An original restoration with a wrinkle or two.

I have owned this Jeep since about 1982, purchased from a farmer in East Texas. Tinker Bell is part of our family. Read about it in "The Pedigree of a Jeep".

When purchased the title said it was a 1957, but after researching the VIN I discovered it was manufactured in 1959. I did that research based on the serial number on the body tag. It never even entered my mind to recheck the title, I figured it was a clerical error, forgetting I had never had the title transferred to my name. Until I tried to register it in Colorado where you have to have a police inspection/certification of the VIN. Fortunately it was easy in Texas to get a replacement title. Lesson learned, always double check the title against the vehicle.

               August 2005                              May 2006                                                     June 2007
   

The restoration work was started in August 2005 and substantially completed nine-months later in May.  During that period seven-months labor and about $4,500.00 in parts and material was devoted to this restoration.  The job took longer than expected due to the deteriorated condition of the body, and me -- relearning the restoration trade and techniques, and reading everything available dealing with old Jeeps and their restoration.  This Jeep is a RESTO-MOD.  It's a stock chassis and drive-train with minor modifications in the electrical, brake system and body.

Vital Statistics:
    Miles:               9834 (not original miles)
    Engine:             4-Cyl. F-Head 134ci
    Transmission:    T90 3-speed. Dana-18 Transfer Case
    Differential:       Front - Dana 25 w/locking hubs; Rear - Dana 44; original gearing.
    VIN Number:   57548-91640
    Builder:             Smittys Willys, Golden, Texas

For a description of the restoration process, see Before photos,  After photos,  Phase I: Body, Phase II: Chassis or Parts Restoration pages.

Read the trip description and see the videos of Tinker Bell in action: http://ronbaileyphotography.wordpress.com/82/treasure-mountain-trip-2008/ and http://ronbaileyphotography.wordpress.com/crystal-river-jeep-tours/

This Jeep is now being used full time as a tour Jeep for Crystal River Jeep Tours. Check them out online at http://crystalriverjeeptour.smithfamilycolorado.com/, the home of the antique tour with the antique driver.

To return to the home page click on the Smittys Willys logo at the top of the page.