This Willys Panel Wagon had been left untouched for 30 years.
But, after all that time, the brave mechanics at Plateau Farms stepped up to bring the long-forgotten wagon to life.
To start with, the wagon had to be taken out of its resting place, but that was just the start.
The full restoration of the vehicle is documented on YouTube by Plateau Farms.
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Willys Panel Wagon restoration
The biggest task in the restoration was testing the engine. The team started by installing a new battery to see if it would turn over.
Unfortunately – perhaps predictably – the engine refused to start at first.
However, after multiple attempts, there was finally a spark of hope – the engine roared back to life.
It was a small success in a long list of tasks ahead.
The next hurdle was fixing the alternator mount, which was stuck, and the team needed to repair it before moving forward.
They then turned their attention to testing the wheels.
Surprisingly, despite three decades of neglect, the wheels moved with little effort.
With the wheels working, it was time to put new tires on.
The clutch, however, wasn’t as easy. It required removing the transmission, one of the most difficult parts of the restoration process.
The clutch was rusted and in poor shape, needing a complete overhaul.
The wagon was taken for a ride after 30 years
As they worked on it, they also tested the windows – while tight, they still functioned, which was quite impressive.
Once the clutch was fixed, it was time to reassemble everything, including placing the engine back in its spot.
After countless hours of work, the moment arrived: the car was ready for its first drive in 30 years.
Though the Willys Panel Wagon still looked rough, getting it to move again after decades of abandonment was a major achievement.
The post Willys Panel Wagon pulled out from its grave after 30 years but that’s just where the real challenge begins appeared first on Supercar Blondie.
