Was it true that surplus Jeeps could be had for $50.oo after the war?
Not sure of pricing before the 70's, but back then we could order one for $500. Some serious issues in the fine print though. As I recall...
1. The jeeps came in a crate, or crates, disassembled. Engines and trannys were assembled, but not installed.
2. Shipping was NOT included in price. I think that doubled the price immediately.
3, Tires. Over twenty five years old. Add new tires to cost.
4. Gearing. They were not intended as interstate vehicles. They were geared low and I think 55 mph was about wound out.
5. I think I remember that many kits were missing parts. Sold as is with no guarantees, and of course, parts were not readily available and had to be hunted down. Before the internet, and unlimited long distance... this was a chore. As a result, I think the recommended procedure was to buy two kits so you'd likely have all the parts you need for a complete vehicle. I guess you sold whatever you didn't want two of, to the scrapyard. I think back in the day, J.C. Whitney dealt in these things and the replacement/ accessory parts needed.
6. No provisions for a radio, and if I recall correctly, I don't think the electrical system was 12v and had to be converted.
7. Seats generally needed to be recovered. They didn't age well. Seatbelts needed to be added as well as some other modern safety equipment, interior rearview mirror and turn signals I think.
You can do the math. In a day when you could buy a new stripped down vega for a about 2 grand, or a VW thing that was jeep like with removable doors for about 2500, you had to really WANT to drive one of those surplus jeeps. They weren't the steal of a deal they sounded like. One of my earliest examples of, " if it seems too good to be true".
If you'll pardon the drift... I knew a guy with a VW thing in high school. Parked it at the mall with the top down and when he returned, somebody had stolen the doors! He ended up getting doors from the junk yard in two different colors. I saw the vehicle several years later and somebody else was driving it, but the doors never did get painted.lol
