VINTAGE WILLYS: Trail Wheeling 70-Year-Old Flat Fender Jeeps | EP5

No seatbelts, no roll cage, no power steering. Nicole Johnson takes us on a rugged, Arizona off-road trail in Bryan Croft's far-from-modern 1948 Willys CJ-2A flat fender with a group of 70-year-old stock civilian Jeeps.
SPECIAL THANKS TO AN AMAZING GROUP OF WHEELERS:
Bryan Crofts, Albert Contreras, Clint Elliott, Charlie Elliott, Mike Dora, Mary Dora, Cole Alford, Charlotte Price, Chris Harper, Andy Gooding, Jason Bowman and Ian Liljeblad. RIP Pistol Pete Sohren.
•••••
Created and Produced by Michael Badami and Nicole Johnson
Directed by Michael Badami
© Lawndart Limited
lawndartlimited.com
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#willys #jeep #cj2a #fourwheeling #nicolejohnsonsdetour

[@minustaco42zero24]

This is totally bitching to watch and I love watching these old jeeps running and jumping and thanks to this group for keeping em alive for future generations.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Totally agree with you! thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it!

[@thomaslemay8817]

When I was a kid. I knew a wood cutter that had one , his motor was destroyed. He had an old Buick that was rolled and also hit a tree, the straight 8 from the Buick was good so it was installed in the Willis, it required relocating to radiator off to the side as well as removing the grill and other things that were in the way. Extensive welding was done. When finished it was amazing how capable it was. Very little money was spent, this was done in the early 60s .

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

That's a great story..thank you for sharing!

[@broganslayton8727]

Dang dude, a straight 8?? Is it still around or any photos? That sounds sick

[@bugnfront]

I am almost 70 years old. Had first Willys at 13. I fractured my neck in 3 places..why ..rolled my 48 Jeepster on black ice doing only 30 on a road. Put on those roll bars boys! I currently restoring a 52'. I have had 6 and can't remember not having a Willys since 13. By the way, your the first lady to like em as much as me.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Hey thanks so much for your input..much appreciated!

[@larryalexander4833]

I've always liked them and wanted one. Ive owned a bunch of 4x4s. I have 88 yj wrangler that I'm fixing up and took most of the modern electronics off of and toughed up .

[@havocmwf]

This was epic to watch. I love the old Willys Jeeps. This was true visceral off-road driving. I am used to driving a modern off-roader with full lockers, 4" lift, and 35" tires, but this looks like real off-roading, the way it ought to be. Thanks for this and to Willy for getting the off-road genre started and more importantly still rolling 70 years later.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're so glad you enjoyed watching!! Thank you!

[@hobiesmith9370]

Okay this is great. I would love to see more trail rides from this group. It doesn’t get any better than manual everything!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

For sure! Thank you!

[@chrisroothman2664]

What a blast to watch! I am from South Africa and the Willys was used by some farmers here, post WW2, as tractors on their farms, to plough, sow and work the fields and other chores on the farms. They were dirt cheap to buy and certainly cheaper than a proper tractor, especially post WW2. It made a difference due to the economies of so many countries being very tough and rough and farmers being cash strapped. When your friend mentioned that the motor is actually a tractor motor, it kickstarted my memory. Well done Nicole and friends, I thoroughly enjoyed this video.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

So glad you enjoyed it and thank you for sharing this story...that's so cool.

[@arwelagrimachinery]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour the land rover was a knock off of the Jeep but originally made for farmers , you could have a pto shaft at the back for powering impliments like a tractor or fit a flat belt pulley attachment onto the pto and even a hay mower atatchment off the side

[@jamesleicher]

Are they still making cj-5-6 or was it fj?fiber glass replicas in Cape town?2.5 liter ford was a hit for it.

[@Wilett614]

I am 71 Years old , I have Owned a Flat Fender Jeep since I was 15 years old . It was my first form of transportation Since that first one , I have owned 14 different ones , ALL Early flat fenders including a couple WW2 Willys MB and a GPW. Have owned many other jeep Vehicles as well , Pickups , Wagoneers , Cherokees , etc .I currently own 6 Jeep vehicles including ONE old Flat fender . I have NEVER Not owned at least 1 Flat fendered Jeep since the time I bought my first one back in 1963 and will ALWAYS have at least One in my garage : ))) BEST vehicle Ever MADE , Simple ,Easy and Reliable .

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Wow that's fantastic. Thanks for sharing your story...I love it!

[@Wilett614]

Thanks for Your Reply Nicole ! Love your Channel❤ you seem to be into so many Very Cool Experiences 👍😉

[@andrewsnow7386]

Nice driving. When someone lets you drive their vintage vehicle over obstacles like that, you know you've earned their trust and respect.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes, I agree. Thank you!

[@CredibleHulk]

Red sounds like it's got a good rod knock going. My dad had a rod knock in his too, it turns out the crank was broken between 3 and 4. The Jeep still ran to get him back home.

[@clintelliott5898]

It did, we pulled the engine the next day and we installed another “used” “temporary” engine in until I can get a full rebuild done. It’s amazing the abuse the engines will take 😜

[@CredibleHulk]

@@clintelliott5898 they are stout. I talked to my dad to get the scoop on what happened, and he said the crank split in two right at the rod journal for number 3. The rod cap was the only thing keeping it together. It ran the whole way back home (20 miles or so).

[@BilgePump]

They’re fine. It’s called independent torque ratio. Works like a charm.

[@weshawkins7165]

That red jeep sounds like it’s about to lose a rod. My Dad use to have 52 Willy’s and used it out in the Southern California desert back in the 50’s and 60’s. In the 80’s I built a 42 willy’s with an F head four cylinder and took it over the Rubicon trail.

[@jif.6821]

Seeing these JEEPS in action is very nostalgic for me. My father was a WWII veteran, and after fighting in the SW Pacific, at the end of the war he was sent directly to Japan as part of the occupation forces. He loved Japan so much he wound uo staying for 21 years. Soon after arriving in Japan he purchased his very first vehicle a Army surplus Jeep. He had a Japanese sheet metal fabricator make him a custom hardtop with doors to protect him from the cold during the cold Japanese winters. He took my a mom on their very first date in that Jeep. Most of the roads in Japan at that time were still unpaved and pretty rough. That Jeep got him anywhere he needed to go. When my mom got pregnant with their firat child (my oldest sis) he sold his Jeep to a Japanese national at a profit since the Japanese loved American vehicles. Dad bought a brand new Kaiser Henry-J 2 door sedan so he stayed true to the Kaiser jeep brand. I believe the Henry-J used the same flat-heaf 4 that the Jeep used. He loved that car. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

What a cool story..thank you for sharing with us! Glad you enjoyed this episode!

[@jeffthejinjer]

Now those are some real Jeeps right there! They were cheap, simple, can take a beating like no other vehicle back in those days. So cool you got to make this footage 😎

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching!

[@Hjerte_Verke]

Not a plastic thing on it except the distributor cap and rotor!

[@varun009]

In India you can get one for about $1,500. Kitted out with mud tyres brings the price up to about $4k.

[@flimflam4141]

@@varun009 if you have a link to buy them I’d order one!

[@joykemprai]

@@varun009 where bro?

[@s.gossett5966]

I had to click on this video just for the CJs. The early ones are hands down my favorite. Thanks for sharing.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Glad you enjoyed! Thank you for watching!

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

Totally clicked for the same reason. Good times were had by all!

[@clintelliott5898]

Great job to you and the crew. Thank you for the invite and documenting our Willys trip.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Clint, thank you! You guys are so cool and I had a great time wheeling with you!!!

[@robertkoller3391]

This is the best video on KZbin. I have had my CJ2A for 44 years. Not one like it but the same Jeep. There is nothing like driving a real Willy's.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it..and I totally agree with you..nothing like driving a real Willy's!

[@Canyon_Shawn]

I grew up on a 1,500 acre ranch, with my father, about 45 minutes north of Los Angeles. We had one of those old Willys Jeeps. My earliest ever memory is my father tying me to the passenger seat, when I was about 2 years old, so I wouldn’t fall out. It didn’t have any seat belts. I remember being a little scared at first. And, I remember thinking that my father wouldn’t let anything bad happen to me. I trusted him. As soon as I could reach the pedals, at about 10 years old, I started driving it all over the ranch, by myself. There are miles of roads on the ranch to drive on and explore. Some of them were challenging to drive on. But, I learned to drive on them. We also had a flat nosed Jeep truck, that I used to drive all over. Those were fun times.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Sounds like a great place to grow up. Thanks for sharing your memories.

[@Canyon_Shawn]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour I was just thinking about something. I know someone who has one of the first Tesla Roadsters. Which was a Lotus Elise, that they turned into an electric car. But, they changed the body, so it has its own look. I think you should do a video about it.

[@dwhallon21]

Is it possible to have too much fun??? I don't think so. Thanks Nicole and all the willy's folks for sharing with us

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@cierracontreras6185]

I had such an amazing time there, it was so fun. Thank you for including us! ❤️

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

You are so welcome Cierra!! I loved spending time with you and your Dad! It is very apparent how much he cares for you and wants to see you grow up around cars with him. You rocked it, girl!!!

[@Paladin1873]

My Dad drove MBs in Alaska during the Korean War. In 1970 he bought a '54 Willys CJ3b with the Hurricane engine so my Mom could drive the back roads of our rural county in north Florida to conduct the census. A year later at the tender age of 16 I was scouring the county with it, in and out of brush, sand, mud, and wet clay (the only time I had to use 4WD). Thirty years later my brother restored a 43 MB, but later sold it to somebody else, much to my chagrin, so seven years ago I bought an old 47 CJ2a from a guy in Arizona. It now travels the trails of my mountainous forested property in rural western Montana, usually with my youngest daughter happily behind the wheel. The tradition continues.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for sharing with us..we love it!!

[@Paladin1873]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour You are most welcome. I emailed you some photos.

[@larrycutting4514]

My Father had a '46 that we grew up in. Nearly 20 yrs later, I had a '46. It was rusted in many spots but trustworthy in all regards. My three sons grew up in their early years in mine. A lot of memories. One of my brothers had a mid-70 jeep. We used to jeep together. It would tick him off when I could go and he couldn't with his newer jeep. :)

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Great story..thanks for sharing with us!

[@Ozarkprepper643]

My flat Fender is a 43 script (Willie's with Ford logo) acquired in the early 80s and still all original. It finds the Ozarks rather boring. But loved those trails from Box Canyon near Florence too the Superstition wilderness boundary (cliffside switchbacks) near Superior. Though I now live in the Ozarks the 50 years I wheeled in Arizona there were no Trails I hadn't been on or up! That's even before 2/3 were fence and gated. Like the old competition Hill at the river. (Salt River Rec) A Willy's like most four-wheel drives it may seem counterintuitive for momentum, but the lowest gear is best. This allows you to keep moving without stopping. Too fast (higher gear) means you're always breaking or stopping and leaves you throttling for power which causes your tires to spin losing traction.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Sounds like you had some good times on the Arizona trails!

[@michaelcangley1868]

You are the proud owner of Ford GPW. These Ford Jeeps were built for military use in WWII. The "W" stands for Willys. The US Military felt the Willys "Go Devil" engine was the best fit for these vehicles so Ford GP(W)s and Willys MBs both employed them. There are only a few slight differences between the GPW and the MB. If it weren't for the internet, I doubt there wouldn't be more than a couple of dozen people still alive that know what they are. Take good care of that Jeep. It's one in a million.

[@Ozarkprepper643]

@@michaelcangley1868 what a nice comment to wake up to. Thank you. It's the vehicle too tough to die. Around 30 years ago it started running fairly rough while camping then as we started the drive home it got worse it acted like a blown head gasket but it was an overheating after the a hundred or so Miles back at a whopping 40 mph I pulled the head only to find 2 Pistons with holes in them. Amazing it was able to get us home. I believe original specs was 56 hp. It still has the original maintenance manual. Purchased for $600, it's another one of those vehicles that turns heads everywhere you go. But mostly stays on the ranch, and lives in the hanger. You have a wonderful weekend.

[@43JohnDeere]

Nicole...your reaction to hitting a rock with the differential just shows what a thoughtful and impressive human being you are...mechanical sympathy is all too rare and your touching display of it was very awesome.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

I've cost my husband and all my mechanics countless hours and sleepless nights with my lack of mechanical sympathy, so it's about time, right?

[@43JohnDeere]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour It is the thought that counts. Your channel is outstanding and I will look forward to whatever is coming next.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

"mechanical sympathy" Very well said. I often ask people not to slam the door...those same people never check the oil.

[@michaelmarzano237]

Great episode!!!!! My first rig was a 1946 CJ2A with a Dauntless V6, I was 14 years old and I saved up so when my dad and I , who I worked for to save, saw this Willys I got it. He taught me to drive it and he put a snow plow on it so we could make our money back. I rebuilt it and learned wrenching on it as well as driving it on the beach where we lived. I wish I had kept it but I moved on to muscle cars then back to later Jeeps. Now for years I'm a die hard Toyota guy mainly Land Cruisers. Thanks for stirring my wonderful memories of my youth and where my love of Off road was born.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Great memories you have! Thank you for watching!

[@aviator97msncom]

Joined the Army in 87. They still had a lot of jeeps. Drove one in Honduras, drove it through some crazy terrain. To include up the side of a rock quarry. Fun little things, they were still running little 70 horse engines. I had to replace one once, it was so small I was able to lift it out of the jeep with one other friend. Good times.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Very cool! Thank you so much for commenting and thank you for your service!

[@mikelane1542]

I love this video ! I noticed you kept your thumbs on the outside steering wheel, something every old jeeper learned the hardway ! 😬 This was my childhood, 4 yo- 15yo, every weekend. Springtime to hunting season. I bought my own 1979 CJ-5 brand new at the age of 16. As it sat on the lot. No top, no backseat, no pwr steering, or pwr brakes. I did pop for the dealership to put on a warn winch though 😊

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

I always drive thumbs out... for sure something wheelers know! Thanks for watching!!

[@bradylongmore]

You don’t “drive” an old Jeep, you operate it.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Haha yes, good point!

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for the video! I saw how you shift…I’ll give you a three. I have this jeep , and a 67 bug….a little more finesse would work better …I hammer my Miata, Each machine is different…I have a Beech Bonanza…they are all machines that you listen to, and react accordingly. Slide rule machines play by different rules to keep you in the game..attention must be paid!…good job!

[@Marcos.CJ3A]

here in my country Jeep isn't a car, and doesn't have "drivers"... here Jeep are our buddy's and we usually named "pilots" that person who seat between steering wheel and the front left seat...

[@chickensfloat7427]

Ya my 81 is a handfull but at least it has a automatic choke 🤣 some luxury stuff right there

[@sandymilne224]

Actually, it drives YOU! 😁

[@kana4114]

That was awesome! Super Americana. Sending this video to my brother (in Virginia) who misses these kind of adventures in our beautiful Arizona!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@kana4114]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour You're welcome. I enjoy the variety of your videos and your candid approach to the "owners".

[@bluesriot2]

this reminds me of when i subscribed to a few four wheel drive magazines back in the early 80’s after i bought my first willys jeep, the was a guy named granville king whose outrageous column in one of the mags detailed his experiences banging around the az desert in a four cylinder cj 2 , no lifts no sbc no auto trans no lockers and tho this vid leaves less to the imagination, it sure is fun af to watch !!! thanks a bunch for this distinct pleasure

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

You're welcome!!! We're so glad you enjoyed watching!!!

[@davidsnow1481]

The Jeep was a thought from the Bantam factory in Butler Pa before the war they won the military contract but couldn’t fill the order as quickly as the military needed them. There for willy’s and Ford where able to fill the order. That was so cool seeing the Jeep’s doing what they where made for awesome video Nicole keep up the good work and stay safe out there.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching and for your feedback! Much appreciated!

[@jaystull5406]

There are about 52 or so of the original bantam jeeps left in the world that we know of, our car club in butler cares for and drives 2 of them! I have had the privilege over the years of driving and working on each and every generation of the jeep (minus the original brc60) that have been built, and I love the flat fendered jeeps the best!

[@mrstudiodaddy]

IN HER ELEMENT! YES! Kick butt! Love this video! She keeps stepping it up every video.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you..glad you enjoyed it!

[@raymndstannski3947]

Very Good summary by Brian: 70 yr Old Vehicle "All Day Running No Issues All Day"

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes, I agree!

[@onespeedworld6979]

If there is a heaven, it looks like this. Flat fenders & friends...the secret to happiness!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes..we agree!! Thanks for watching!!

[@dustinwebster6349]

Super cool to see these Jeeps still getting it. It's amazing just how capable they are, even without all the modern technology of the vehicles of today. Thanks for the fun ride Nicole!!!

[@Marcos.CJ3A]

Man... that Continental 442 GoDevil sound is magic... kind a music to my ears.

[@andrewdriver3318]

Thank you for low-key correcting the guy. Continental made the engine in the 40's, not Kaiser.

[@fergusabroad]

I was brought up driving these from age 9 in the early sixties on our farm in the uk and went everywhere in them and never got stuck regardless of the mud and rain. Love them to this day

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes..they're amazing vehicles!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@davekimmins7735]

Great video! Back in 1965 my dad got me a 1944 MB, OD green with stars for my 10th BD because he was tired of coming home from work and I would be gone with his 42 MB. We lived in the woods of Michigan 2-3 hrs. N.W. of Detroit. All the roads were dirt, but one that went by our house from Cohoctah. I started driving to school in 5th grade, it was 5 miles of back roads, I would park in the woods under a tree across the street from the school. I owned it till 1984. I sold it so I could get a new 85 CJ-7. Still to this day I wish I never sold it.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

That's an awesome story. Thank you for sharing!

[@Terrible1Joe]

That looked like alot of fun! I want a Willys Jeep now!

[@offroadrecoveryteam]

My first 4x4 was a 50 flat fender, still like to get behind the wheel of one now and then to sharpen the off-road driving skills. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Hey thanks for watching...so glad you enjoyed!

[@joelmaslonka109]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour it’s so nice watching a car video host that can actually drive! And a chick no less! 😉Much respect ✊

[@freedomm323]

A friends father had one he bought right after WWII , he used it at his Mountain cabin, what a freakin beast these things are... no seat belts , no roll bar , 4 wheel low in granny gear and you can get out and walk beside it... we had that thing crawling straight up boulders bc the tires were so close to the front bumper plane... it had the Army Kevlar tires to... going up the 'fire roads' (which were full of rocks , Apalachians) someone always got 'bounce ejected' ...oh man those were great times

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Awesome...thank you for sharing with us!!

[@bcuz2975]

Thanks Thanks for sharing. I learned how to drive on ranch in old Willys Jeep . Great freedom and fun. 🇺🇸 They were cheap crude Army surplus and amazing. I wish we had same opportunity today for new generation.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@mar4kl]

I love antique vehicles. I've never been all that interested in off-roading, but watching you rock-climbing in an antique Willys was awesome! It's always fun riding shotgun with you on KZbin.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching and glad you're enjoying the ride!

[@dustinwebster6349]

"It's always fun riding shotgun with you on KZbin." That's gotta be the best comment I've seen on Nicole's videos. This fits perfectly!!!

[@aaronshagar]

I must say Nicole, this is my favorite episode yet! You are truly in your element, familiar yet totally new in these old relics! Your totally making me miss my 47 F-head Willys! They are truly a joy to operate when they are in their element!! I am so glad you got to experience this and with such cool people! They are the kind of folks that truly make this experience worth documenting!! Cheers for life you guys and thank you for keeping these old relics on the roads and trails!! Good one Nichole!! See you in Tahoe ;)

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much, Aaron! Yes it was such a natural experience wheeling with this group. It reminded me of the early days of our leaf sprung FJ-40 and how much fun we had getting through a trail, breaking down, getting stuck, and doing it again the next weekend. Long, dusty, days with good friends… nothing better!

[@marcischneider9093]

These cars are extremely important here in Colombia, they helped the coffee farmers back in the 50s and 60s. They truly are off-road kings.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for sharing that. We treasure them here in America as well!

[@SGTJDerek]

Talk about bringing back a memory. Pop was in the National Guard when I was YOUNG. He drove a Tank Retriever. His Chief Warrant Officer was, think "Col Potter" from MASH except was to young for WWI. His "Duty" Vehicle was his own Military Surplus Willys. He let Pop chauffeur him around in it, as long as he didn't have a stuck Tank somewhere, and pretty much use it whenever he wanted. I was at my Great-Granny's when Pop dropped down off the road and cut across the garden to pick me up for a ride. Still had the M-60 mounted in the back.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for sharing!

[@justthinken1]

I'm impressed. Reading the title to this video and at the beginning watching these Willys starting off on dirt roads I thought to myself, this might be a cool video watching the comradeship between wheelers and those old rigs cruise some dirt trails. And I'm fully aware those old Willys were fully capable off-road machines. But watching these stock old rigs with open wheels manage those obstacles getting beat up was impressive to say the least. As a side note. I recently started looking into purchasing an old Willys to restore. But where I live in Southern Calif. Willys like the ones in this video are going in upwards of $6000.00 -$7000.00, with the occasional stripped version going for $3500.00. Too rich for my blood. Thank you. I enjoyed watching this video. .

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching. I'm so glad you enjoyed!

[@steveirby9084]

Better than going to the gym! You’ve still got it Nicole!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Haha...thank you!

[@clivehorridge]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour It’s brutal without power steering, especially rock crawling when you can’t always get some forward/reverse motion to help ease the wheels round. Good effort, and a classic video, 11/10 vg 👍🏻🇷🇴🇬🇧

[@joegeorge3367]

I have a '68 Bronco with a 302 and 31 inch BFG's and I am sure it could not compete out there with these Jeeps - incredible.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes they are pretty incredible! Thanks for watching!

[@alejandroespinozaarroyo3202]

Mi primer auto fue un Jeep Willys 1943. Lo armé de varios otros. Entonces tenía 15 años de edad. Hace 48. Desde entonces siempre he tenido Jeep. Tengo un Flat Fender de 1952. Muchas felicidades por tu vídeo Nicole. Saludos desde Baja California, México.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

¡Muchas gracias y agradezco su atención!

[@Wayne_Nero]

That was so much fun! Great to see those old Jeep’s still going. I have a ‘89 YJ and I love it.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

That is awesome! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@christerhelenius6151]

This kind of off-road driving I know very little about, so it was very interesting to watch. It was fun to see that they were not afraid to use and get scratches on their old vintage Jeep’s. Nicole, your driving over that tricky section was so smooth and elegant, no smashing of the chassis against the rocks like the men did. You look so charming with a little dirt on your cheeks. 😍

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching..I'm so glad you found it interesting!

[@georgekerr8804]

I had a friend in high school who gave me a ride in his flat fender. I loved it.

[@frankgabron8989]

When its time to wheel Jeep flatties I know who I'm calling !! The queen of the rocks NICOLE JOHNSON !!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yeah, because I'm the one who will flip you back over!!! 😂

[@oldcarjunky]

Very cool to see old school getting it done like the rock crawlers .this Is real crawling. Not as easy as some I have watched you do in yours.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

It was fun for sure. Got a good workout!

[@oldcarjunky]

Ls swap into a 55 chevy how to make it run and look clean

[@Ryon_Davis]

Brian and Albert are also two of the baddest Ultra4 racers out there. Look them up!!! I've had the pleasure to co-drive for Albert and call him a dear friend. Looks like you guys had an amazing time!!!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes they are! Both are very well respected in the sport and have top notch equipment. Bryan put in a lot of time organizing the run and Albert drove all night from LA to be part of this. He left LA at 9:30pm the night before, so when we see him on camera at about 7:30am, he's literally on no sleep. Then wheeled ALL day with us with a smile, even though his CJ was giving him some mechanical problems. It was a day I won't forget and I'm grateful to have many well-respected friends in the industry! Thank you for watching, Ryon!

[@benjaminwilliams3568]

Nicole Your an absolute Monster. You man Operated that wonderful Willies hard core all the way. You Got dirty face blackened hands and you took line guide instructions like a pro. Most of all You hung tough and stayed in the climb fight 100%. Good girl and this is am awesome vid. Thank you very much. I'm an Army Vet who loves these Willie's and the 1st generation hummers.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much Benjamin for these kind words and thank you for your service. Both are truly appreciated.

[@edwardstayman1726]

Great episode. Never new this subculture existed. Thanks for giving it some exposure.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@allenpreston6863]

Great footage Nicole! Bought my 46' Willys when I was 17 in 1993, looked just like these. Easy to work on and went everywhere. Too many stories. Thx for sharing.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Very cool! Thank you!

[@heavingbehemoth789]

I love seeing you in your element, Nicole!! More rock crawling videos please ♥️

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you!

[@robedmund9948]

That look of satisfaction and accomplishment on the newbie's face never gets old. Whole new meaning to "If ya got 'em, smoke 'em."

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

He did great!

[@dannygunsix]

These vintage Jeeps will take anywhere and everywhere you wanna go. Just maintain them to spec and away you go! Your video was fun to watch and brought back memories of our neighbor's Jeep he used during deer season. We went all over his property up and down the grassy hill sides and over the old logging roads.Oh, no seatbelts then, Jack would say, "Hold on tight". Thank you Nicole for posting.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

You're welcome..and thank you for watching and sharing with us!

[@IchibanMoto]

looks like some awesome fun. cheers for the wheelers !

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

It was super fun wheeling with this group. Thanks for watching!

[@JohnnyLee8355]

5 out of 5? 😏

[@greentuatara]

that was bad ass.

[@impslap7620]

Another great video. I had no clue what these little old jeeps were capable of. Wow! Thank you for opening my eyes!! Then again, Nicole makes it look easy.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much!

[@rayworx]

This was a great way to remember my '46 CJ2A... had her in '75-'78. Lived in San Diego before it all got 'expanded' and rode in the canyons in the Clairemont area. Had a couple of buddies that had CJ2A's also. We all went to high school together and the memories are great. Now I've got new memories thanks to you!!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

How cool that you have those great memories. Thank you for watching and so glad you enjoyed it!

[@dinartesantos8866]

Cheers from Brazil. I have driven a Willys for the first time when I was 13 and they were still being built here. Now I have 3 flatfenders and a Willys wagon at home. Droving them is a great way to have fun and enjoy a sunny day.

[@KeepItSimpleOffroad]

Really fun to watch. Great way to show how much your working the steering wheel and clutch and banging around.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bumblebeebob]

6:42 Gotta love a girl who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty! 😎

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yep...I did get pretty dirty!

[@bumblebeebob]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour And a great time was had!

[@terrysteward6765]

I noticed the dirty hands and loved them!!! Very cool.

[@bumblebeebob]

@@terrysteward6765 It's as much this old hard rubber steering wheels all covered in dust and dirt as anything. But still I'm sure Nicole is perfectly okay with getting down and dirty if the need arises.

[@mattlutterman8701]

Your videos are awesome so is your driving it's Memorial day weekend so let's remember Tim Florian in the Zuk! Arguably the best driver ever RIP Buddy we still miss you.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We miss Tim, too. He was a great driver and I enjoyed the time we spent at comps.

[@mattlutterman8701]

I Remember when Tim put on his helmet jumped in Buzz's Unkillable Chrysler Lebaron & taco'd that Toyota Camry Crazy stuff!

[@jayjenkins4721]

I have a 48 CJ2A that was in boxes in a barn three years ago and she got to play in the snow a few months ago for the first time in about 20 years after I put it together and got it running again. I love my Willys! I was glad to see at least one Willys out there with the military NDTs (Non Directional Tires) instead of the ATs. :)

[@racerx8410712]

Another great video! Wow! This was one of the more scary off road vids I've seen (please don't die everyone and watch your thumbs) but also the coolest watching these ages old jeeps hold there own! And the culture! What a cool group of people. Best Nicole moment (besides any scene with your country hat pinned down to your sunglasses!): @ 8:34 when you picked up that jerry can or tried too carry it out. I thought heard a "ugh" along with the thud as it hit the ground! Ha! Anyways best and looking forward to the next! Thanks Nicole!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Haha..I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Ahhh, I love those vintage Jeeps! Great video.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@apearl9999]

Thanks for this video!! I have a 2016 Wrangler JKU and I'm just in awe of people who do wheeling with a manual, much less in a Jeep that is over 70 years old! Great to watch, thank you. :)

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@turboL67]

I wanted a CJ2a since I was a teenager. My first car was an '80 CJ5. Still have that CJ5 at 41 but it hasn't been driven in nearly a decade. This made me want a CJ2a all over again.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching and sharing with us!

[@spynles7947]

One of the best channels on KZbin.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you!

[@David-dd7qe]

So awesome loved the video! Seeing those old Willy's bust those trails is something else!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fastdude2002]

My Dads 1949 Willy’s Jeep is still sitting in the garage to this day. He passed away in 1979. He put a Buick V6 in it. I had a blast driving it around the property when I was a teenager. Someday we need to get it running again. I have a 1986 CJ7 and a 2006 Wrangler Rubicon. I love Jeeps.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

It would be awesome if you do get it going again. That's a real treasure! Thanks for watching!

[@larrymoore326]

Pretty much a fan of any old school 4x4's.Willy's,CJ's ,FJ's old Scouts old Bronco's,Rock crawlers,etc... You get the idea,lol !

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes, I do!

[@jumpjetcaptain495]

Thanks for another really cool video! You were totally in your element and your enthusiasm really brings joy. Reminds me of my CJ-7 days, the most fun ever...

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@angeldawnmorningstar]

you guys definitely need to come to Crystal Beach for the next " Go Topless " Jeep Weekend ...it's a BLAST ! 🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Haha! I bet!

[@allenfreauff1707]

My father as a very smart man. When I was 15 and start to drive in Eastern Oregon. He bought a ‘47 Willy Overland. That was MY CAR. It would not do over 58 MPH down hill. But would climb a tree. My camping trips with friends outside of Mt. Vernon, Oregon taught me many things about driving. Sold it when we moved away. For 28 years on the PD here and several car chases I NEVER LOST A VEHICLE (thanks Jeep).

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for sharing with us!!

[@ianm706]

I got a Willys jeep I drive daily here in the Philippines! Great vid!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

That's awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DumbledoreMcCracken]

I want this more than a Defender. WTH, way cooler than a $60k new jeep.

[@UncleBildo]

Cool old beasts! Not the smoothest ride, however. Last full day offroading in one of those for me, I needed a spatula to get my butthole loose from my underwear...... had gotten pounded up in there pretty good! Sorta felt like I'd spent a weekend in an MMA tourney, too! Awesome content as always! Keep up the stellar work!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Prairie7777]

I just found this video and thought I'd check it out. Man, I'm cut from the same block of wood! I live in Kingman AZ and would sure like to hook up with some local off-roaders. Preferably Willy's folks. I have a 47 CJ2A that has dome some pretty serious rock crawling in So. Cal when I lived there. We did all the trails in the Big Bear mountains including John Bull, Dishpan, Gold mountain, etc. I miss it and would really like to get back into it here in AZ. I'm retired so time ain't a problem. Thanks Nicole for posting this. Totally cool and I love seeing a little fox such as yourself out there doin' it! Good job!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Awesome! I'm sure they'd love another CJ2A guy to join them. If you look at the description of this video, I've listed their instagram handles. Maybe give them a follow and try to connect. Clint Elliott @old_6_quart is very active and would be a good first starting place. Cheers!

[@samhouston5217]

LOL I laughed at the "Black Steering Wheel hand".. so true. I thought it was just my steering wheel did that. (CJ2A)

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Haha..love it! We were all pretty dirty by the end of the day. Thanks for watching!

[@quinoa13]

These little jeeps look so cool! Pretty sure if it rolled you could just flip it back over no problem!

[@theancienteternaloaktree]

At their weight, 4-6 reasonably strong guys can pick one up and carry it if you have to.

[@pv2870]

Well, your friends could roll it back over. Once they remove your crushed corpse, it would probably drive fine.

[@theancienteternaloaktree]

@@pv2870 with no belts or roll cage, most people would be thrown from the vehicle before it fully rolled. Depending on your build, you either bounce or splat from those. In my racing days, I generally bounced when I wrecked. Being the old dude I am now though, I'd probably end up like Humpty Dumpty.

[@SPIDERWEBSHADE]

This looks painful! Nice job to Crofts and Nicole!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Haha! Not a comfy modern ride, that's for sure! BTW love me some Spiderwebshade!!! You guys rock!!!

[@christopheringelandt260]

What i think is really cool is that these vintage enthusiast cars are not pampered garage queens. Which is often the case, but they are being used skillfully for the intended purpose 👌. Nicole's great chops as a host is really good too, great video! 😁

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Glad you enjoyed watching...thank you!!

[@cosmovet44]

Great video, Reminds me of being a kid and my Grandpa and his Willys Jeep taking us in the woods on a dirt path with trees overhanging and driving places that are now restricted to the public. The old Sanderson Brook Falls you could drive all the way with the jeep and then walk down to the falls!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching and sharing your memories with your Grandpa!

[@cosmovet44]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour I even have an old photo of me in the old Willys dated 1965

[@raymndstannski3947]

After Watching again, It's awfully Refreshing to see a "Reality Film" on U tube. The Host does a good job of asking interesting questions with accurate Replys. She also impresses me with her Hands On Driving and Her Un conceited attitude about getting Dirty ! Her comment of "feathering the clutch" ? Who In her generation? even understand that statement.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank for so much for the compliment! Very much appreciated.

[@kentuckywildcat3752]

Yes I agree with you. Excellent video

[@oilfieldron5800]

Your videos just keep getting better! That look like the funnest video yet. I definitely love Wheeling it would be super cool the wheel in a wheelies.👍

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@simoncrouch1541]

A good few of these were left in France after ww2, so see some cool restaurations trundling about of a sunday.. But WOW had no idea you could get up to that kind of shenanigans with one. respect.. another cool watch. thankyou.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you Simon for watching. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. A few years ago I was invited to participate in the 70th Anniversary of the Jeep at the Chambon Sur Jeep event in Chambon-Sur-Lac , a small village in central France. Here's a video from my other channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zmeoe3qNmbaXfc0 I learned then of the great respect the French people have for the jeep. It was a wonderful experience I will never forget.

[@papagrouch8416]

Aww cripes, that is awesome. Really enjoyed these amazing historical CJ's. Especially love how the jerry can got dumped but you saved the Coors! Great video! More! Thanks

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks so much...I'm so happy you enjoyed!

[@murphy3999]

Another awesome video Nicole. Love what you doing and all the content is amazing

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks so much!! I really appreciate your support!

[@RonEMarks]

And now we can watch the prices go straight up!!

[@konaexpress100]

They were up many years ago!

[@thomaslemay8817]

The price has been up for a very long time, with no sine of it dropping off.

[@younghex9577]

What is the average price of one of these?

[@wyattnyfeler7270]

@@younghex9577 I just picked up a early 1946 that functions great with a little bit of rust (mostly surface) for 5,000 but most like that are gonna be more like 8-10 grand for a decent running one and over 20 grand for a really nice one

[@younghex9577]

@@wyattnyfeler7270 thank you!

[@michaelharris1455]

took my driving test in Pop's 1941 GPW, in 1981, and have so many memories of that little Jeep. Wish I had it now. It's the standard I measure just about everything in my life by, especially vehicles. Enjoying a 1972 Wagoneer now. Caveman technology rules!😎

[@Mosin-lf7wl]

I have a 67 SSRS Camaro. But all of the sudden, I want an old Willys!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

I totally get that!

[@carnyx8016]

Just discovered your series and I am loving it so far. Keep up the good work and the amazing content! :)

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Welcome aboard! Thank you!

[@joecrone9862]

Extra slice of raisin pie for your camera crew! I swear it's like we are really right there with you on these cool adventures. Have you ever been to a motorcycle hill climb?

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

No I haven't done that before. But motorcycles scare the crap out of me! 😮

[@gregmohr3740]

Brings me back to find memories in the early 70s on the Rubicon Trail with my grandfather and his Willys 3B

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

That's awesome..so many people have shared similar old memories. It makes me very happy! Thank you for watching and sharing!

[@gregmohr3740]

I can still hear the cow bell he hugged from the front axle

[@Earlywinters09]

I can't stop coming back to this video. Looks like a blast!