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1948-1951 Willys Overland
 Jeepster
The Last American Phaeton

History and Parts Information

 

The Jeepster was Willy’s attempt to come up with a more ‘standard’ automotive offering right after World War II. Their prewar designs were dated, and the new Areo Ace sedan wouldn’t be ready until 1951. Designer Brooks Stevens, already a household name, was engaged to work over the Willys lineup. The results were the Jeep station wagon and pickup, which remained basically unchanged for the next 16 years, and the Jeepster.

First released on April 3, 1948, the Jeepster was a 2-wheel drive, 5-passenger phaeton built on the wagon chassis. Marketing focused on young men and women, pushing the Jeepster as sporty and fun. The design intentionally reflected the look of the British MG TC, which had proven surprisingly popular. Most Jeepsters were sold with a 141 cubic-inch L-head (flat) four cylinder engine and a 3-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive.

Although rugged and economical, the 72 horsepower engine didn’t provide performance to match the ‘sporty’ look. Potential customers could spend a little more and get a convertible with more power and roll-up windows from one of the ‘Big Three.’ Interest fell off quickly after the initial introduction, and production ended in 1950 with only 19,132 Jeepsters produced.  Leftover 1950 models were re-titled as 1951s - no actual 1951 Jeepsters were built.
 
Engines:
  • 1948-1950 - 134 ci (2.2 L) L134 Go Devil 4
  • 1949-1950 - 148 ci (2.4 L) L148 Lightning 6
  • 1950 - 134 ci (2.2 L) F134 Hurricane 4
  • 1950 - 161 ci (2.6 L) L161 Lightning 6

 

 Production Numbers:
  • 1948 10,326
  • 1949 2,961
  • 1950 5,845 (1,779 6-cylinder)
  • Total 19,132

 

Model Identification:

  • 1948 - Model 463 Jeepster introduced May 3 1948 with 134 ci L4

  • 1949 - VJ-3 Jeepster released January 10, 1949 with 134 ci L-4 or 148 ci L6.

  • 1950 – (October 1949 To March 30, 1950)  No changes (1950 can be flat or V nose)

  • 1950 – (April on) Changed to V-nose front end, with 134 ci L-4 or 161 ci L6

 
NAPA Electrical Part Numbers (Echlin) for Jeepster
148/161 L-6 Engine
  • Breaker Points (IAT, IGC) - CS725A
  • Condenser (IAT, IGC) - AL869
  • Distributor Cap (IAT) - AL105 (Standard #AL132)
  • Rotor - AL104 (Standard #AL150)
  • Coil - IC7  (6-volt Negative Ground)
  • Voltage Regulator - VR21
  • Starter Brush Kit - A502
  • Starter Spring - SP10
  • Horn Relay - HR100
  • Dimmer Switch - DS108
  • Stoplight Switch - SL134

 

 L-4 Engine
  • Breaker Points (IGW) - CS709
  • Breaker Points (IAT, IAY, IAD) - CS725A
  • Condenser - AL868
  • Distributor Cap (IGW) - AL91
  • Distributor Cap (IAT, IAY) - AL110
  • Distributor Cap (IAD) - AL70
  • Rotor (IGW) - AL32
  • Rotor (IIAT, IAY)) - AL104
  • Rotor (IAD) - AL69
  • Coil - IC7 (6-volt Negative Ground)
  • Voltage Regulator - VR21
  • Starter Brush Kit - A502
  • Starter Spring - SP10
  • Horn Relay - HR100
  • Dimmer Switch - DS108
  • Stoplight Switch - SL134
Standard  Part number
Fuel Pump Substitution:
  • 1968-71 CJ5 w/2.2 = #572 Single-Action (Does not have vacuum pump for wipers)

 

Cooling System Parts
  • Radiator cap (7 pounds) - Stant 11228
  • Thermostat (160 degree) - Stant 13076

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