To Restore or RestoMod, that is the question.

People can become very agitated when you suggest "modifying" a Willys. To some, your '56 Willys wagon is a temple of (perfect) design that should not be changed under any circumstances.

Others see an old Willys or Model A Ford, for that matter, as a platform for possible update and improvement in design.

Personally, so long as the majority of the character of the vehicle is maintained and the owner is enjoying the vehicle, I feel the distinction between restoration and reasonable modification is not important. Were there only a handful of Willys wagons, as in the case of a Bugatti Atlantic, Tatra Type 77, Tucker or Stanley Steamer, then the argument of leaving the vehicle as it left the factory would make sense. No one, I hope, would ever consider painting a different hairstyle on the Mona Lisa, or adding trousers to The David. Michelangelo's 500 year old work might look better if David's hand were in better proportion... but would the work be improved? Just imagine the legitimate outcry if a tourist friendly 'helipad' were added to the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty!

On the other hand, adding double glazing to an old building, no matter how architecturally unique or adding a little silicone padding to a flat chest (male or female), might be acceptable to many. Certainly adding front disc brakes and shoulder seat belts to an old Willys seems harmless and, indeed, sensible. Besides in a few years, almost all truly restored but unupdated Willys vehicles will be in museums or hidden in garages for 364 days of each year.

In the end, these are simple practical machines, made in relatively large numbers, to serve people's needs. So, do what pleases you and above all, enjoy your Willys.

(remain) "All stock or stay at home"

This statement appeared on the WillysTech forum in 2011 and is an automotive version of: “My country, love it or leave it”. Such provocative, intolerant statements continue to demand a response:

One can't help wondering how many people who disdain updates in vehicles, buildings and designs in general are "all stock" themselves. It seems as illogical to refuse available improvements in automotive design as to refuse a dose of clot-avoiding Heparin or refuse improved insulation in an old building. No doubt the next decades will see an explosion in movement toward a cyborg-style enhancement for many disabilities. Here is a list of the physical plant restomods to which I am willing to admit, in chronological order:

1947 - fleshy end of "willy" amputated for controversial cultural and health reasons. Whether performance of the remaining protuberance was enhance or detracted from, is a matter of opinion. This piece of dual function equipment was used for osmo-regulation (water voiding) alone, for too long... The discovery of the equipment’s second function occurred at some point post-pubescence - what a discovery it was! Better, in fact than discovering your Willys has an overdrive but no control lever!!!

1958 - appendix ripped from abdomen. No discernable decrease in gut performance was evidenced judging from the fantastic fuel consumption demonstrated at family get-togethers. Aversion to vegetables, save the noble Brussels Sprout, may be a result of the appendectomy - but less may be more.

1959 - tonsils disconnected and removed. No known effect. No Hay Fever or other Aircare problems have presented themselves.

1959 to 2008 - 'norths and souths' drilled & filled with various Hg/Ag amalgams & resins. Have resisted all Dentist overtures to replace OEM teeth with more modern upgrades. Originals which are actually a second factory (installed in the field) set, function beautifully although they have developed a certain "patina".

1960 - corrective lenses (aka spectacles) gave a more studious appearance although evidence of academic success remained largely lacking. Photos show a proclivity to Buddy Holly and John Lennon influences among others.

1962 to present - various 'additives' have been allowed to creep into fuel, including caffeine, alcohol, beta blockers, statins etc. A number of E50 additives (aka whiskeys) may have damaged tubing on several 'off (the straight & narrow) road' occasions. E50 ingestion may well have caused regurgitation plus general pan-system damage. While these additives may have detrimental effects on various systems, they do have positive effects too, while purists would disagree.

True 'Restoration' of the physical plant, as originally designed, would involve removal of all additives. However, ECU (Encephalon control unit) may well now require regular additives from smooth function.

The future will likely see updated ocular lenses and perhaps hearing enhancements as well as improved knees or hips - perhaps a stent or two - only time will tell. One thing is sure, however, without 'Restomoding' of this body, I would indeed "stay home" perhaps as much as a stock Model T Ford or (not-pleasant-to-drive-for-many) un-updated Willys wagon.