Jeep Willys MB Water Fording Kit

Willys MB MX-735 Waterproof Kit, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Original art for the Willys-Overland Water Fording Kit. Currently selling on eBay for a buy now price of $1,999.

According to cj3a.com it looks like the kit is a MX-735 Waterproofing Kit: "This kit was designed for the Navy and supplied by Willys-Overland for use on Marine Corps CVD radio jeeps. The kit also fit on the G503, W.W.II jeeps. It consisted of numerous parts to be installed on the jeep to make it waterproof. Everything from a new dipstick to a new speedometer were included in the kit. The distributor was replaced with a waterproof metal clad unit. The spark plugs and wires changed to waterproof "aircraft" type. A waterproof Carter YS carburetor replaced the standard WO carburetor. Fittings and vent lines were included to allow an atmospheric vent system to be attached to the transfer case, master cylinder and fuel tank. Two valves activated by a control on the dash allowed the engine crankcase to be naturally pressurized slightly while fording. The electrical system was upgraded with waterproof generator, regulator, starter, switches, horn and wiring. This must have taken a considerable amount of time to install, but when completed, the jeep was always ready to ford, unlike the earlier WV-6 kit."

Jeep CJ-3A Brush Fire PR image

Jeep CJ-3A Brush Fire PR image, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

You can see the power cord for the chain saw coming over the shoulder of the guy in the white fire coat. This image was from a public relations photo op to highlight the benefits of the CJ-3A for forestry and brush fire purposes. The shot was taken in 1949 and was included in a press release from Willys-Overland Motors.

The caption read: With the forest fires now completely under control, the forester with walkie-talkie on right reports on mopping up operations while a Jeep-powered chain saw is used to cut a burning log. The Jeep will drag unburned logs across a fire lane as water crews extinguish the lat spark in the burned-out area.

Brush Fire Jeep CJ-3A in Action

Brush Fire Jeep CJ-3A in Action, a photo by lee.ekstrom on Flickr.

Great shot - love the 4 Wheel Drive callout on the back of the CJ-3A. The Jeep CJ-3A, with it versatile power take off (pto), was promoted for service in a variety of arenas. This press release was highlighting the benefits of a Jeep 4x4 in forestry to help with fire suppression. The pto was used to power up a chain saw and help drag felled trees away from the burn zone. This image was taken in 1949 and distributed by the Willys-Overland Motors company of Toledo, Ohio.

The caption read: Danger of crown fires, dread of forest fire-fighters, is averted as burning snags are felled in the fire area. With speed the vital factor in keeping the fire small and damage slight, a chain saw, operated by the power of the Jeep engine, is used in cutting down the trees.