stay tuned to this page for updates, times and locations of the show and associated events, and much more.  Questions should be directed to Merlin Hanson at the following email: merlin AT hansonmechanical.com

What’s happening when and what day???

October 18th 5pm until ??  Open House at Hanson Mechanical Restorations (oddly this happens to fall on Merlin’s Birthday this year!) at 40 North Queen St. Littlestown, PA. Follow directions below or you will not find it!

Coming from Gettysburg drive South on 97. After you pass McDonald’s on right start watching for the fruit stand on the right.  Turn right at the fruit stand (Blue star) onto Locust St.  Park in the red star lot then walk across the lane down to our shop which is in a massive brown barn with red doors.

Coming from Westminster go North on 97. Pass through the light in the center of town where King and Queen Streets cross.  Then take your next left at the fruit stand (Blue star) onto Locust St.  Park in the red star lot then walk across the lane down to our shop which is in a massive brown barn with red doors.

October 19th 9:30am onwards.  Annual Gettysburg area Drive lead again by the amazing Dee Pierini!  Thank you Dee!!    We will meet at the Peace Light on Gettysburg Battlefield at 9:30 (maps and address at this link: Peace Light Memorial).  First stop will be the Buck collection (WW2 vehicles, Jeeps, tanks and more!!)  After our battlefield drive we will gather at the Mason Dixon Distillery in Gettysburg for food and libations (331 E Water St, Gettysburg, PA 17325).

October 20th 9am to 4pm:  Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158.  website: Union Mills Homestead

Show Basics:

• Cost: Free.  Entry and attendance are free. Donations are happily accepted and go towards show expenses and Union Mills Homestead.  Over the years we have donated over $10,000.00 to Union Mills Homestead.
• All civilian Willys and Kaiser products are welcome.  No newer jeeps in the judged areas.
• Stock AMC Jeeps will have their own row this year, if I get really organised we may include that in judging.  Expectations for AMC Jeeps are unmodified or lightly modified. Cut off date is 1986.
• Military Jeeps from WW2 onwards are welcome, and we love to have any other vintage military vehicles on display.  Those with living history displays are welcome to set them up.
• Parts fleamarket:  Those selling used parts the fee is $25.00  if you have an awesome day selling we ask you to be fair and throw a bit more towards the show as this is a not for profit event.  If you are just selling 3 parts you brought in your car or something then there is no charge.
• Vendors:  Jeep related commercial vendors are more than welcome.  We usually ask $250.00 towards the show, and if you sign on early enough we add you as a sponsor and place your logo on the t-shirt.

 

Sponsors (this section will be updated with logos and links shortly)

PA Jeeps

Out of barns: ramblings and links

This is a bit off of the usual Jeep and Willys posts.  I think all of us enjoy the mystique of barnfinds.  Whether it be a single car or the occasional horde that appears.  I am going to include links to a couple collections that have appeared in the last 20 years, and one that I can find no information on.  through my shop I often deal with barnfinds in a wide array of conditions.  (We rescued the Willys truck below a few years back and should have it finished this summer.)

The Model A Fords:  This first collection I have no photos of.  If you have heard anything about this collection please update me, it seems to have disappeared quietly.  I used to drive a Corvair panelvan (originally owned by the Pentagon)  One fellow I regularly purchased parts from, Mr. Rose, relayed this story to me.  Mr. Rose received a phone call about what he thought was some Corvairs filled with parts and headed to Pennsylvania with a van to see what might be useful.

When Mr. Rose arrived he found a weathered farm with a battered farmhouse, a huge dilapidated looking barn, a field with rows of every model of Corvair and an extremely harried man dealing with the whole of it.  When Mr. Rose began sorting through the field of Corvairs he found the vans were filled with NOS parts in boxes.  This turned out to be a much larger haul than he expected.

In speaking to the fellow managing the estate Mr. Rose found there was much much more.  “My father hated me,” the man said,” I had to quit my job and move from Michigan to deal with the estate.”  Mr. Rose looked around confused and finally asked what there was to deal with besides the rows of Corvairs and a run down farm.  Then the real story came to light.

Inside the old barn was one of every type of Model A produced.  The father diligently collected each variation of Model A and, if I remember correctly, restored them all.  The harried man explained that Ford was offering around 3 million for the collection.  His siblings then fought over the amount, whether to sell to Ford etc.. etc..  and that was why he quit his job to deal with the estate.

If any reader knows anything about the Model A collection please update me.  I have been trying to track any information on that one for a while.

A.K. Miller:  The next one is the story of AK Miller, whom many barnfind enthusiasts know of.  When I first heard of the collection of Stutz Bearcats hidden in Vermont barns I wondered if it was just a legend (the internet was not as big as it is now).  I ended up talking with a museum curator who was there though, and confirmed not only the cars, but stashes of gold bars hidden under floorboards and such.  The AK Miller barnfind story is told and illustrated well on these web pages.  It could be a movie.

Justacarguy 

Automotive news & entertainment

And you can even purchase a book of beautiful photos with the full story here:

Hawkeye:  I found an Instagram page called Hawkeye Homestead containing old photos and beautiful quotes from a man named John, “Hawkeye” Hawkinson.  As many photos showed 1920s automobiles I started looking for more information and found quite a story.  Each photo below links to a different website with more of his story.  I wish I had met him.  Apparently there was even a Chasing Classic Cars episode on his collection.  When Hawkeye passed his belongings were sold as he wished and all money donated.  Look through the great articles and video below.

The Old Motor: great photos and story

Saranac Lake Wiki

A Story in Cars (Great video as well)

 

 

2018 Mason Dixon Willys Jeep Gathering Information Page

               

Coming soon is the 12th annual Mason Dixon show.  This year promises to attract a wide array of vehicles.  Stay tuned to this page for updates, times and locations of the show and associated events, and much more.  Questions should be directed to Merlin Hanson at the following email: merlin AT hansonmechanical.com

 

LOCATION ANNOUNCEMENT:

The show will STILL be at Union Mills Homestead as in past years

 

What’s happening when and what day???

October 19th 6pm until ??  Open House at Hanson Mechanical Restorations at 40 North Queen St. Littlestown, PA.

Coming from Gettysburg drive South on 97. After you pass McDonald’s on right start watching for the fruit stand on the right.  Turn right at the fruit stand (Blue star) onto Locust St.  Park in the red star lot then walk across the lane down to our shop which is in a massive brown barn with red doors.

Coming from Westminster go North on 97. Pass through the light in the center of town where King and Queen Streets cross.  Then take your next left at the fruit stand (Blue star) onto Locust St.  Park in the red star lot then walk across the lane down to our shop which is in a massive brown barn with red doors.

October 20th 10am onwards.  Annual Gettysburg battlefield Drive lead by Dee Pierini.  We will meet at the Peace Light on Gettysburg Battlefield (maps and address at this link: Peace Light Memorial).  After our battlefield drive we will gather for beer and food at Appalachian Brewing Company.

October 21st 9am to 4pm:  SHOWTIME.  Stay tuned in case the location changes. Current plan is to remain at Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158.  website: Union Mills Homestead

Show Basics:

• Cost: Free.  Entry and attendance are free. Donations are happily accepted and go towards show expenses and Union Mills Homestead.  Over the years we have donated over $10,000.00 to Union Mills Homestead.

 

• All civilian Willys and Kaiser products are welcome.  No newer jeeps in the judged areas.

 

• Military Jeeps from WW2 onwards are welcome, and we love to have any other vintage military vehicles on display.  Those with living history displays are welcome to set them up.

 

• Parts fleamarket:  Those selling used parts the fee is $25.00  if you have an awesome day selling we ask you to be fair and throw a bit more towards the show as this is a not for profit event.

 

• Vendors:  Jeep related commercial vendors are more than welcome.  We usually ask $250.00 towards the show, and if you sign on early enough we add you as a sponsor and place your logo on the t-shirt.

 

Sponsors (this section will be updated with logos and links shortly)

PA Jeeps

Len Stoler Chrysler Jeep

Kaiser Willys Auto Supply LLC

Offroad Consulting

Dash Custom Tee’s

Joe’s Jeep Jungle

Hanson Mechanical Restorations

 

 

 

2018 Willys Reunion, Aurora Ohio

This year was my first time attending the Willys Reunion in Ohio, largely due to scheduling conflicts I have never made it.  But when you find out most of the Alaska or Rust crew are attending and you have not seen them for ten months, you fix the schedule!

Alaska or Rust veterans at the Willys reunion

Joe, Emily and I headed out from Maryland late Thursday afternoon after Joe rescued a project car from a mudhole/ hoarder’s house.  First part of the drive was rainy as heck but eventually it dried up and we enjoyed clear roads without traffic for most of the run.  We pulled in to the Bertram Inn and Conference Center just shy of 1am.

Arrival at Bertram Inn and Conference Center

Joe and Emily set up camp

Friday we settled in, caught up with our Alaska or Rust jeep family and took a look at the vendors and vehicles on display.

There were many vendors with a wide array of parts

Three Empire tractors, quite rare and built with Willys drivetrains.

Nice patina CJ2A

Three FC’s gathered together.

Late afternoon the Willys vehicles lined up and we headed out for a BBQ at a local park.  For a bit it seemed like the blind leading the blind but we got there and enjoyed a great meal.

Willys lined up at the park

Mortimer had trouble starting after the BBQ, turned out his electrical contacts were pretty fouled up by sludge over the winter, cleaned em up and he was good again.

After the BBQ the Alaska or Rust gang debated our plan of action and decided to hang out for the evening under the eWillys tent in the show parking lot.  This involved stocking up on adult beverages.  Oddly, many local stores closed at 8 so we went about 20 miles up the road in the rubber duck (Russ’s jeepster) to find our beverages.

Myself, Joe and Russ returning from a successful mission…we even raced some Canada Geese while Joe shouted,” this duck’s got wheels B#$@hes!!  We are silly people.

Just some of Alaska or Rust crew hanging out. Dave, Anne, Kevin and Russ.

Saturday dawned and we had work to do,  The job was to build a brand new Allied engine block into a running engine by the end of the day.  Bob Christy, Scott Gilbert and I had pulled parts from all over (with extensive parts donations from Kaiser Willys, Allied Jeeps, a head gasket from Ron Fitzpatrick G503, and more).  Still, when you have this many over worked people trying to pull together all the right parts some things will come up missing or incorrect.  There was a scramble for correct bearings, nuts and bolts etc.. and by 11am we were rolling.

New Allied L134 engine block

Joe and a few of our helpers

Many folks scrambled to get things we needed and we were even given a donation for lunch.  By mid afternoon things were really coming together.

Rick (AKA Scoutpilot) of Old Jeep Carbs LLC wrenching on the engine

By the end of the day we were pretty well shot but the engine was almost all done.  by 5:30 it was time to quit and go in for the banquet.

The banquet was quite good and for us Alaska folks it was a great time to catch up for a bit and relax.  I managed to get the last of the Alaska or Rust books handed out by the end of dinner.  I still have a handful more to mail.

Cowboy reading his copy of the book

Selfies at the banquet (L to R Cowboy, Tracey, Bill, Anne)

And after dinner the “infamous” Dave Eilers gave his talk on the journey of last summer (and Bill started plotting our next jeep jaunt!)

Despite inclement weather the Alaska or Rust veterans gathered under the eWillys tent after Dave’s presentation and spent the evening being silly, catching up, drunk video chatting our missing members and more.

Joe cooking up hotdogs and bacon around 1am

The show was fantastic, attendance was great with a really nice variety of Willys products at hand.  If you are into Willys this show is a must attend as they put a great amount of effort into organizing it with visible results.

Ordering the Alaska or Rust Book

It’s here!! It’s here!!  Read below to find your options for purchasing the book of the Alaska or Rust 2017 vintage jeep journey up the Alaska highway.

The book is 144 pages, hardcover, 6 by 9 inches, and has about 300 or more full color photos taken by the members of the Alaska or Rust trip.  The book covers the planning, jeep rebuilds and prep, travel from around the country to Dawson Creek, BC and follows the Alaska or Rust trek up to the Arctic Circle and all the way to an unexpected reunion at Teslin Lake when the Alaska Highway was shut down.  If you were not able to go this is your way to own a piece of the journey and peak into what the adventure was like!!

To order, follow this link: Alaska or Rust Blurb Bookstore

Currently the book is $42.00 online, and honestly I only make a couple bucks on it, most of the cost is the printing of it since it is a photo intensive book and is not a large production run.  I plan to have a paperback available by end of June 2018.