Kaiser Willys Jeep 2026 Photo Contest is now Open!

Above, yours truly with my 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1. Photo by Nandoh Munoz.

An email has popped into my mailbox from Kaiser Willys Jeep, one of my sources for Jeep parts.

Their 2026 Photo Contest is now open to vintage Jeeps generally from 1941 to 1971 (check their website for rules). I submitted my photos several minutes ago.

The email said:

The 2026 Photo Contest is now Open!

​

Submit Your Photo for a Chance to Win Big!

If your photo is selected, you could win one of these amazing prizes:

🏆 Grand Prize - Featured on the front cover of the 2027 Kaiser Willys Catalog, $1000 gift certificate.

🥈 2nd Place Prize - Featured on the back cover of the 2027 Catalog, $500 gift certificate

📅 Calendar Winners - Featured in a month or on the front/back cover of the 2027 Kaiser Willys Calendar, $100 gift certificate

Generally, all participants have one photo posted in next year's catalog.

To access the photo contest, go here.

2026 Kaiser Willys Jeep Catalog Arrived

The 2026 Kaiser Willys Jeep Catalog was waiting for me at the post office. 

My 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1 made it into the catalog. It is located on page 4 of the catalog. 

Here's the page (my Jeep is circled):

This is about the third time it made it into the catalog.

Russell's Car Museum

After entering New Mexico from Texas on Interstate 40, there is a TA Truckstop in Logan, New Mexico.

It has to be once of the nicest truck stops I've ever seen.

Inside, there is a car museum, Russell's Car Museum. It is a free museum loaded with cars of various vintages (mainly 1950s) long with memorabilia (toys, etc.). 

I took a couple of snapshots inside:

Above, some 1950s-era automobiles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, this looks like a brother Clamper I know. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For more on the museum, go here.

Jeep Memes

 

Military Vehicles The Public Can Buy

Above, the Willys Jeep M38A1 I bought six years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It would be a real eye-opener to drive down a residential street and seeing a Sherman tank parked in someone's driveway.

But, unusual it may be, according to a website on military vehicles the public can buy, Sherman tanks can be bought. Beware! They are pricey!

CarBuzz posted a list of military vehicles the public can buy. Included in the list (number 5) are Willys M38A1 Jeeps. I bought a Willys Jeep M38A1 six years ago and have had lots of fun with it.

Their posting starts with:

Here at CarBuzz we usually like to talk about, well, cars, but we also know that sometimes your choice of vehicle may go slightly off the beaten track (literally and figuratively). And by that we don't mean the kind of off-road prowess provided by a Jeep Wrangler, or a Hummer EV SUV that can crab-walk itself across rough terrain.

Several vehicles formerly employed for military use, from snowmobiles to off-roaders and even tanks, are available on the market to be purchased by civilians, and could make a great addition to the garage of a history enthusiast. Some, like the Humvee and the original Willys Jeep, had civilian counterparts that became icons over the course of automotive history. In this list we have selected ten military vehicles available for purchase by the public, in case you want to park something on your drive that’s a bit more unusual than a Toyota Corolla.

To read more, go here. 

Willys Jeep M38A1 Brief History

Above, my 1952 Willys M38A1 at the gate to Fort Wingate Army Depot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the businesses I use for getting parts for my 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1 is Kaiser Willys Jeep.

To date, I have obtained several replacement parts since I bought it from a friend in 2019. They include a new gasoline tank, carburetor, lug nuts (right hand and left hand turns), wiper blade and arm.

Each year, they have a photo contest and those participating have their Jeep photo included in the following year's catalog. My Jeep was included twice.

They posted a "brief history" of the Willys M38A1 on their website.

It begins with:

The Willys M38A1 was produced from 1952-1971, with a production total of 101,488 (80,290 domestic / 21,198 foreign sales). The M38A1 was the introduction of the first rounded fender Willys Jeep which predates the civilian version CJ-5 (1955) of the Universal CJ series. Following the retirement of the flat fender M38, the M38A1 was redesigned with round front fenders, a contoured hood, two-piece windshield, top mounted windshield wipers, and outfitted with the 4-134 F engine and T90 transmission. The M38A1 (MD) was stronger than its civilian counterpart (CJ-5) with a stronger frame, suspension, reversed springs shackles and a 24 volt waterproof electrical system.

Above, the Jeep at McGaffey Lake, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

New Tires For The Jeep

Above, the Jeep in the tire shop in Gallup, Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I headed into Gallup this morning to pick up the Jeep, I knew it wouldn't be cheap day.

The repairs were under $200, but there was an additional thing I had to do, get tires for it. I figured I might as well do it while the Jeep was in town, besides avoiding a blow-out on the way home

When the tow truck picked up the Jeep yesterday, the driver pointed out that the right rear tire had developed a crack in the sidewall. It was not a small crack either. I said it looks like I'll be getting tires after I pick up the Jeep.

Above, heading home on Historic Route 66, with I-40 at right. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So, after picking up the Jeep, I headed to the tire store where I bought one tire for it in February. Luckily, they had tires in stock that I needed. Instead of buying one, I bought two. I have one more to get and that will be next month. They cost around $500.

Above, the new tires after getting home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After having the tires mounted, I headed on home on Historic Route 66 which, these days, is just a frontage road that goes parallel to Interstate 40.

I am pleased with the Jeep's handling on the road with the new tires. As it doesn't have power steering, the new tires in front makes turning a lot easier. 

Jeep Fixed

Above, the Jeep at the El Rancho Hotel the day the problem occurred. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, it is beginning to be a good day today.

I just received a call from my mechanic and the problem with the Jeep was a short of some sort with the coil causing the points (in the distributor) to fry. It's all fixed.

So, I'll be heading into Gallup to pick it up. 

Funny thing, when I heard the phone ring, I had a feeling it was the mechanic. 

Finally Able To Get The Jeep To The Shop

Above, the Jeep at the El Rancho Hotel before heading to the Jamestown
 Flying J, where the problem started. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that my AAA membership has renewed, I can get the Jeep to the mechanic's shop to fix whatever it is that kept it from starting. It cranks but won't ignite.

This happened after I picked it up from the mechanic in Gallup and drove it home after a stop at the El Rancho hotel for lunch.

I made it to the access road of the Flying J, but it conked out and I couldn't get it started again. Luckily, friend Nandoh was home and he came and towed it to my house with his truck. Since I used up the four AAA service calls for the year, I had to wait until now to use the AAA towing service. I wasn't about to pay out-of-pocket $200-400 for a tow. Good thing I am a patient person.

Larry Lucier's bus alternator was failing and it was replaced yesterday. I will ride with the tow truck into town to drop off the Jeep and return home with Larry's bus. I have his credit card to pay for his repairs.

Road Trips Every Mustang Owner Should Take

Above, the 1989 Mustang in the front yard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yahoo! Life has posted a list of road trips that every Mustang owner should take.

Of the road trips listed, on can say that I took the Route 66 road trip. It is not difficult for me to do as I have often taken my 1989 Mustang on Historic Route 66 between Gallup and Grants, New Mexico. The "Mother Road" is a short two miles from home. 

I have driven other road trips listed, but in my motorhome. 

They begin with:

There's something about sliding behind the wheel of a Mustang that makes every parking lot exit feel like the start of an adventure. Maybe it's that V8 growl promising good times ahead, or maybe it's just that these cars were born to eat up miles. Either way, if you've got a pony car and an itch to travel, America's got some roads that'll scratch it perfectly.

Sure, you could take any car on these trips, but where's the fun in that? A Mustang on the open road is like bacon on a burger: technically optional, but why wouldn't you want it to be even better? Whether you have a classic Foxbody or a new model bursting with horsepower, here are some of the best trips across the United States that are just better with a Mustang.

To read more, go here. 

Vehicle Swap Day

Above, during a drive near Six Mile Canyon in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, I will be swapping vehicles at the mechanic's.

The Jeep has been repaired (grounding issue, as it turned out) and is ready to come home. I will be swapping it with the Mustang as it appears to have a major radiator leak. 

So, when I pick up the Jeep, I'll be leaving the Mustang there. As I have used up my Auto Club service calls for the year (until renewal time in August), the Mustang will be brought in on Greg Lucier's flatbed trailer. 

I'll be glad when all this is over. I've been getting around in the motorhome and mini bike. 

When It Rains, It Pours

Above, the Jeep, mini bike, mower and Mustang a few years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sometimes, when it rains, it pours.

That is what happened this past week when I was driving home from Thoreau, New Mexico in the Mustang. It started running hot. I managed to get it to the Flying J and got some coolant as the coolant level inside the radiator dropped.

Once I got the coolant into the radiator, everything seemed fine, and that was the case for the next few days. Then it started running hotter again. I put more coolant in and most, if not all, ended up dripping on the garage floor. There appears to be a leak (from what I can tell) at the bottom of the radiator. It have to get it to the mechanic's.

The Jeep has been in the mechanic's since a week ago Monday. They've been too busy to get to it. I got a call from them yesterday and it turned out the problem was that there was corrosion to where the grounding wires (or whatever) were connected, which fried the battery and the battery cables. In other words, inadequate grounding. They replaced those and set up new grounding. It seems to be working fine now and will be ready Tuesday (as Monday is a holiday) for me to bring the Mustang in and pick up the Jeep. A vehicle swap! (Yes, I told them about the problem with the Mustang.)

In the meantime, I have been using the mini bike or the motorhome for transportation in the interim. I joked to a friend, if those get disabled, I can always use the zero-turn riding mower to get around until Tuesday. It is good to have backups, eh?  

I was going to go to the grand re-opening of Meteor City Trading Post on Monday. But given the expenses of the vehicle repairs and it usually costs around $130 to fill the motorhome's gas tank (55 gallons), I decided to forego the trip. The trading post is about 160 miles from home. 

Jeep At The Mechanic's

Above, the Jeep getting ready to be towed to the mechanic's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, after waiting what seemed like months, the Jeep was towed into Gallup.

I was waiting for favorable weather as we had either snow or rain over the past few weeks. The Jeep's interior would get soaked if outside in either.

The tow truck arrived within an hour after my call (that's unusual for here) and got the Jeep onto the flatbed from the garage. 

Hopefully, the repairs won't be too expensive. It doesn't start or have any power. I am guessing it is an electrical issue from the ignition. We'll see.

Next Week's Weather Looks Better

Above, the Jeep in the garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like I'll finally be able to get the Jeep to the mechanic's next week as the weather is more favorable.

According to the National Weather Service, next week's weather in the Gallup area looks like this:

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 75.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Breezy.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. Breezy.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 68. Windy.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Windy.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 63. Breezy.

It has been rainy this week and the Jeep would have to sit outside and it doesn't have windows that I can close. It would get drenched inside if it were to rain. I keep inside the garage when I am not using it.

If I am able to get it into the shop, they would be able to find that problem that knocked out all power. I believe that it has to do with the ignition switch. The battery is definitely not the problem and the fuses look okay. 

If it is the ignition switch, I have sources that I can get a new ignition switch. All they would have to do is Fed Ex a new one.  

The Jeep: Not The Fuses

Above, the fuses of the Jeep are easy to check. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last week, I was having dinner with a friend at Jerry's Cafe and we were discussing the Jeep. 

I mentioned that it appears to be the ignition that has gone bad and left the Jeep without any power. He asked if I checked the fuses. 

I hadn't thought of that and, today, I went out and checked them. All of the fuses seem okay. Luckily, they are easy to see. So, I am back to my original opinion that it is the ignition that is causing the problem. I tried to start it, but everything was still completely dead. 

As it may rain this week, I will likely get it down to the mechanic's in Gallup next week, weather permitting.

Not The Starter

Above, near Cibola National Forest a few days ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, I checked the Jeep yesterday and the problem is not the starter.

The whole vehicle has no power. No headlights, no horn, nothing. It is definitely not the battery. It is as if a circuit breaker triggered.  At least I won't have to shell out $470+ for a starter. 

Now, all I have to do is figure out how to get the Jeep to the mechanic's in Gallup. 

Jeep Starter Problem

Above, a few days ago at the Cibola National Forest fence road. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I was trying to start the Jeep to go down to the Flying J to pick up my mail.

At first, it was cranking fine, but an occasional "clunk" noise was made. Then it made the noise again and it no longer cranked. In fact, it did absolutely nothing when I turned the ignition key. 

I have a strong feeling that it is the starter, or at least the starter brushes inside went bad. 

I'll have to check with my mechanic to see if they can rebuild old starters. I'll have to take pictures of the starter to make sure we get the right parts, or even a replacement starter. Since the Jeep had been modified from 24 volts to 12 volts, I have to get the right parts or starter. I have a couple of vintage Willys Jeep parts suppliers to check with, one of which I recently received a new 2025 parts catalog in the mail.

I would prefer getting the starter rebuilt rather than getting another starter. Starters for this particular Jeep (1952 Willys Jeep M38A1) cost around $470. 

I am going to try to get it started by either the hammer method or using a screwdriver on the solenoid today. 

I'll have to figure out how to get the Jeep into Gallup as I used up all of my AAA service calls for this year, the last being a lock-out a few weeks ago with the Mustang. It doesn't renew until August. I have friends with flatbed trailers, though.

Jeep Maintenance

Above, during my maintenance work. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since it was 60° outside and sunny, it was a good time as any to do some maintenance on the Jeep.

I checked the oil and water and filled both as needed. I had to get some more anti-freeze from the Flying J to complete that task.

Above, after the drive around Birch Road loop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Once I was done, I did some driving around the Birch Road loop and back home for a brewski and a stogie. 

It looks like spring is not too far off with its warmer weather. 

Above, having a brewski and stogie after the drive.

New Tire For The Jeep

Above, the new tire. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I bought a tire for the Jeep to replace the one that went flat a few days ago. When I took the tire off the Jeep, I saw a three inch crack or cut. So the tire was not repairable.

Thanks to Larry Lucier, we brought it and the rim to the tire dealer in Gallup to have the new one mounted. When the tire technician took the old tire off, he noted that it was a Cooper Discoverer tire no longer being made. He looked at its manufacturing date code and found that the tire was made in 1989. The dealer's supervisor laughed that the tire was older than his workers.

The new tire is the current Cooper version.

It is likely that the three remaining tires on the Jeep are of the same age and I will have get them replaced. I'm putting the new one on the Jeep today.

Who Owns Jeep?

Above, my 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1 in Six Mile Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I was perusing around the Internet on what news, if any, has surfaced concerning Jeep.

I stumbled on an article posted by TopSpeed with the title, "Who Owns Jeep?" Curious, I took a look and found it interesting.

It begins with:

Answering the question of who owns the Jeep brand should be pretty straightforward, and in a way, it is: Stellantis is the current owner. However, who Stellantis is and how Jeep came under the auto group's umbrella is a complex tale with more twists and turns than an M. Night Shyamalan movie. Well, one of his good movies, anyway. Jeep vehicles have always been popular, but for whatever reason, the brand has been sold over and over again, with 10 different companies owning it.

Starting out as a humble general-purpose military vehicle during WWII, the Jeep really hasn't changed that much from a design perspective. A 2024 Jeep Wrangler is not radically different from a 1945 Willys-Overland CJ, and that's because the utilitarian design is both exceptionally cool and timeless. The Jeep brand branched out into other segments with SUVs, crossovers, and trucks, but the CJ/Wrangler is the star that has carried the automaker for over 80 years.

In its journey from soldier to 4x4 superstar, the Jeep has shared the road with the AMC Pacer, Dodge Viper, Mercedes-Benz SL500, Fiat 500, and Maserati MC20. Since the history of Jeep ownership is a bit like a thriller, this story has some darkness as well. Every company that has acquired the Jeep brand eventually faced financial difficulties, leading some to speculate about the "Jeep Curse." The reality is, Jeep keeps changing hands because it is a dynamite brand that is often copied, but never equaled.

To read the full article, go here.