2020 Rango Willys MB Memorial Day walk around

How is Rango doing these days? A quick walk around of my 1942 Willys MB. Rough specs. Musing about my flat fender funk.

[@darrylpaarman9100]

The reason that I like this so much is because of the character it exuums. It draws you in with ruggedness and simplicity. Just an absolute awesome build.

[@carteaga08]

Recently found this and I have to say that is probably the nicest jeep I've seen. I bet it's fun as hell to drive. I need to go find me a MB jeep now!

[@stevehamilton9728]

All the thoughtful cuts etc make this jeep look spot on 👍 I remember the build documented on Pirate. Would love to see a lot more of it on you tube, both technical and in action, it’s great inspiration. Can’t believe it was so long ago. 🇬🇧

[@NatchurlBorne]

Nice walk around. Rango is one of my all time favorites!

[@jasonlovell3934]

I wheeled a 1975 CJ 5 for many years. For the new guys it takes skill to drive a short wheelbase, manual transmission, carburetor rig. It also takes a lot of skill and time to keep it running! Thanks for the video.

[@brennanmetcalf]

Honestly, this has been one of the most reliable and easy to drive vehicles I have ever built. It just flat works for me. It has always worked better than the sum of its parts. Even being a shorter wheelbase, you can put it in a some just plain stupid positions and it still feels great to the driver.

[@jeffvallentine913]

I remember seeing your MB in the magazines years ago. There's some saying that goes like a design is perfect not when nothing more needs to be added but when nothing more needs to be taken away. I think your build captures much of this thinking. Very cool.

[@4Wheels4Reals]

Super cool Jeep! I really enjoyed the video walk around! Thank you

[@evintacy7272]

That is amazing love it!! Wouldn’t change darn thing! Great job my friend 💯🤘🏻❤😊

[@markweber2958]

Love the walk around...that is a great jeep

[@billbowles2380]

Thanks for the walk around. I'm just starting a similar build with a 46 2A on a 80s cj5 frame.

[@bobevans2355]

What an iconic Jeep

[@PaulKaiser42]

My favorite UA rig to date 👊🏻👊🏻🔥🔥

[@jameshenderson9228]

Awesome build

[@dbriml]

Such a sweet little ride.

[@jimbrazzell9316]

Razzel Dazzel Brazzell, From Ohi, I think your jeep is Awesome. Love to see more on it.

[@9_19Ming]

so nice !!!! love ford jeep so much !!!!!!

[@johnhowson1169]

Absolutely love it

[@tubewaldo]

I dig the Belleview Winch !!!

[@jeffpaddock7377]

I would still buy this Jeep if I could afford it ha! Hope my '48 works and looks as cool as this once it's complete

[@adamforman9264]

I like your jeep, I want one like yours....😎✌

[@justinrosgen4669]

Could you possibly do an in depth video on how you raised the front fenders? I really love this Jeep! You and Fred Williams have been the two biggest inspirations for me.

[@brennanmetcalf]

The original build thread is still active with all the pictures working ( pound of flesh to Photobucket every year! ) on Pirate4x4 in the Willys section. If you search 'Rango Willys Pirate' it should come right up.

[@greywolfwalking6359]

Great job on your jeep! It has a real " utilitarian " air n look about it! Very good to do with, n, not be a poser n hoser! Thanks for sharing!

[@adamshartley]

Bitchen flat fender man. I hope to have one eventually. Thanks for sharing stay safe and happy trails 👣

[@ericmuhlbeier8023]

I've always loved rango! She shares alot of traits with my 44 gpw, which need to get drug out and loved on too

[@alfredoeliasbarbosa4078]

Nice vehicle...

[@gimenofm]

Love it. How did you manage to weld around all the layers of old paint? Love the patina.

[@brennanmetcalf]

Carefully....then some forced rattle can patina to cover up the modded areas.

[@jamisonyoder4009]

Hello, love this thing. I’ve got a 46, all original, and a 53 that’s a v8 tig. Wanting to do more custom stuff to the “53”, mine has a Vortec/Muncie/D300, rear 44 from either a 5, or cj7, disk brake 30 in the front. what motor/running gear are using in this? Thanks in advance.

[@brennanmetcalf]

225 V6, T18, D18 in a 20 case, D44 rear full float, D30 front with big joint alloy shafts.

[@lousypirate]

Think you could do an engine bay vid? Would like to see how you packaged it

[@brennanmetcalf]

I'll see what I can do for a part two.

[@loganshotrod4x464]

so much style & charisma; what tires are you running? They fit that Jeep like a glove

[@brennanmetcalf]

35x13.5R15 BFG Krawlers

[@jeepers849]

I am curious, how hard is it to get in and out of this? With the low seat and minimal door opening it looks tough. Amazing rig tho, love it.

[@brennanmetcalf]

With it being so low to the ground, not bad really. I don't even really notice anything being different. After riding around in it for so many years, a stock flatty feels way worse.....like you are going to fall out the door all the time. I love the feel of being down inside the body with by butt firmly in the suspension seats.

[@edgardolarenas8181]

hi mr .metcalf. this is edgardo from chile .i have followed your process of how you've built your jeep and i congratulate you. i have few questions 1:whats is the measurement of the tires that you are using? 2:why did you cut the bodywork from the back? was it so tires wouldn't hi it did you use springs package in the back thank you advance.i hope to hear from you edgardo

[@brennanmetcalf]

Hello. The tires are 35x13.5R15 BFG Krawler KX tires. The large tires would not fit without enlarging the rear wheel openings. I am running Superlift 1" lift REAR length CJ2/3 leaf spring on all four corners.

[@edgardolarenas8181]

@@brennanmetcalf ok thanks tomorrow more questions for you attending edgardo

[@edgardolarenas8181]

1: hi sr is edgardo from chile how many inches did you cut off from the rear bumper to be able to place tire 2: can you tell me which engine ,gearbox and steering does your car have 3: how many inches are there from the floor code car body? it looks very nice jajajajajaj thanks

[@brennanmetcalf]

1. I didn't cut the rear bumper, I made a new frame. 2. Buick 225 V6, Granny T18 transmission, Super D18 Transfer case. Big Piston Saginaw Power steering box from a J20 truck. 3. I don't know what you are asking.

[@chalinp4886]

What’s you’re opinion belleview vs 8274 warn winch

[@brennanmetcalf]

Both great winches. With the prices even used 8274s are fetching these days, let alone new ones, I think the Belleview is definitely worth looking at.

[@coryhalling1614]

What transmission are you running ? Would love to see engine bay. Great video, awesome rig

[@brennanmetcalf]

It has a later model granny gear T18 transmission with the over and down reverse position.

[@coryhalling1614]

Would you recomend the t18 or a gm sm420. Im wanting to put a chev. 4.3l in my 48

[@brennanmetcalf]

@@coryhalling1614 I actually had a sm420 with a custom tcase adapter in it when it was first built. Hated it. Shifted terrible. I'd recommend a SM465 with the thin plate adapter or a T18 like mine.

[@coryhalling1614]

Awesome thanks for the reply. I located a 79 Ford T18. Think ill snag it up so i can get started. Rango is truly an Inspiration!

[@Ozarkmule]

Can you tell me about the steering setup? The power steering? Thx

[@brennanmetcalf]

The power steering uses a 1970s Jeep J20 pickup big piston 4-bolt 4-turn steering box.

[@colinmiddleton6316]

What year did you go on the Ultimate adventure?

[@brennanmetcalf]

2015 and 2015

[@Traingeek101]

How is it running down the highway with no overdrive?

[@brennanmetcalf]

I've put tens of thousands of miles on it like that. It does 60mph at 3000rpm all day long and gets 15-17mpg. The most annoying part is generally the wind buffeting off the windshield in certain conditions. It's an old Jeep, they don't really do 80mph really.

[@elsyorellana2285]

Hello, could you tell me the measurements of the rims and how many inches wide are the rings that you have put on it, I think they fit perfectly. cute willys.

[@brennanmetcalf]

The rims are a 15x11 steel beadlock in the video. Backspacing is about 3.7"

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@brennanmetcalf Must have the turning radius of a battleship!

[@brennanmetcalf]

@@-oiiio-3993 No, not really, it still drives circles around most things things on the trail. The axles are not stock width.

[@jasontaylor3046]

I followed your build years ago. Will you remind me of you leaf spring setup? Thank You.

[@brennanmetcalf]

It has rear length cj2-3 springs on all 4 corners. I used Superlift 1" springs when I first build it, now it has custom springs I designed with Deaver.

[@jasontaylor3046]

@@brennanmetcalfThank for the reply. Which did it have on ultimate adventure? And may I ask the specs and cost of the dever springs?

[@brennanmetcalf]

@@jasontaylor3046 It had the Superlift springs in it for both UA trips. The Deavers are about 1500 for a set of 4. They are about 1/2" taller than the Superlift springs when new, but much a much softer spring rate.

[@jasontaylor3046]

@@brennanmetcalf Thank you.

[@chalinp4886]

Who do you recommend for a reproduction body everything in my are is prized for collectors or has flintstone holes in the floor

[@brennanmetcalf]

Tough call, it kinda depends on the end goals of the project and how far you want to take the details. An Aqualu aluminum tub would be my first choice as they will work with you on doing some of the mods like raising the rear wheel tubs and giving you a blank rear wheel opening.

[@supersportimpalass]

Bummed you didn't show or mention the engine setup.

[@brennanmetcalf]

There is a 100 page build thread on Pirate 4x4 in the Willys section, "Rango"

[@supersportimpalass]

@@brennanmetcalf thank you for the reply. I have a CJ2A sitting in the weeds I'd like to do something with. Was thinking something along the lines of Rick Pewe's flatty but really like the style of yours. My JK is too new and miss my early Bronco.

[@joyerossg1335]

Size tires?

[@brennanmetcalf]

35x13.5r15 BFG Krawlers

[@coleconway3781]

What size tires

[@brennanmetcalf]

35x13.5R15

[@joe3973]

I like your roll bar design the back brace supports good idea tail gate pipes frame clear for the two compartments doors .

[@brennanmetcalf]

Thank you. Even though the rear tool boxes are smaller with the raised tubs and larger wheel opening, that space is critical for storage.

[@Just4kidz]

Are you selling it

[@brennanmetcalf]

Nopeski

[@faceluckcell9484]

memoriaL day jeep wiLLyz 45 anniversary music wiLLyZLy. i. Like your jeep

[@MrJeep75]

Tires are way way too big

[@brennanmetcalf]

Not for me.

[@MrJeep75]

Look better with 31's

[@brennanmetcalf]

Not to me

[@MrJeep75]

@@brennanmetcalf those tire are way too big 31's are big enough for jeeps

[@brennanmetcalf]

@@MrJeep75 Not for the stuff I do with it. These are just perfect.

[@MrJeep75]

Bubba fide

[@brennanmetcalf]

Don't worry, It was only an early production 1942 version built for the USMC with undercoating, fording package, and radio package. There was nothing left but the body. Building a new frame and giving it a new life was the best thing for it. Now it gets used instead of just rotting away in a field or garage somewhere.

[@MrJeep75]

@@brennanmetcalf still would of been parts for a orginal restoration

[@brennanmetcalf]

@@MrJeep75 My parts my call. This old thing has done more for getting people back into old jeeps than an restoration.

[@chrispotter2948]

I recently inherited a 1945 Willys MB with a GPW body all original WW2 style. Seeing jeeps like yours make me want to get a cj2a to tweak into a more fun driver. Don't let the haters hate on you. Always gunna be a guy that says "hey that was an army jeep bro, why didn't you restore it?!" I love your attitude in the comments. Seems like this mostly custom jeep is kinda just wearing a WW2 body that was otherwise going to sit and rot. I love it I love it!

[@brennanmetcalf]

@@chrispotter2948 No worries about that. Good luck with your project. Make it something you can really use. That is what these old Jeeps where really for.

[@jimmystikx]

I like that bikini top.

[@brennanmetcalf]

Thanks. I made it from a $7 home depot painters tarp

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@brennanmetcalf A true Jeeper.

[@markcosta4337]

Those tires are way too big for that vehicle I don't know.

[@brennanmetcalf]

Not for me. Works fantastic.

[@Bliolp]

u should be ashamed

[@brennanmetcalf]

Why is that?

[@Bliolp]

@@brennanmetcalf in my opinion the jeep has been raped. I am by far a purist but something always upsets me when i see builds like this with ww2 jeeps wether its a willys mb, ford gp or even a hotchkiss i think they should be restored somewhat to orginal.

[@brennanmetcalf]

@@Bliolp Yeah, sorry, that isn't my thing. I see too many failed restorations where these things sit in pieces in a garage somewhere because the owner lost interest, or went broke trying to get 1940s air in the tires or whatever. I think these things where designed to be used, and modified, from the start. This one little flatty has done more than a hundred restorations to get people interested in simple old Jeeps again.

[@-oiiio-3993]

@@Bliolp _Waaaaaaah._ I have a hot rod Jeep with Kenne Bell equipped 225 Dauntless 'Odd Fire', 4 speed, Warn overdrive, too much carb, MSD, fat headers... and just bought a restored Willys MB. I also still have my first, a mostly stock '48 CJ2A (resting, awaiting engine installation) and the remains of my old beater GPW which had a Chevy 283. Each has their place, I appreciate them all.