We’re amazed at the popularity explosion early CJ Jeeps are currently enjoying, specifically the WWII-era Willys MB and Ford GPW, early Willys CJ-2A, CJ-3A, and Korean War-era M38 Jeeps. Known more affectionately by their nickname, flatfender or flattie, these early Jeeps have long been a crowd favorite for modification, but now a new movement has taken hold with an increasing number of off-roaders enjoying them in mostly stock form. So, assuming you’re not going to automatically throw all the factory parts away for new aftermarket “upgrades,” in no particular order, here are some things to look for and consider when shopping for a flatfender.
Dash and Interior
It’s not very common to find an early Jeep with an unmolested dash. Over the decades since they left the factory, many get butchered with holes chopped for radios or CBs, various wiring switches, and non-factory gauges. To some it’s no big deal, but if you’re planning a restoration or want a purer throwback feel, consider a candidate that hasn’t had its dashboard butchered, that still retains the factory large-diameter steering wheel, and that still has the factory seat frames. Aftermarket or custom cushions and seat covers can be easily added, and replacement steering wheels are available, but flatfender dashes don’t unbolt like later CJ-5 and CJ-6 models, so if the dash is butchered and you
