lhfarm
Veteran Member
There is an annual antique machinery show about 30 minutes from home, held the first weekend of May. I've been wanting to take my 49 CJ3A Farm Jeep there for the past several years, but haven't been quite finished. I was determined to go this year, finished or not.
The not finished items included working hydraulics (pump mounted, but not hooked up) and the governor. So I couldn't do "live" demonstrations, but assumed folks would still be interested. I had planned to drive the jeep over, but don't have enough confidence in the current engine. Summer plans include an engine swap, but to get the jeep there this year, I rented a U-Haul trailer (I really need to buy a car hauler). I arrived about 9AM and found the registration booth.
Since by my definition the jeep is at least part tractor, I asked to park in the tractor area and not with the trucks. The organizers didn't seem to have a problem with that and just stuck me in the first available slot (after a couple of phone conferences).
Assuming there might be some confusion for visitors, I hung signs describing the various components added to the jeep to allow it to function as a tractor. I also had a notebook with copies of ads showing jeeps on the farm from the late 40s & 50s. By chance, I was parked next to an 8N and was able to use it to help "size" it as a tractor.
I stayed with the jeep most of the day on Friday and Saturday and will go back this morning. Not sure how many people I talked to, but I have a sore throat and a good sunburn. There were many who had never or heard of or seen a Farm Jeep, others how had heard or read about, but never seen one and a few who had actually used a jeep on the farm or had family or friends who used them.
This last group was particularly fun and I learned a few facts. It was great fun hearing stories and seeing memories flowing back. I did hear many regrets from folks who had owed a Willys and sold it. I also heard great stories from a couple of WWII vets about their jeep experiences.
I hope to do a couple of more local shows this summer.
The not finished items included working hydraulics (pump mounted, but not hooked up) and the governor. So I couldn't do "live" demonstrations, but assumed folks would still be interested. I had planned to drive the jeep over, but don't have enough confidence in the current engine. Summer plans include an engine swap, but to get the jeep there this year, I rented a U-Haul trailer (I really need to buy a car hauler). I arrived about 9AM and found the registration booth.
Since by my definition the jeep is at least part tractor, I asked to park in the tractor area and not with the trucks. The organizers didn't seem to have a problem with that and just stuck me in the first available slot (after a couple of phone conferences).
Assuming there might be some confusion for visitors, I hung signs describing the various components added to the jeep to allow it to function as a tractor. I also had a notebook with copies of ads showing jeeps on the farm from the late 40s & 50s. By chance, I was parked next to an 8N and was able to use it to help "size" it as a tractor.
I stayed with the jeep most of the day on Friday and Saturday and will go back this morning. Not sure how many people I talked to, but I have a sore throat and a good sunburn. There were many who had never or heard of or seen a Farm Jeep, others how had heard or read about, but never seen one and a few who had actually used a jeep on the farm or had family or friends who used them.
This last group was particularly fun and I learned a few facts. It was great fun hearing stories and seeing memories flowing back. I did hear many regrets from folks who had owed a Willys and sold it. I also heard great stories from a couple of WWII vets about their jeep experiences.
I hope to do a couple of more local shows this summer.
