This page details the ongoing restoration of the "Idaho Special".
Here is the "Idaho Special" before disassembly and the start of the restoration.
"Idaho Special" being loaded into Dick's trailor.
All loaded up and ready for transport to Dick's shop. Steve and Dick.
The body has been taken off the chassis. Here a specially made fixture allows the body to be mounted on a rotisserie.
Underside view of body on rotisserie.
Chassis side view showing new "outrigger". Specially made by the master fabricator on the project, Dick Shelton.
New outrigger being designed and installed, only tacked into place in this photo. Contour of the bottom was designed to exactly match the bottom curvature of the body.
Top view of new outrigger being designed and installed.
Seats have been mounted onto new floorboards. New floor shifter has been installed with custom linkage.
The headers are only tacked together here. Note custom flanges and nice flow of the pipes.
Dick Shelton completing work on the shifter and linkage.
Dick has fabricated a support structure around the perimeter of the hood opening for added strength and rigidy.
Radiator mount has been incorporated into the hood surround support structure. New custom headers are visible.
Twin headers special made by Dick.
The headers are only tacked together here. Note custom flanges and nice flow of the pipes.
The fuel tank for the Wildfire midway during restoration. Here the circular flange for the fuel tank sender needed to be replaced, so Dick fabricated a new piece and soldered it into place like the orignal Willys flange.
The fuel tank for the Wildfire required the filler neck to be center-rear. Willys tank was modified at Woodill Motors. Note precision of the soldered joints on the end cover-plate and the new filler neck. Functionality over beauty.
The Willys T96 3-speed transmission with overdrive was completely rebuilt.
The T96's Overdrive used a solenoid, relay, reverse lockout switch, and governor mounted externally on the transmission. A kickdown switch and second relay were also needed, mounted remotely. Wiring for the unit has been started.
The Flywheel has been surfaced and a new pilot busing has been installed. Note how new bushing has bled outwardly, due to bushing being oil-impregnated. New Clutch pressure plate and disk, along with new throughout bearing.
Beginning the process of windshield design and fabrication. This is one the biggest challenges that Dick and Steve face.
Beginning the process of windshield design and fabrication. This is one the biggest challenges that Dick and Steve face.
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