Are Flat Fenders The Hottest Trend Or Illegal? Discover The Shocking Truth | Harry Situations
Flat fender Jeeps starting the off-roading craze over 75 years ago. Since then, these vehicles have been fully restored to stock at one end of the spectrum, and completely modified with tube chassis, coil over suspension, and V8 engines at the other end of the spectrum. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in wheel stock, or near stock, flat fenders. Are they as capable on the trail as a new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon? Nope, but they are arguably more interesting, and they cost just a fraction as much as a new Jeep or UTV. You could make an argument that flat fenders are the original side-by-side… and in fact this one rides on 32-inch Nitto Trail Grappler SXS tires!
00:00 Intro
00:51 Keep It Stock
01:18 How I Found It
01:51 Illegal Mods
02:25 Nitto Tires
03:09 Suspension
04:33 Drivetrain
05:32 Go Devil Engine
06:51 How To Approach A Project
07:38 Find Your Own Flatty
07:57 Engine Upgrades
08:45 Resources
09:13 Crawl Ratio
10:36 Front Axle
11:10 Steering
11:38 Rear Axle
12:53 Brakes
13:15 Replacement Parts
15:08 The Appeal
15:25 No Cage, No Problem
16:09 Outro
Drop a comment and let us know what you want to see next from Harry and Mike!
Subscribe: / drivingline
Follow us on Facebook: / drivingline
Follow us on Instagram: / drivingline
More Articles: www.drivingline.com/
Want to know the different features of the Nitto tires we used?
www.nittotire.com/sxs/trail-g...
Follow Harry on Instagram: / harrysituations
Follow Mike on Instagram: / allterrainfamily
Keywords: Driving Line; Harry Situations; All-Terrain Family; Nitto Tire; Nitto Trail Grappler; Flatfender; CJ2A; CJ3A; Jeep; Willys; MB; GPW; Kaiser; Go Devil
The first Jeep that my Late Dad bought was a 1943 Willys. He paid $400.00 for and at that price yeah it didn't run, but also at that price he got a trailer to haul it home on a extra windshield frame and a spare engine block. This was back in 1971. We hauled it to the construction yard where he worked in San Pedro , CA. On the weekends he and I would go to the yard and work on it. Got it running/driving and we painted it there outside on the dirt our very first but by know means our last paint job. The last thing we painted together was a 1979 Jeep CJ-5 that I bought for him to replace a 1969 Jeep CJ-5 that he had sold years ago. R.I.P. Mom and Dad. I miss you both very much.
The "flat head" engine was the way almost all of them used to be made and only seems strange because no one has made that style for decades (except maybe Briggs and Stratton!). But it's that simplicity that allowed you to be able to get that baby going with minimal work. And that's the trade-off. Old school durability and reliability but a bit more hands on and a lot less power.
Refreshing to see an old Jeep that isn't on "40's" with a LS (yuck) under the hood. Retaining the stock look and engine with good upgrades is cool. I'm sure it is a lot of fun to drive.
I don't have a problem with engine swaps, but I have nothing but contempt for LS swaps if for no other reason that it's so overdone. If you're going to do an engine swap at least do something interesting. A two stroke Detroit Diesel for example.
@@Devin_Stromgren The 225 'Odd Fire' Buick V6 was perfect for flatties.
@@Devin_Stromgrenor a rotary " wankel engine"! Jus sayin 🤷! 👍🐺🧙♂️🤙
If people take away one thing, I hope it is the “purchase a part, install the part before purchasing the next part.”
Welp
Do you have any idea how much time I spend looking for parts I think I bought
"...hardly any blood in my pee..." - And isn't that the best any of us can hope for? Another great vid, Harry.
Satisfactory!
As an old AZ Jeeper, now in the midwest, I know a lot of tricks for these. early wagoneers have closed knuckles with double tapers on the arm for mod 30 type drag link, they fit on a flatty front axle. T.98 4 speeds came in a fewflatty agri jeeps, so are legal!
Install the part before you buy another part is the philosophy I’m using on my Land Rover Series 2A. This insures motivation to keep the project moving forward. My brother has been collecting parts for his Corvette for years. Big plans, no progress.🙄
Very, very neat! What I would give to go back to the fifties and experience the slower approach to off-roading, camping and hunting. Again, way neat.
I am more than just a little jealous of your '48....miss my '48, it was way illegal. Another well done video Harry!
My Dad had a love of jeeps, the only thing about the army he did like, and my Mom loved the mountains. My brother and I had a great childhood back in the 60s. Every Willys I ever rode in had a tow bar on the front. I still have a yard full of jeep parts. Just nothing that old anymore.
My grandpa's jeep is trendy in the 1980s all the 70 year olds had flat fenders with gloss lacquer 6 coat paint jobs aluminum wheels narrowed ford 9 inch pumpkins and 383 chevys with rv cams shoehorned into the engine bay
I’ve got a roll bar on our 45 MB, some of the older guys said it was pointless because the windshield would decapitate you if you rolled. Maybe that’s why they wheel with the windshield down? Mine is a pavement princess and so we’ve considered removing it.
We have a 1962 CJ5. It was a rolling chassis that we had built. My husband wanted it "as if it were 1962" so that is what it is. Drum brakes, double clutch to shift. I would have put disc brakes on it at least. First time I drove it, I said.."is it going to top!?". I had never experienced drum brakes.
Brakes are a somewhat abstract concept when it comes to vintage Jeeps. They keep your synapses firing.
For a serious trail rig points wins hands down and are easy to fix. when a control module dies you are walking.
Great video! My 49 gets more attention than anything I own, this video has motivated me to make some upgrades before spring!
Yes! I had no clue you had a Flatfender. We do a lot of rides here in the east. We are actually doing the first Go Devil East Run March 8-10 in North GA.
@@Dane_Schroff Yep! I've had it for years, love it.
Nice 48 Willys jeep!!!!! I have a 46 Willys that’s been fully modified.Love flat fenders.☺️☺️☺️☺️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Fantastic channel and I really like that Willys. The first vehicle I ever drove solo was one like this in the KwaZulu Natal bush. Fantastic fun. I've wanted one almy life but couldn't find one. I've owned a 1960 Landrover Series 2a 88" which was a blast. I drove it without roll bars but with lap belts. It was amazingy cabe in thick Bush with the windscreen down so we could clear low branches and very big thorns! I always wore shades just in case. I have a Mahindra Pikup double cab Karoo now which is like drivinga Rolls Royce through the Bush. Extremely good bang for the buck, capable but not the same as the odds school real 4x4's. Thanks for the channel, regards from Zuuland,South Africa
A long time ago I drove my 49 2a to death and then being a dumb moterhead kid I put a 260 Ford and had fun for a couple weeks then started bending and breaking driveline components. I learned the hard way and my next Jeep a cj5 stayed stock and was a joy for years
Another great vid, Harry! I didn’t know you could do near stock. Welcome to the club. I’ve got a restored 3A and a marine green patina M38. Love ‘em. At 77, doubt I’ll ever go back to a “serious” off-road ride again.
An M38 _is_ a "serious" off road ride.
The name is pronounced _Will - iss,_ not "Will - eez". 04:30 - _"There was hardly any blood in my pee."_ Well done. Very cool video overall. My first 'flattie' was a mostly stock 1948 CJ2A purchased in Northern Arizona in the late 1990s. It was soon followed by a 'hot rod' GPW with 289 V8. I still own both carcasses. Present 'dailies' are a (titled as) 1946 CJ with Kenne Bell equipped Buick 225 'Odd Fire' V6, MSD, Warn overdrive, too much carb, fat headers... and a 'bone stock' recently restored Willys MB.
Great video! My father bought me a 1943 GPW in 1986 for $1500. We put another $1500 into it for some body work and olive drab paint and some minor mechanical repairs. It was a very fun vehicle!
Great Video Harry! Thanks for the shout out. Now haul that thing out east!
Be sure to join the International Flat Fender Club. One big ride is the Colorado patrol of the IFFC fall colors tour. Mostly stock Willys but modes are allowed. Various rides of different difficulty.
Good stuff Harry. I enjoyed watching.
I picked up a 42’ Ford built Willies navy radio GP for 50.00 (cost of new title)about 25 years ago, it sat in a field since the 50’s that thing was a lot of fun!
Dang man I miss my flaty it was also a 46, the motor was slap wore out so I threw a Pinto motor in it, ran super Swampers 9.50s on it, Body was rusty but it made a good recon vehicle for my WM300 when me n my buddy were out in the swamps hog hunting.
I had to plow snow with an old jeep. The carb kept freezing up after 2 passes. I put longer heater hose with a few wraps around the carb. I got 3 passes.
Such a cool ride that delivers a completely unique experience 🤘🏼
M38s are my fav!
my dad had a 47 cj2a growing up. sold it when i was like 9. first vehicle i ever drove was a early cj5 when i was about the same age. looked for my dads for yrs. ended up getting a 65 cj5a that was turned into a trail rig. Work in progress. Still want a flattie tho..
Get one!
Great Video and Informative!!! 🙌🏻👍🏻
Awesome!! Great Content and well done!!!
Bought my stepdad's 58 willys Jeep from him, he bought it brand new in 1958 complete with the PTO winch, only thing he's done since day one was put a roll cage in it ARB air locker for the rear end and better does Jeep is bone stock factory original and I love it to death it's so much fun to take it out and spend a week camping and driving that old girl
Exceedingly cool.
Great video - thanks. Those are some fabulous upgrades and I love the patina on your Jeep. My ‘49 3a is about bone stock and as it lived on a western Canada farm its entire life owned by one family is in pretty good shape aside from decades of dings, dents, scrapes, faded paint and the tired motor that puts out exactly the comp numbers yours does. 😎 Modern mud /snow tires on the stock wheels, rebuilt seats and 4point harnesses are all the nod to present day I’ve done so far. Will likely add a roll bar much as I don’t want to spoil the stock look. I don’t do anything approaching serious off roading - generally back woods B road jaunts to town - but want at least something to keep the excitement to a minimum and my teeth in my face if I put a wheel in a ditch and flop over or otherwise come to an abrupt stop.
Sounds awesome! How much rust does it have?
@@HarrySituations - thanks yes lots of fun. Zero rust on the body - very light surface rust on the frame. Seals on the driveshafts are pretty worn out tho so she leaks like a sieve out of the tranny and transfer case. Next project!
Find a Warn overdrive unit to match your spline count. It's the best single upgrade to a Willys Jeep.
@@-oiiio-3993I didn’t find a Warn unit but do have an Advance Adapters Saturn overdrive in the Jeep now.
@@HarrySituations Same critter. I run AA headers that I picked up at their facility in Paso Robles. They showed me around and gave me the 50 cent tour. Nice folks, good headers for the 225 Buick V6.
Good video and info.
Harry Wanger is one heck of a vlogger
I learned how to drive a 47 CJ 2A, it went over the Rubicon a couple dozen times and looked like it. It became my daily when I got my license, put a Buick v6 with a sm 420 and a warn overdrive. I actually shed a tear when I sold it. Worst mistake I ever made..
My 'daily' is a flattie with Kenne Bell equipped Buick 225 'Odd Fire', MSD, too much carb, fat headers, 4 speed, Warn OD... . Get another one!
Very good video 👍
Get an early 70s Vega steering box, works great.
The original Ross boxes were death on wheels.
My parents bought a 42 cj2a in the early 70's, it still has the 134 engine but with a hurricane head! The heads combustion chamber is maybe about half the size as the stock head. Yes we still have the " Golden Goat " as it got named because when they bought it it was painted Gold! But since then it has received its metallic midnight blue paint . My dad and I replaced the stock 4.11 front and rear axles with a set of 5.38's.
There is no such thing as a 1942 CJ2A.
No 42 cj2a. First cj's was 45. 42's was Willys or Ford MB"s Fact!!
@@maxjones1066 There was no "Ford MB". Prototype and 'pre standard' versions of what would become 'Jeep' were: Bantam BRC (Bantam Reconnaissance Car) Willys MA (Military, first contract) Ford GP (Government, 80" wheelbase). After the contract was awarded by the Ordnance Department in 1941 to Willys Overland to build 'Truck, 1/4 Ton, 4X4, G503', Ford was named as subcontractor. This resulted in Willys Overland building over 360,000 of their Model MB (Military, second contract) as Ford built over 280,000 of their Model GPW (Government, 80" w/b, Willys pattern) during WW2. MB were Willys, GPW were Fords.
My biggest regret in life was selling my 1942 ford MB . The flat head engine was rusted out so I put a F head in it got more power and it went like hell it had 15X15 racing slick on it it was amazing how good it would get around and not leve at track if I got into a problem I would trow chains on the front. … man I miss it 🥲
There was no Ford MB. Prototypes for what would become 'Jeep' included the Bantam BRC (Bantam Reconnaissance Car), Willys MA (Military, first contract), and Ford GP (Government, 80" wheelbase). When the contract for 'Truck, 1/4 Ton. 4X4. G503' was awarded to Willys Overland, Ford was named as subcontractor. During WW2, Willys Overland built over 360,000 of their model MB (Military, second contract) while Ford produced over 280,000 of their Model GPW (Government, 80" wheelbase, Willys pattern). MB were Willys, GPW were Fords.
Interesting about the vapor lock problem. I have an old Hyster forklift with a Continental flathead 4 and it gets vapor lock. I’ll have switch to ethanol free and see if it goes away.
Beautiful. I love it
Superb old jeep!
steering box has a tapered pin in the side of the worm and if its not too bad worn you can take some slack out there,,,,flat head engine works fine if you dont get under water, i took the 4wd safety pin out of the transfer case so i could use low range without having to use 4wd also
Wow, I WISH I could find one in that condition for $7500 and add all the mods you did for $10k all in. My search continues. I’m either finding $12,000 rust bucket parts projects or $25,000++ trailer queens I’d be afraid to scratch.
Bring $12k to Reno and you can take this one home. 🤣
That AI image at 4:33 is so weird. Sort of a hybrid of a CJ5 and a flattie but also a little CJ4 prototype
That jeep is as cool as the Raymond Ford truck
I've got a 47 CJ2A, largely original, unrestored but driveable. I don't offroad it though (I have a YJ for that)
I love primitive 4x4’s, a flat fender is on my list now that the kids are all grown. I also want a vintage Soviet gaz and a uaz, can’t remember the models. Still trying to get my hands on my dads old 58 Chevy carry all with the napco drive train.
The best 'flatfender Jeep' (in stock form) is the M38, particularly if USMC issue.
@@-oiiio-3993 why would the marines have a different model
@@cm5838 Same model (Willys MC), Marine Corps Jeeps were often better equipped viz. suspension, waterproofed electric system, other appointments.
hi there nice old jeep , best to all john
Mine is a cj5. 2.0t gm aluminum 4 cyl. Simple and powerful swap.
Hot Rod Flatfender with Kenne Bell equipped 225 Buick 'Odd Fire' V6. MSD, too much carb, fat headers.... windshield down, goggles and a grin! My other is a recently restored Willys MB.
It’s amazing how fast the amount of cash it will take for resto of these little guys. But worth every hundie.
I recently acquired a freshly restored Willys MB.
@@-oiiio-3993 congrats! These are some fun little rigs.
@@ciscokidfab7595 No doubt. My other 'daily' is a hot rod (titled as) '46 CJ with Kenne Bell equipped 225 Buick 'Odd Fire' V6, 4 speed, Warn OD... .
@@-oiiio-3993 sweet. I a new to the Jeep seen. I have been a road and speed freak most my life. But many fun memories as a child in a 1942 open jeep, international scout and bronco, all topless outings. Time to slow down and crawl again.
@@ciscokidfab7595 Wndshield down, goggles and a grin!
Add the Fall Color Tour in Colorado that happens every September
Why does this not have a dash to place ducks on? Asking for an 80 year old grandmother who owns a lifted Jeep with 30 ducks on dash. All posing aside...love the old Willys.
Hmm wonder if all the guys who fought in these would appreciate Nittos on there.
I thought I showed restraint! I wanted to put a Toyota engine in it when I bought it.
I don’t about illegal, your axel changed is a good move. We learned to drive a 44 Willys, we broken axels often due to the low gearing. Brakes needed to be replaced allowing 13 year olds to affect a stop as we buzzed through the Pine Nuts or crawled along the Carson.
What a cool place to grow up with a flatfender!
I notice your oil pan doesn't have the stock skid plate on it? I have a CJ3B in Australia and love wheeling it. Thanks for pointing out a lot of the obvious that many folks would not be aware of.
That is correct, and I smashed it on this shoot! I have since ordered an oil pan with a skidplate on it.
Nice video Harry. I noticed in several shots where you were only spinning one wheel at each axle. You mentioned you had limited slips. Was this footage shot prior to installing the LSD’s?
No, that is with the limited slips. I think once I get lower gearing installed I will be able to drag the brake and get them to engage sooner, but right now I kind of have to mash the gas to keep the thing from stalling. It definitely isn’t the most elegant rockcrawler!
Theirs hardly any blood in my pee 😂😂😂
Love the Jeep kinda smoking like a retired detective from Boca but still nice ❤
Cool man 😎
let the tire air out to 14 lbs for that sort of work and pump up again at the end of your ride
All of this seems very illegal. But then again, what mama don't know won't hurt her!
All great mods, well thought out, has a clean look, parts match the patina, improve where you need to to suit your driving style. People forget where traditional hot rodding came from, off roading has the same roots. Love the look and function, well done! Too many Karen's out there can't worry about them all.
While you've got the engine apart to rering it , you might as well mill the head for some added compression .
The engine project has kind of spun out of control after a machine shop told me nothing beyond the block is useable. Current plan is for Verne Simons to build me a replacement.
@@HarrySituations I'd be asking myself if the machine shop is competent enough to rebuild that engine . I'm having trouble believing that the crank and rods can't be saved . Probably amounts to , the last guy that worked there and knew how to rebuild one has been gone for thirty years .
@@bobbrinkerhoff3592 I took all the parts and got together with some friends that I trust. The consensus was that the rods and pistons are ok but the crank was in pretty bad shape and the head has a crack in it.
Exactly
Boy you've got me thinking now. Why trash my 60k Tacoma.
You can buy every replacement part from Korea even a new original motor tans and axles
I'm very much in the keep it stock school of thought regarding my Land Rovers, so I get you. Our of curiosity why are the tyres not road legal?
I don’t know the exact reason but they are designed for UTVs that are lightweight and use a soft tread compound.
@@HarrySituations Ah, maybe due to the weight then.
I’m not a jeep guy but I’d love ro have a flattie
i had a 53 model and 488 ring and pinion ratio
You got lucky getting your Willys
where is your rifle and binoc mount?? i didnt see that,,,,
it had 5.38s because it has 60 horse power!!
looking good! Have you seen ned bacon's build where a flat fender body dropped/grafted unto a diesel Roxor. Call me impressed.
Yeah Pig Pen is about as good as it gets! Now if only I could find a cheap Roxor…
@@HarrySituations the low grunt of the diesel, new components and cool patina of early iron is a win win. And street 'legal.'
Wished I could find a flat fender close to GA.
Dane Scroff is your man!
Nothing is illegal if that is how it came when it was first released. I know such things as two taillights and and a center hi mount brake light are mandatory by law. However... When that vehicle was produced, it was legal then. To take it a step further, you can't for the owner of a 1945 vehicle to convert to modern antilock disk brakes, fuel injection, O2 sensors, a computer, and catalytic converter.
Try driving any distance on a trip, unlike a newer wrangler. Yeah that vehicle is probably illegal...in California
My Flatfender is a stark raving hotrod, straight titled in California as a 1946 which makes it entirely exempt of emission regulations (SMOG), does not require seatbelts, can drive with windshield down, no doors, only one tail light required... .
I dislike the AI images. But some good advice, though I hate to see these are going the way of Diamond T. When I bought my Willy's in 2003 as my first car I payed $1000 for a running jeep with not completely rusted out tub. Now my jeep is in the range of $4 to 5k and it's insane.... It makes it harder to afford parts, though now compared to 2003 you can mail order all the parts to essentially make a factory new one for around $20k which is insane in parts sourcing that are reproductions.. But for those with limited wallets it makes these little jeeps harder to attain for those with limited wallets. Though if I can get another frame and tub I'm going to make an 8v92 Detroit swapped one because why not.... have an engine that weighs more then what it's in... cruising around like "Double-Trouble" with a single motor XD
I am 66yrs when I was 17 I could get surplus for 450 dollars 😂🤣
I'm 63 and paid $400 for my first car, a 1956 Ford 2 door wagon (Customline Ranch Wagon). Later paid $700 for a nearly pristine 1959 Impala Sport Coupe with 348, AC... . I presently drive flat fendered Jeeps.
I know it destroys the look but i would rather have rollbars installed🤣
Same, besides i dont mind the look of a rollbar
Those old Army jeeps are fun to drive but the fuel injection system freezes up in the winter
None of the military Jeeps had fuel injection.
@@-oiiio-3993 back at Fort Carson Colorado in the 80s they had fuel injection
@@keithtaylor6259 M151A2?
This is a cj, not military.
"A strange design"... Hahahahaha! :-P How about just mentioning it's a Flathead as opposed to modern OVH and OVC engines? :-)) Otherwise, this is a great vid! Keepin it real!
When was the last year valves were used in the block in an engine?
The flat head Go Devil was replaced with the F head around 1950 or ‘53 (depending on the application). The F head had intake valves in the head and exhaust valves in the block.
@@leenichols132 Quite correct.
Wow
I have 2 of em all my life
Economically, a flat fender makes no sense. I’ve looked at it from every angle and there’s just so much more capability and reliability you can get for less coin. A Jeep TJ is almost comparable in cost. Plus, you don’t feel bad driving it in the cold/ snow of the north. The cost of flat fenders is a bit ridiculous
I do think a TJ is more capable and reliable but I don’t think you can get one for less money than a flatfender.
You have no idea.
Hey I took a yj and cut it behind the door. Built a back. Put a cj8 top on it. Then put the tub on a 1 ton Chevy truck frame. Built a 8 foot box. Then put the yj tail gate and lights on. People ask where I found a two door gladiator. Lol.
So these guys aka men are real fanatics..... Got it....
is that a 6 volt winch?
Originally but I sourced a new motor from Brennan’s Garage and the Jeep has been changed to 12V.
Mine had a 302 HP and close ratio 4-speed with an OD. It ruined it.. it was still fun... But useless
WILLYS jeep not JEEP Willys two very different things
😊
That's a Jeep, the qualities of jeeps today. That should be illegal..😅
All of Ian’s parts are Illegal!
What makes your tire illegal to be on the road?
They are designed for UTVs. My understanding is that the load rating and tread compound were not intended for DOT approval.
@@HarrySituations On private vehicles, I don't think they can tell you what tired to run as long as it's not bald Or the cords are showing. Communist California might be able to tell. You can't run him because they're communists. But thank you for the come back.
I wonder if mahindra roxors could enter their expeditions
My friend Ned has a very cool flatfender on a shortened Roxor chassis. It took a lot of work but I think he could sneak in!
4th 😂 let me be clear 4th to comment means big things 😂
On a old jeep those are stock. Its not modified.
Only.illegal if you get caught.
Sorry but even though it’s just jeeps and landscapes some of those AI images are downright creepy…