HUGE Progress Made On The Willys Wagon Overlander Build

#fabrats #chadsfab #willyswagon #onxbuildchallenge
Chad's Fab came into town and we got a ton done on the willys wagon build! This build is shaping up to be one of our favorites. Check it out!
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[@FabRats]

Vote for Paul, Chad, and their ultimate overlander to win the OnX Challenge! www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app/build-challenge#build-vote

[@OliG-py1dx]

Gazelle tent external

[@Mr_Blunt]

Fold tent on top back should have pull out cabinets that sides out so you can cook like a grill place to-hold glasses

[@ChuckHickl]

can someone gently assist me in figuring out how to vote in this challenge. I do have an onX account (free one), and when I click on the link below, it takes me to the middle of the voting page and where it shows the Join Elite/More about Elite buttons and below that, the bios of the participants with their social links but I see no way to actually vote. It appears to be wanting me to buy a membership too vote. Is this the case?

[@shaneharrison4775]

My choices are 2 fold Chad rats and trail builds it. And I'm not adding Instagram either.

[@jackmorrison8269]

Paul and Chad make the best stuff. Always get my vote!

[@shawnofthedata]

Tent off the back is the way to go with some sort of fold out to extend the back to make the bed.

[@roberthood9525]

It will look better with the tent out the back. You can put a roof rack on to carry extra supplies and spare tires.

[@paulschuchert5189]

I agree

[@rockysquirrel4776]

And the back tent can have add-ons, depending on where you go.

[@cosmiccoyotedog-doreenb9605]

agreed, add the patio room/storage extension. Great shade and rain proof.

[@croffroading4177]

100% out the back!

[@paulbell1522]

100%, I was on the rooftop side until you brought up the rear tent. That will be way cleaner and leave the top for a roof rack with accessories.

[@jjbjjb6547]

Hats off to Chad & the crew for helping out at Fab-Rats... Want stuff done? Put all these guys together! Good job.

[@TheGrizz1717]

Chad is always at another level than us mere mortals. Its great seeing the collaboration coming together. My vote is for tent off the back.

[@Janer-52]

I vote for tent out the back. Climbing to the roof is a chore, and hard to exit in an emergency. Build a slide-out with a foot to the ground, you will enjoy it more.

[@rotor13b]

Came to say this

[@steinjonah660]

With a creaky frame like the one owned by Paul it will be a mission to get to the top of the tent

[@mikerichard-FOPA3]

Tent out the back

[@rossmagwood1381]

there is a reason most overlanders go with the rooftop tent and that is becasue they need the space in the back for the rest of the camping gear

[@TheMr9fingers]

Tent out back with roof rack for lights mounting and storage boxes like the wrecker has

[@craigsturman6661]

A tent that comes off the back is a ton more handy than a roof top tent. It can be used for just shade or to get out of the rain while taking a break from wheeling, and fit a whole bunch more people in it as well.

[@professornuke7562]

Young feller I work with has just bought himself a Gladiator with a built in roof top tent. He's had it a year. Even used it once. He can't get the truck into a multistorey carpark it's so tall. Personally, I prefer an actual tent.

[@bradleymadosh911]

Thank you Chad and family for helping Paul

[@mattthescrapwhisperer]

I cut it, and cut it, and cut it, and it's STILL too short 😂. Happens to the best of us Paul.

[@mrfunnylookinhayes9088]

My two favorite families working together. I love it.

[@johnhart125]

So cool! Rear tent that comes out of back when hatch opens, storage inside, living space outside, rooftop is for birds. Looking forward to next video. Love that all y'all have so much fun doing this!

[@FrisellFan01]

It's videos like this that remind me of when I built bikes out of junk in the 1970's.....and had something new to ride....but how I wish we had the internet back then...because I tell ya... watching these guys building vehicles and fab work is addicting beyond words for me....

[@cosmiccoyotedog-doreenb9605]

It's great to have 'smart hard working friends'. Great job guys.

[@trailvarment]

Go with the tent off the back!! Love all your videos.

[@chuckg9805]

Out the back tent - old bones don't like climbing up to get to bed! Great videos, thanks.

[@laurence1643]

Chad's crew wears eye protection when drilling, grinding, etc. !!! Excellent safety !!! Paul, you drive me crazy by not wearing some, most of the time . Please, please use some . I'm 78, been around this stuff since my teens and still building .

[@bryduhbikeguy]

For sure.I had safety glasses on,but wore a tanktop and shorts while using a wire wheel on my truck.Have a tiny piece of wire in my chest over the heart,and 1 in my face 1-1/2" below my eye that created it's own pore.Picked other wires from all over my hands,arms,and legs. (before "flap-discs")

[@javman03]

I noticed the same. As someone who's has had to have a rogue grinder spark literally ground out of my eyeball before, I can assure you it's no fun. And I was wearing safety glasses! It makes me wince any time I see someone grinding without glasses.

[@B2une]

Sundays are the best. Cup of coffee and going through the KZbin morning lineup. Life is good ☕️

[@jimedge8301]

Good to see Chad and most of his boys paying fabrats a visit 🙏

[@MrGaryGG48]

Chad and his group are such great friends and excellent fabricators!! Well Done!!!

[@HillbillyHippie530]

I would agree with you about the rooftop tents. Definitely do an off the back tent. That build is looking awesome!! 🍻🤙🏻

[@John-bx8km]

Paul...Chad and his crew? You fellas ROCK! The camper coming off the back would be a great idea. You can make a pretty big room off the back. It can look cherry when it's done...and you fellas can definitely do it up right!

[@user-bh7dm8dr3m]

Both of you guys are a couple of my favorite You Tubers. I just enjoy the comradery and feeling of friendship and family. Its nice to watch and have that feeling in today's divisive world.

[@j-bizzlefoshizzle]

Tent out the back for sure. Less weight and keeps that center of gravity significantly lower. Make some kind of a roof rack for extra storage, light bars and a retractable awning. This thing is gonna look freakin awesome when it's all did!!

[@OjaiBonsai]

It’s early for me on a Sunday but worth it when Fab rats is on with Chad and family. Thanks

[@dorightal4965]

A tent out the back for sure!! A roof top rig will raise the Cener of Gravity. You're going to be high enough as it is. Great use of an old Willys Wagon! Looking Good!!

[@xxBlazinBobxx]

Stuff gets done quick with a crew like this! Nice team effort on this one!

[@danconklin9280]

Cheers to Chad's Fabs for helping you out. This is probably my favorite build, love these things. My dream vehicle!

[@davidtaylor8244]

Just to Clarify, Chad is not helping Paul out, Chad and Paul are the team building this Onx challenge overlander

[@Jammer0825]

NO to rooftop tent!! That truck has an epic body line!!! You can put a rolling bed extender even cheaper so that it slides out the back so you can lay down….

[@kingsrealm2]

Tent off the back where the Willys can be independent of it. Go wheeling and leave your campsite set for the next night. Build is looking good!

[@rhondasweeney7271]

Awesome video! Chad, brother and another young man. Thank you for helping Paul. Thanks for sharing!❤

[@marvincarter870]

Oh wow the Fab Rats Paul, and Chad's Fab family came down to help on this onX build of the old Willy's Wagon it's going to be awesome! I like Chad removing the floor pan rust then fabricating new panels for it. Looks great! Jace is working on the demo car. Papa Dar stopped by and did some supervising of the whole process that's going on with the Onx build. Paul you need to keep this Willy's after this Onx build for a recovery vehicle it's going to be well adapted for that. As for sleeping arrangements on the Willy's I personally don't like the roof top tents either we've seen too many rollovers of vehicles that total the roof.

[@wizardgmb]

The roof popup would only give you enough room to sleep standing up in addition to looking ugly. Definitely go with the tent off the rear although you will probably need to customize a stock tailgate tent to mate with the Willy's. It was nice to see Chad removed all the flammable items before welding the floor & firewall, no fire extinguisher necessary! I forgot to comment last week regarding essential items for an overlander vehicle. I'll limit my list to two items: a Starlink & an expresso maker. 😁

[@terencegillespie6675]

A rooftop tent keeps travelers above the wildlife level. Enjoy seeing FabRats and ChadsFab vids every week. It seems that the sun rises and sets in Utah so recently I discovered the Bells Farms vids that are fun and informative about the potato business and they like Matts Offroad Recovery, too. Small world. It’s great to find you working with Chad’s family.

[@carlomadrid2505]

Rooftop set up would be good so you could do the back area where you could do slide in cabinets and tables where you have all your cooking essentials and everything that slides out and then you can set up like a table that connects to it. I think that would be awesome but every work you guys do is always amazing so keep up the hard work and amazing videos

[@Kevin-ti3rz]

Just got done with Matt's, Robby's,and the Peck Brother's videos. What a great morning ✓ And Tom Toms still to go .

[@B2une]

Agreed, best morning lineup.😊

[@taylormade710]

For sure best line up, need more videos lol

[@tinsano6030]

@Kevin-ti3rz why waste your time watching Robbie the 🤡

[@achemjings675]

Same here😂

[@morningbeachsunshine7496]

That's my line up too! The order may change each week based on the length of each though!

[@chitwoodtaxidermy]

Haven’t even finished watching it yet but I can tell this may be my new favorite FabRats build. Gonna be awesome!! Still looking forward to the Jeepster build too.

[@skyepilotte11]

Man, Chad and fam went after it...terrific job ! Jeep is gonna be outstanding...I think a tent out the back would be the best choice in comfort and looks. A roof rack for additional gear would be in order.

[@jaywylde]

Chad + family + Paul + family = awesome

[@Cantsaydog]

That jeep is to me personally Right up there with Matt’s morrvar That is a sweet looking rig💯 Chad and family are the best we need more people like them all these recovery people are great💯 Paul and family you’re amazing and we appreciate you so much I love the true genuine people ✊✊✊✊🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@rickydonahue1586]

That thing looks awesome! As far as a tent I would go old school and just get one that you can set up on the ground. I've seen plenty of overlanders use them. Y'all are doing a great job on that rig so far.👍👍

[@dustinrutkowski3127]

Love this vintage Willys build so far. With the super duty fame and axles. I think a vintage looking wall tent out the back would look better than a modern roof top tent.

[@rhettthedog7757]

Tent off the back definitely!

[@brandonmartin4378]

Morning to my fellow fab rats

[@bobbymenefee7591]

Ford frame, Jeep body, Toyota parts, Chevy motor & transmission? Call this one Ratenstein! Monster made from various parts!

[@warrenjohnknight.9831]

Oh my goodness yes, the Chad team is doing the business, absolutely priceless episode Paul. 😊😊😊.

[@bryanr9533]

Tent out the back would be the way to go!! 👍👍

[@goatskullrebellion4800]

What a killer build! Hell-of-a crew too! 👍💪🤘

[@mkfishing4458]

tent out the back, if you make an extension out the back that goes into the trailer hitch it's removable for on the go and just pop it in when it's time to camp.

[@lonhoschar1943]

You guys are making some good progress on the OnX build. Always good to have Chad and crew helping.

[@aaronb4286]

Chads Fab! Nice to see him

[@johnc.wunscheljr2873]

Put the tent out the back. I have a 46 Willys with a 64 corvette 327 balanced and blue printed in it . I got in 1977 and still drive it today and its🍒.🤠 J>-W-> Hangtown ca

[@user-zt9bg3pr4m]

You folks are awesome. Chad and his boys are so respectful and hard workers. Dusty and his brother are both awesome as well. Paul you are a very lucky man To have and awesome family and friends in your life. You are very blessed and I know why because you are an awesome caring man and friend Love all your videos. I will definitely miss hunter and Sean

[@nathansharp3193]

Rooftop tent with one of the fancy umbrellas that wraps the whole rig, kinda like the porch of your house. Carry hammocks and tarps too, if you have trees it's the only way to camp.

[@morseman52]

Safety glasses Paul, eyes are precious!

[@keithalbrecht4785]

Fab Rat's & Chad's Fab, You Guys Rocked It!!!💯 You guys work great so together!!🙏 Dusty he's a workhorse!💪👍

[@ThatGuyFromArizona]

I love that style of Willys. Always great to see Chad and his capable crew.

[@danaowen9014]

The jeep looks so cool on thoes tires and rims. I vote a tent out the back.Thanks to the chad's cree for helping out, awesome team.

[@annoopsewnandan4566]

You all ready said it, no rooftop tent!!

[@veralhines6237]

Solve your tent problem like the Aussies did for decades. Buy a swag. Look it up. I use one and love it. Getting a little old at 51 but your a young guy yet Paul! And it's not forever ...23Zero Bandit swag is the ticket. And if you want to get off the ground they sit nicely on a cot for some elevation

[@MichaelMaxim-ft5sv]

You guys were deep with help today..project looking super strong.great seeing everyone today

[@alcurtice]

I have a 1961 Willys Wagon that I fabricated a folding bed that extends out the tailgate when in use. It works great! There is plenty of room inside to sit up and 13 inches of storage space vertical clearance under the bed.

[@kevinsnead1125]

I love the build videos more than the recovery ones but I like the no fighting or cussing best! God bless all of you!

[@earlharrell7750]

Great collaboration, chuckled when you "Dehorned" the Willy's Wagon! Earl and Jean Harrell.

[@Crewsy]

Roof top is for a rack to carry a spare tire or solar panel with a high lift jack mounted on the side of the rack. Definitely find a way to have a tent out back or just a couple mounts to hang a hammock from and sleep outside. I love the Willys Wagon.

[@MCLEO983]

Out the back tent

[@josiatokirina1788]

Paul, you can make a simple fold out bed in the back using a metal frame and a plywood platform. The extra length will be hinged to fold up and in so the tail gate can close. You can fasten a fitted tarp over the top back door that drapes down the sides and held tight with some bungee straps. Simple, comfortable, efficient platform/bed when you add an air mattress!

[@allentisthammer4763]

Tent off of the back if your camping a day or 2. Readily available and will attach directly to the vehicle, downside is setup and breakdown. RTT if you're only spending the night then moving on, easily broken-down verses a ground tent. Awesome build.

[@MarkoMygun]

Nice job guy's, wow that thing is lookin AWESOME. You guy's did a lot on it in one weekend. Shout out to Chad and family. Thanks for the video guy's can't wait for the next one.

[@SedraKotova-wb9ib]

Appreciate the honesty in your videos, it's rare these days

[@bobbymenefee7591]

Tent off the back Paul!

[@kstricl]

Love the rake of the Willys in that end shot. Obviously can't keep that stance and wheel, but that'd be really cool for just running around on the pavement. Robbie might have Sean making his a piece of rolling art, but you guys are definitely making something to be proud of and enjoy.

[@canadiansnowplowguy2852]

Awesome to see Chad and his crew working together. You guys can pound out the work!

[@ernestcommerford5590]

Fab rats and. Chads Fab are my favorite so down to earth family originated down to earth country poeple !! Salt of the earth !! A lot of talent in those two families ! They just get in a work together !

[@rambonit]

If you going to do a overlander you have to do a roof top tent but do a great kitchen area in the trunk a slide out barbecue is a must plus a side roof outrigger 👍

[@tt600pch]

Love the old Jeep station wagons. An early memory of mine has to be about 1967-68 when I was 4. Dad had a 57 with a Ford inline 6 in it. He and my brothers came home after a successful hunt and there were deer or elk legs sticking up everywhere in the back side windows. Couple years later a brother was on the wrong side of the highway pulling a buddy out and the Jeep was totaled in head on collision. A fold out the back tent would be a lot more useful.

[@guygrotke8059]

I think a slide-out bed extender would be pretty cool. Then your five foot bed could be much longer, with some cushions that would stack when the slide was in. The tent would be really simple. You could put a shelf on the side for a Coleman stove and sink. Icebox goes under the shelf.

[@bobbolieu9013]

You all got a months worth of work done in a weekend. It's amazing. The stance on the Willys is rad as Dave from Dirt Head Shed would say. I'm really digging the look of the Willys.

[@gregoryhanson971]

Great to see a bunch of Guys working together and keeping a sweet spirit as they go. Keep the videos coming!

[@DonFarmer-hq5sw]

I always loved those Williys wagons ❤ Great idea to dump the entire undercarriage and start out heavy duty ! 😊

[@austinskidgel2690]

This is my favorite ON-X build to date. This is super sweet

[@dylancampbell5142]

Im on team roof top tent. Theres a reason most overlanders use them. Itll save you a ton of space inside the vehicle for gear. The right tent will be super easy to open/close. Most RTTs allow you to keep sleeping mats, blankets and even small travel pillows in for storage. A tent out the back will aggravate you when you need to remove everything out of your rig to sleep. But everyone prefers looks over function. So... GOOD LUCK!!

[@TheSocalfisher1]

I love watching all the videos you guys put out. It would be sweet to see paul, Chad, and puddin from puddins fab shop to colab on a build. Keep up the good work fellas!

[@markw.2106]

I'd raise that rear end a bit so it levels out when equipped. Overlanding is about taking everything you can possibly fit to enjoy the outdoors in comfort, basically glamping, that means a lot of extra weight, but dang, that looks amazing!

[@greasebeardsgarage]

You may have missed it at the end, and I was thinking it the whole time too, but he says it is sitting on the bump stops in the video. Ride height will be in the neighborhood of four inches higher.

[@richardpark8925]

I love to see you working on the Willys. My Mom had hers as a driver and learned to drive in the lower 40 with it.

[@manueltrevizo4060]

seeing this willys wagon takes me back to my grandpas....❤

[@markfletcher3728]

Roof top tent the way to go! I suufered with back pain and it nearly stoppped me camping untill I got my roof tent! Best bit of camping gear I have ever bought!

[@Sam465]

Paul, a tent out the back is way better than a hump in the roof, you can't sleep standing up in the hump 😳👍

[@mattkrueger4096]

Put the tent out the back! Make a slide able floor that you can pull out to make it longer. Just a thought. Awesome build!

[@kimetherington2252]

Two of the best KZbinrs working together once again! These are my favorite videos to watch! Catch you on the next ✌️ 😊

[@johnprice58]

Shawno on 4WD 24-7, Aussie boy uses "Swag"; A cot with a single tent plopped on it. Hang a 270* awning on the passenger side and call it "Home(ly)!"!

[@aidanhollis4706]

Tent off the back, keep that center of gravity low! Plus you could have the roof open for a rack or cargo, love the build!!!

[@timbollinger3209]

Definitely put the tent out the back. FABRATS FOR THE WIN!🏆

[@arvifulgencio3745]

Just make a flatbed trailer to mount the tent that usually put on the roof of the jeep & put a 40 gals water tank. Ask Michelle brother to make sliding cabinet in the rear of the jeep for the stove, counter, pantry & cooking utensils

[@jenateer2518]

Love when Chad teams up with you.

[@richardmeisingerjr.1308]

I like the look of a rooftop tent on an overland build. My vote, RTT!

[@MichaelLee-hg8ez]

A tent out the back is the way to go. User and budget friendly. Roof rack for spare tire and stuff.

[@geraldDudley]

paul: Why not add a pull-out bed extension on rollers with drop down supports to extend the sleeping surface, which would double the sleeping area ? Add a air mattress, mosquito netting! This works great without adding to height to Willy like a roof top would ! This pull out also severs great for table or work surface, not to mention makes it easy to unload cargo !

[@feralcanadian3947]

Nice rooftop tent with a 360 awning, roll out kitchen and lots of room up the centre for spare parts. Don’t forget the fridge

[@christopherbennettii484]

PAUL The Naturenest Andromeda is 57"L 46" W & can be mounted sideways so 46"L 57"W so that the ladder comes off the back & covers the rear entry of the willys which would work great with that half hatch it has

[@michaeltablet8577]

I know its a long distance between yall and ivery much appreciate the effort! God bless you all and keep you safe!

[@micahrichey5335]

I’ve always wanted a Willys wagon ever since I was a kid. They are just so cool looking!