A Jeep... A Very Special Jeep

Since today is Fathers's Day, I find it very fitting to talk about a Jeep.  Not just any Jeep but a 1954 M38A1 Willy's Jeep. This jeep was purchased by Nathan's father at an auction when Nathan was a boy.  Nathan's grandpa, Rolland Johnson, had driven a jeep very similar to this Jeep while serving as an MP in the military in Hawaii. When Rolly saw it for sale, he asked John if he would bid on it and I believe the story is that John ended up with a winning bid of $250. They hauled it home from the auction and it sat in a quonset for years.  The intent has always been to restore the Jeep, but as usual life was busy and it remained untouched. While in high school, Nathan and his friends made an attempt to bring the Jeep back to life and began taking it apart. Unfortunately, their attempt stalled and Jeep was left looking like this.

Until one day, I talked my dad into taking on the project. And by take on I mean he dove in head first and was completely obsessed with restoring this Jeep to its true military form. Right down to the jerry can on the back. He picked it up in January and his goal was to have if finished in time for the 4th of July parade. The man that can't sit still had it ready to roll in June.

It's really quite funny, when I first brought up the idea my dad didn't seem at all interested. Then one day, out of the blue, he called Nathan and said, "Get that Jeep ready to go. I'm going to be coming through with a trailer and I guess I'll haul it west." I really shouldn't have been all that surprised. My dad is the type who needs it to be his idea before it is a good idea. 

So he hauled it to the their shop and the work began...

  

This Jeep is absolutely a family affair. This Jeep involves some of the most amazing men who just happen to also be fabulous fathers. Without Grandpa Rolly's military experience, John purchasing the Jeep, Nathan insisting that they hang on to it, my father's remarkable mechanical ability and passion for the project, my Uncle Craig's painting expertise and my cousin Jason's knowledge for Jeeps; this Jeep would have remained some old scrap parts that meant nothing. Because of these great men, this Jeep will be something that my son, Mason, will cherish forever.   

There is no way I will ever be able to repay my dad for this special Jeep. His talent simply amazes me and I am so grateful that I get to call him dad.