Happy Harold's Homemade High Hood

Bill Norris says, "I was out lurking around over the weekend, and found this oddity out in a farmer's field. At first I thought it resembled the Lycoming Jeep. I don't know what it started out life as. It is a CJ-2A windshield for sure. The odd hood job and increased cowl make it look like a 3B."

See a closer front view photo (60K JPEG) of the Jeep, which has "Happy Harold's" painted on the door of the Sears aluminum halfcab.

Bill comments, "The interior was full of driveline components, and the dash was really cobbled up. It's an interesting conversion to fit the flathead Ford under the hood.

"It was hard to really get a good look at it because of all the trees growing up around and the junk leaning on it. I tried to hold everything up that was leaning on it while snapping a shot."

"You'll notice that the headlights are attached to the hood," Bill adds.

This interesting solution to the problem of creating a taller grille (perhaps inspired by the Oglesby cast aluminum toy Jeeps made in the 1950's?) makes it pretty clear that Harold's masterpiece had nothing to do with inspiring the design of the CJ-3B by Willys-Overland.

Another Attempt

Dave Lindgren saw a modified CJ-2A offered for online auction in early 2003 with some similarities to Happy Harold's, although somewhat closer to an actual CJ-3B grille and hood.

The description on eBay: "5 very good military tires. Original 4 cyl. flathead. Engine condition unknown. Was running when put into storage in 1997. Needs body work. Windshield frame modified for 1-piece windshield. Body modified to 10-1/2 inch fender-to-hood to accept F-head engine (not included)."