Step back in time and explore the rugged charm of classic SUVs with Texoma Classics as we meticulously restore a 1955 Willys Wagon in Sherman, Texas. This vintage Willys Wagon isn’t just an SUV; it’s a symbol of adventure, durability, and timeless style, and we’re dedicated to bringing it back to its former glory. Join us on a captivating visual journey through the restoration process, where the spirit of classic Willys meets modern craftsmanship and innovation.
At Texoma Classics, our passion for preserving automotive history shines through in every restoration project we undertake. With the 1955 Willys Wagon, we’re not just restoring an SUV; we’re rekindling the essence of American off-road heritage. Our team of skilled artisans and restoration experts meticulously breathe new life into every aspect of this iconic vehicle, from its distinctive design to its rugged performance.
This isn’t just a restoration; it’s a transformation. As we pay homage to the original aesthetics while incorporating modern upgrades for enhanced off-road capabilities and reliability, we’re crafting a Willys Wagon that captures the spirit of adventure while meeting the demands of today’s trails. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast, an adventurer, or someone who appreciates the rugged elegance of vintage SUVs, our restoration projects epitomize the essence of American automotive heritage.
Witness the magic as Texoma Classics turns this 1955 Willys Wagon into a rolling testament to classic off-road adventure, ready to conquer the trails once more. Explore how we’re turning dreams into reality, one restoration at a time, and envision the possibilities for your own journey with Texoma Classics, where vintage Willys Wagons are reborn with a touch of modern ruggedness.
History
The Willys Jeep Station Wagon, Jeep Utility Wagon and Jeep Panel Delivery are automobiles produced by Willys and Kaiser Jeep in the United States from 1946 to 1964, with production in Argentina and Brazil continuing until 1970 and 1977 respectively. They were the first mass-marketed all-steel station wagons designed and built as a passenger vehicle.
With over 300,000 wagons and its variants built in the U.S., it was one of Willys’ most successful post-World War II models.
For some time after the 1949 introduction of a four-wheel drive option, the 2WD was sold as “Station Wagon”, while the 4WD was marketed as “Utility Wagon”. The 4WD Willys Jeep Wagon is often considered the first production sport utility vehicle.
In 1955 a number of new models were added. The 6-226 model lineup gained stripped chassis, flat face cowl, cowl/windshield and ambulance models. The 475-line received only the cowl/windshield. Willys withdrew from the passenger car market and renamed the vehicle the Utility Wagon. The seventh seat and the overdrive were deleted, and the Planadyne front suspension used with the two-wheel drive wagon was replaced with a beam axle. Warn hubs, with which the front drive mechanism could be disengaged by turning the hubs by hand, became optional on four-wheel drive models.
Before
We will be removing the engine, new wiring harness and doing a disk brake conversion.
In the process of engine removal, we have removed the grille/core support for easier access to the engine.
We have gotten the engine and transmission removed.
Mocking up the transmission to secure proper fittings for the new crossmember and engine.
Working on assembling the new 4.3L V6 engine.
With the new engine, we have had to box in the frame since a newer 4.3L V6 engine is going in.
The crossmember has been installed on the new 4.3L V6 engine.
New coil over shocks have been assembled and waiting to be installed.
The new engine mounts are being installed and take a look at the old engine mounts
The oil sender has been relocated.
We have boxed in part of the chassis for the new engine mounts.
Transmission fabrication crossmember mount in progress.
Ready to mockup the engine and transmission.
The engine and transmission are installed and mocked up.
Assembling engine, hoses, belts, starter, alternator & electrical.
The shifter is being mocked up in the cab.
Mocking up the brake booster on the firewall.
Steering wheel modification and mounted to tilt column.
The battery tray has been relocated.
The master cylinder has been installed.
Power steering cooler installed on the frame.
The intake manifold and distributor have been installed.
Fuel system has been installed: pre-pump filter, EFI Pump and post pump filter.
Working on organizing the wiring under the dash.
The fenders and grille have been mocked up.
The fuse box has been installed under the dash.
Transmission cooler and lines, horn and relay, power junction and dipstick tube have all been installed.
The gauge cluster and speedometer are installed in the dash.
Mockup of the rear end under the car.
Front disc brake conversion has been completed.
Fabrication and mockup of the rear axle set up.
Fabricating the throttle linkage from the gas pedal to the throttle.
We have welded on the new fabricated mounts on the rear axle.
The rear axle has been painted.
The gas and brake pedals have been installed.
The controller for EFI installed and the custom steering column plate is being built.
