I recently purchased a 1948 CJ-2A, which is being restored, and am interested in finding some history of the vehicle.
On the passenger side firewall ID plate is the following: CJ-2A WIllys-Overland Motors Inc., Toledo, OH USA, Serial 105996. Below that is: Body CJ2A 105996, 2,125,526, 2,154,929, 2,238,649.
I was wondering if there is any way to further identify more specific information such as where it was shipped when it came off of the assembly line. Are there any records available now?
Today's VIN provides some details about the vehicle, which would not be as detailed back then as now, but may be a starting point in obtaining historical information.
Also, I will be installing brake and signal lights so it can be driven on public roads. Obviously it cannot be restored as the original lighting system but is there a configuration that is the most acceptable or is it an individual decision as to placement and flush mount or not?
This is my first time ever posting messages on a forum such as this so please bear with me as I stumble through.
Thanks very much.
Tracing history of CJ-2A with ID number
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Re: Tracing history of CJ-2A with ID number
Nope unless you have paperwork somewhere else you have all you will ever get. Approximate month/year it was built and it ends.
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Re: Tracing history of CJ-2A with ID number
No CJ2-A’s were originally built with two tail/brake lights or turn signals, but such a modification is very popular. Reproductions of the original LH taillight are available as well as matching RH units. Replacement wiring harnesses are available that have the wires in them for RH tail/stop/turn lights.
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Re: Tracing history of CJ-2A with ID number
DEH,
Congrats on your "new" jeep. There is a collection of information on the CJ2A Forum, https://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/forums.html, including links to a digital Parts List Database, a collection of Service Bulletins (including the dual tail lamp option). There is also a lot of discussion on adding turn signals to make driving in traffic easier.
Getting it road worthy is logical. Drive it and then you can decide which way to go with it.
Records are few and far between on production. There is information on production numbers but where those vehicles went, and where they were registered isn't as easy. My state doesn't keep records for long so I tried to trace it back and got as far as a used auto dealer. My trail went dead after that.
Some are lucky to have original paperwork that has been passed along (or even better was originally purchased by a relative, i.e. father/grandfather).
Congrats on your "new" jeep. There is a collection of information on the CJ2A Forum, https://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/forums.html, including links to a digital Parts List Database, a collection of Service Bulletins (including the dual tail lamp option). There is also a lot of discussion on adding turn signals to make driving in traffic easier.
Getting it road worthy is logical. Drive it and then you can decide which way to go with it.
Records are few and far between on production. There is information on production numbers but where those vehicles went, and where they were registered isn't as easy. My state doesn't keep records for long so I tried to trace it back and got as far as a used auto dealer. My trail went dead after that.
Some are lucky to have original paperwork that has been passed along (or even better was originally purchased by a relative, i.e. father/grandfather).
Rus Curtis
'54 CJ-3B
T3-C
'54 CJ-3B
T3-C
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Re: Tracing history of CJ-2A with ID number
Thanks everyone for all the information. Seems a bit overwhelming at this point but when problems come up I will know where to turn for suggestions.
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