Richard Samuels' 1947 Willys Jeepster	Short Cuts
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Owner : Richard Samuels	Equipment and Modifications:
Vehicle:1947 Willys Jeepster XJ Location: Yucca Inn, Yucca Valley, California Favorite Trails: Mostly the roads around Yucca Valley. Just getting started, the closest begining picture we have	Motor--stock 4 cyliner Iron Duke Exhaust--new Tranny--stock T-case--stock Front Axle--stock Rear Axle--stock Drivelines--new Tires--cool white walls Wheels--repainted stock Suspension--stock Shocks--new Front Bumper--refurbished stock Rear Bumper--refurbished stock Other Accessories Cool spare tire cover with Yucca Inn logo New convertable top

Stripped down to the frame

The Willys body on the way to the sandblaster	The Willys back home from the sandblaster

    I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A WILLYS FAN. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL TRUCKS, UTILITY WAGONS, STATION WAGONS AND JEEPS. I ALWAYS WANTED A JEEPSTER AND FINALLY FOUND [this one] HIDING IN LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ. BOUGHT IT!!---AND IT WAS HOME TO THE GARAGE FOR A QUICK RENOVATION AND A LITTLE FINE TUNING. SORRY NOW, BUT I DIDN'T TAKE TIME FOR 'BEFORE' PICTURES. TWO DAYS LATER I AM LOOKING AT THE FRAME AND THINKING 'THIS IS NOT AT ALL WHAT I HAD IN MIND'. I NOW START TAKING PICTURES AND GET ON WITH THE TASK OF PUTTING IT BACK TOGETHER FROM THE GROUND UP. RETHINK--REWIRE--AND REDO EVERYTHING. ROUGHLY 8 MONTHS LATER WITH MANY HOURS OF PURE PLEASURE BEHIND ME AND MUCH TO MUCH MONEY TO TALK ABOUT, MY WIFE IS LETTING ME BACK IN THE HOUSE AND THINKING THERE IS HOPE FOR OUR MARRIAGE. I AM PROUD OF MY JEEPSTER AND AS YOU KNOW IT IS A TOPIC OF CONVERSATION WITH MANY OF OUR GUESTS. RICHARD SAMUELS

   This month we are taking a leap back in time to the roots of the rigs we all love, and work on so much. I couldn't help but be inspired, and somewhat lustful, when I saw this rig. I think (hope) I share this love of wheeling history, with almost all Jeep owners everywhere.

   We pulled into the Yucca Inn in Johnson Valley, California February 15th 2001, the day before the JV ARCA event started. When going to check in, we walked by this sweeeeeet little Willys Jeepster. It was completely restored and ready for the road. It was as exciting seeing this pristine Jeepster, as any of the incredibly built rigs that competed in ARCA that weekend. If you're ever driving through Yucca Valley, take a moment to stop by the Yucca Inn and see the Jeepster. Say hi to the Samuels also, they are great people.

Rebuilt and painted Iron Duke motor. (Check out Richard's fine CJ2A in the background)	Richard smiling as he prepares the Willys for the new top.