Building a close to stock 40/41 Willys coupe

[junkyardjeff]

I really like how my quick stockish looking Willys turned out and would like to take it further and go as stock as I can,what kits will I need to get for a drivetrain,close to stock rear wheel openings and chassis.  The one I used I think is a Revell street rod and is the only one I seen with a normal hood but I probably have never seen all kits that have been produced.

[Mark]

The frame in the newer Revell gasser kit (same body as the street rod) is pretty close to stock, it needs different rear suspension and the front end lowered.  Engine from an MPC World War II Jeep should be very close, maybe it will need a different air cleaner setup.  You'll have to get a look at a stock chassis to figure out the rear suspension and axle.

[Trainwreck]

I used flat stock to tighten up the rear wheel openings.

[stavanzer]

Dean Milano built a Stock Willys in an Article in SAE about 30-35 Years ago. He listed a Short Description of the parts he used. I distinctly remember a Jeep 4 cyl being used.

Not sure what to use for stock wheels.

[junkyardjeff]

I wish I would have looked at the 40 4 door that was at work before it was gone,will use 40 Ford rims again like I used on the yellow one I just finished.  I am more concerned about the frame and drivetrain as I know I will never be able to get it 100 percent correct and just use what I can get that looks close for everything else.

[Ace-Garageguy]

As stavanzer noted above, the early Jeep engine is the appropriate starting point for a stock '40-'41 Willys car engine.

 

The MPC Army Jeep kit is the source.

                               

[stavanzer]

On 11/14/2025 at 3:21 PM, Mark said:

MPC World War II Jeep should be very close, maybe it will need a different air cleaner setup.

Mark has it correct.

The entire intake/exhaust manifolds will need some work. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Photos at the link below should get you pretty close to a stock chassis and suspension setup.

It's a pickup with the OEM flathead 4-banger and what looks like mostly original underpinnings.

https://www.smokymountaintraders.com/cars-for-sale/5/1940-willys-overland-pickup

EXAMPLES:

Edited Monday at 05:31 PM by Ace-Garageguy