coming to america in january. need some help.

[sportsidedan]

hi guys,

it's done: we booked a flight from belgium to springfield, missouri, where we bough a 48 willys pickup. see photo hereunder.

the deal: we're traveling 4000 miles from missouri to california through most of the south west states.

we're looking to meet full size jeep enthousiasts, find some good parts yard. going up to j&w but that's the only one i know. any other are welcome.

i was at the fsj invasion a couple of years ago with my j10 sportside, i don't know if any of you remember me. met up with porkchop and many other great fsj ers. was a great memory.

is there anything organized in the region we will be travelling???

hope to meet some of you soon. we're there between the 4th and the 20th of January.

the ride: see what we are driving:
http://i8.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/c8/e8/51e9_3.JPG

the trip: see where we are going:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=1161445773841504695,39.004550,-102.278800%3B1604737244338801366,37.270820,-107.558760&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=springfield+missouri&daddr=wichita+to:US-385+%4039.004550,+-102.278800+to:denver+to:US-160+%4037.270820,+-107.558760+to:el+paso+to:tucson+to:moab+to:salt+la ke+city+to:sacramento+to:san+francisco+to:los+ange les+to:san+diego&mra=ps&mrcr=5,6,8&sll=35.029996,-112.016602&sspn=17.199617,40.869141&ie=UTF8&z=5&om=1



dan

[Tad]

Nice Rig!
Hope the heater/defroster works, it's cold as heck for some of that route.
Not sure where I will be during that time frame (Tucson, AZ or Silver City, NM).
I'll PM my contact info.

[Casey]

I remember you! We met briefly at the ECI.

Have a safe trip!


Very nice ride!!! :thumbsup:

[hockeydawg]

Beautiful Willy's. Bring some warm clothes because it will be cold. Have a safe, fun trip.:D

[will e]

What dates will you be in AZ PHX area? We could probably do a M&G with the group.

[Bill Moore]

wow, nice truck Dan, going to miss Alabama it appears

[stumpjumper3]

Hey if your ever in Oregon, feel free to stop by:D. Theres a few of us kicking over here. Got a nice little jeep junkyard a half hour from my place. Ha Ha. Have a good flight, great looking willy's by the way.

[Bosqueboy]

Sent you a PM with my info if you need help in the Albuquerque area.

Doug

[FSJ Guy]

Let us know when you're passing through Denver. I'm sure the CFSJA can rustle up a meet and greet!

Nice Willys truck, too!

[sportsidedan]

hey guys, thanks for all the positive comments and contact details.

TAD: you bet the heater has to work... i was concerned about us, but forgot about the luggage... gonna be sitting there in that pickup box in the rain and snow... i guess it's part of the adventure... might want to buy a couple of aluminum storage boxes to keep our clothes and stuff clean!

CASEY: it was some years ago, what were you driving at the invasion? can you point out your jeep?
http://www.mediacooperation.com/jeep/meet.jpg

HOCKEYDAWG: thanks here are some more pics...
http://i23.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/c8/e8/4d97_3.JPG
http://i10.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/c8/e8/567b_3.JPG
http://i15.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/c8/e8/631a_3.JPG
http://i17.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/c8/e8/6700_3.JPG
http://i20.ebayimg.com/08/i/000/c8/e8/7912_3.JPG
what kind of temperature is it gonna be out there do you think?

WILL E: would be super. I can imagine us beeing there around the 8th or maybe the upcoming weekend? that would be fantastic to meet up with you folks. we're planning on writing a story for Chrysler Magazine that would cover " Cruising the USA in a 60 year Jeep - Heritage and Travel". would be gret to integrate a FULL Size Jeep meet in there! lol

BILL: yeah i know. it will have to be for next time. we got the Willy's for a great price and just couldn't leave it there! it's got a V8 and is in decent shape... you know me! but Bill, don't worry, might come later to get an M715, lol!!!!

STUMPJUMPER: will keep the info in mind. probably for not for this time; Oregon is too far away for too little time! i wish we could just take 3 months of holidays... lol. thanks anyhow!

BOSQUEBOY: thanks man! what kind of weather is it in Albuquerque??? any good FSJ/AMC/JEEP places we shouldn't miss?

ETHAN: you sold the Big Scary Jeep right??? That’s really a shame… yes, definitely, let’s meet up. I’ll make sure the Belgian Beer will come along…

[Serious Johnson]

Dan:

Dang nice ol' truck!

Unless you have a particular reason to visit Denver (Newark of the Plains), it's a pretty good place to avoid. I'd recommend heading for US 50 through Dodge City KS, Pueblo, Canon City, Salida (stop at the Victoria Bar), Gunnison & Montrose, CO. Then 550 down through Durango, etc.

Best o' luck, and of course take good survival gear, food and water! If your sleeping bag cost less than 500 bucks, that could be a problem. Temperatures in the High Country in January will likely range between 30 above and 20 below, with considerable room for variation on either end. Snow is certain, but ice in the curvy bits is more problematic. Those tires look OK for plowed whitepack -- hope the brakes ain't grabby or have condensation in the lines. That open air filter invites carb icing -- think about adding some sort of heat riser tube, even if tacked on with bailing wire.

US 50, 285, 550, & 160 are plowed as frequently as the stinkin' McInterstate, though there may be less rescue infrastructure. Heck, I-70 over the divide ain't no picnic midwinter, and there are a heckuva lot more fellow travellers to run into ya'. Everyone who is afraid of driving in snow takes I-70 -- think about that.

S.J.

[Casey]

Dan, I was driving a '98 ZJ that year. :o Not that white one, ours was gray and stock.

Seems I show up in a different rig every year. :rolleyes: :p

[sportsidedan]

SJ,
thanks for all of that. i adjusted the map as you can see hereunder:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=springfield+missouri&daddr=wichita+to:dodge+city+to:pueblo+to:canon+cit y+to:Salida,+Chaffee,+Colorado,+United+States+to:G unnison+%26+Montrose,+CO+to:Durango,+La+Plata,+Col orado,+United+States+to:el+paso+to:tucson+to:moab+ to:salt+lake+city+to:sacramento+to:san+francisco+t o:los+angeles+to:san+diego&mra=ps&mrcr=6,7,11&sll=36.774092,-107.841797&sspn=16.829967,40.869141&ie=UTF8&z=5&om=1


tell me, what's so special about the victoria bar??? the most amazing women in the USA, i hope! lol

i hope the truck will hold! am really considering to drive a second truck or wag (more reliable) so that we can always help one another...

basically, we're too buddy's from college. we've always been speaking of doing this kind of trip (without the girlfriends and wives, etc)... but i think we both aren't really "hello, wake up" aware of the consequences of 4000 miles in a 60 year old car, sitting on a single bench with vaccum powered everything!

the engine and drivetrain come from a 70's corvette. so forget about the 4x4!!!! no transfer case.

in case we get stuk or the engine would die, is there some kind of international towing company that we can call???

thanks for all the great remarks...

any other nice places we've gotta see.
basically; we're there on holiday and combining it with jeeping. is there any point of going up to moab in this time of the year.

it's jeepers paradise i guess, but if there's a foot of snow, i guess there won't be too many of us out there!!!

have a great weekend, happy new year!

d

[Wagabond]

Southwest will be about perfect that time of year.

Jeezus that's a nice truck!

[Gambler68]

Nice, you're going right by my house (well within 10 miles). Stop by and spend some money at our casino! :D

There is a *slew* of Willys out here..if I ever want one, there's a 48 with my name on it up the road for free.

Durango is a great place to stop and chill out after that ride down from Denver, I'd suggest working that into your plan. Get a room, check out the train, maybe we can meet up for a quick trail ride if you're gana be in town for a day.

[drlocke]

That Willys truck looks a heckuva lot nicer than mine! :thumbsup:

Happy motoring!

[zmjeeps]

Dan,
You should travel north and east a little and visit Toledo, Ohio. The home of all Jeeps. You could stop by and see Z&M Jeeps while your here too.

Zack

[Tad]

There is a *slew* of Willys out here..
I was thinking about that, here also.
If you have something specific you are looking for, or find you need coming west you might want to give Rob a call at http://www.willysworks.com/ (I think Steve retired).
I'm a bit out of the Willys loop but they have a great inventory and connections all over the west for parts and such.

[Wagabond]

There is a *slew* of Willys out here..

Willii? or Willum?

[janie]

Dan, what a sweet ride.:thumbsup: Have a great time and stay safe. Wish your travels were bringing ya'all closer to the Lone Star State.

[steven79]

Sweet ride Dan....
To bad you are going north of my place would like to meet up with you.

[Kris]

Im in Los Angeles, be happy to meet up with you.

What day you expect to be coming through ?


kris.

[Dirtball]

I'm with Bill... if you ever want to come and make a trip through the southeast you'll have good ole "southern hospitality" available to you in the way of a warm bed to crash in here in north Alabama... 'bout 45 minutes from Bill's house... I could drum up a few folks for ya to meet I'm sure...

Looks like a great trip... and a great ole truck... good luck with everything...

[letank]

Hey. bienvenus à San Fran.... will pm you my cell#, Call a few days ahead....

No 4x4.... check the weather forecast, between Salt Lake City and East of Sacramento (applegate, blue canyon and Kingvale are the typical area, where you are required to chain on your way east, going west, Truckee is the spot before heading up to Donner pass)... you could hit some snow requiring 4x4 or in your case chains... so buy some chains for your truck tires... to prevent you from ever using the chains...

As for road service, get the AAA (american automobile association, and get their Plus membership, 100 miles of free towing per call.... basically after the 3rd call they will send you a letter asking you to maintain your vehicle)

Get some blankets....just in case and a snow shovel and a towing strap.... jumper cable are also handy... In Missouri... Kragen or whatever is the local discounted parts store... should be your first stop for road supplies....

Ici on parle français....of course it depends on which part of belgium you are....

As for junkyard.... look for the Pick and Pull.... a good one in Reno, and a few in Sacramento....

[Jeepstress]

Man! What a sweet truck! :thumbsup: You could alter your trip just a little bit west of Durango to Mancos and crash here at the Jeep Stables (27 miles west of Durango on 160). Wouldn't take you very far out of the way, free spot to crash and eat, and then back on the road heading south to Farmington from Hesperus or Cortez instead of going back east to 550 in Durango. If you have time we could hit Mesa Verde National Park too!

[Tad]

...If you have time we could hit Mesa Verde National Park too! I would do this if I were you guys.
You will not be disappointed.
Some Pic's from last week when I was there (thanks Krista/Flint).

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV07.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV06.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV05.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV04.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV03.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV02.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV01.jpg

That's not the half of it.
I'm a cold wus, 5 min out of the truck and I was done.
Much more to see than that.

[goldhammer]

If you stop by zm jeeps, you will never leave and Zack will have to either adopt you or hire you.:D :D

[mathman]

...where we bough a 48 willys pickup. see photo hereunder.
http://i8.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/c8/e8/51e9_3.JPG


Nice truck - but there's not much of that body that's a 1948. The sheet metal for the 1948 would've been basically identical to the 1949:

http://www.public.asu.edu/~grover/willys/g5/ghtml5/d26.html

The hood and front fenders are 1950-1/2 to 1964.
The grill is 1954 or 1955.
The cab is 1950-1/2 to 1956.
The doors are 1952-1964.
The bed and tailgate are the only items that could be 1948.

Would be interesting to know what the serial number plate has on it.

One thing to check out before setting out on your trip is the front "stone guard" as Willys called it - if it's only held in place by the two bolts just in front of the grill you might want to remove it before taking off. It needs something to hold it down along the front edge as well or you'll risk wind grabbing it and flipping it backwards into the grill causing some interesting damage. The original would've had two tabs that were bolted in along with the bumper to keep it in place:

http://www.jeep-trucks.com/components/body/images/GandR000.jpg

Once in California if you're in the area and interested in the Willys trucks arrange to stop by Willys America in Cazadaro:

http://www.willysamerica.com

Have a fun and safe trip - if you were traveling through Central Arkansas you'd be welcome to stop by for a visit and see my mostly restored 1950-1/2:

http://www.jeep-trucks.com/assets/images/20040619/000_0003.jpg

David
'78 J-10
'78 J-20
'50 $WD Pickup

[Murphy]

coming to america in january

Amellica will be velly velly guud to yu. :D
j/k You'll have a great time.

That's one fine lookin truck!

[ajbirken]

Nice ride Dan,

My buddy Mark and I (adam) helped you fix a suspension problem on the step-side (cracked lift block?). I was in the ugly *** red J10 in the top left and mark was in a blue CJ-7.

Have a safe trip. Man this thread makes me want a willys pickup.

[firecaptain13]

When are you planning on comming through Tucson? A meet and greet here or in Phx would be fun. Tucson has some great Mexican food!!

[Headhoncho]

What's the matter, something wrong with flat, old, scrub pine laden, industrial park strewn New Jersey? :p

Best of luck on your trip. Sounds like an awesome time with plenty to see.


JR

[smoothsailorlbc]

hey, welcome. i live in sunny southern california. when you come over the grapevine (ca-5, at the tejone pass) you will want to transition on to the 405 and take that all the way to san diego. that will save you at least an hour or 3 of stop and go traffic. other than that i hope you have a great trip. best of luck.

[Serious Johnson]

[quote=sportsidedan...tell me, what's so special about the victoria bar??? the most amazing women in the USA, i hope! lol...d[/quote]

Well, I wouldn't go that far. At risk of scaring you off, here's a photo depicting a typical wednesday afternoon at the Vic.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/Foureagles/Sheloeta%202005/BeardCornerattheVic.jpg
It's just a good place to find a little local color -- like the song says: "It ain't pretty, but it's real". And anyhow, if you just rolled through Salida on the main highway you'd miss the actual town down on the river and likely wouldn't think much of what is actually one of the world's best places.

No 4x4 eh? Sounds dicey! There's no international towing/rescue in the US -- wish we had one as good as that in Mexico. When I'm in Central Colorado, I like to use use Bonanza Towing. Be aware that there are many places in the Rockies with no cell phone service. You really may need a good sleeping bag.

S.J.

[sportsidedan]

Nice truck - but there's not much of that body that's a 1948. The sheet metal for the 1948 would've been basically identical to the 1949:

http://www.public.asu.edu/~grover/willys/g5/ghtml5/d26.html

The hood and front fenders are 1950-1/2 to 1964.
The grill is 1954 or 1955.
The cab is 1950-1/2 to 1956.
The doors are 1952-1964.
The bed and tailgate are the only items that could be 1948.

Would be interesting to know what the serial number plate has on it.

One thing to check out before setting out on your trip is the front "stone guard" as Willys called it - if it's only held in place by the two bolts just in front of the grill you might want to remove it before taking off. It needs something to hold it down along the front edge as well or you'll risk wind grabbing it and flipping it backwards into the grill causing some interesting damage. The original would've had two tabs that were bolted in along with the bumper to keep it in place:

http://www.jeep-trucks.com/components/body/images/GandR000.jpg

Once in California if you're in the area and interested in the Willys trucks arrange to stop by Willys America in Cazadaro:

http://www.willysamerica.com

Have a fun and safe trip - if you were traveling through Central Arkansas you'd be welcome to stop by for a visit and see my mostly restored 1950-1/2:

http://www.jeep-trucks.com/assets/images/20040619/000_0003.jpg

David
'78 J-10
'78 J-20
'50 $WD Pickup
thanks for all the info. i'm really not familiar with the willy's trucks and their history. the truck looked nice and the guy that sells it sounded like a reasonable man. we needed a ride for the trip, but couldn't find a nice full-size, so we went for the willy's! i've always loved those trucks.
congrats on your fine example. i wish i could just stay forever in the USA so I could come visit all of you guys!

thanks for the tips
d

[sportsidedan]

If you stop by zm jeeps, you will never leave and Zack will have to either adopt you or hire you.:D :D
haha! i'd love to come over and visit zack! i'm seeing my friend who's coming with me tomorrow so i'll let you know what we do. happy new year to you all!

d

[sportsidedan]

I would do this if I were you guys.
You will not be disappointed.
Some Pic's from last week when I was there (thanks Krista/Flint).

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV07.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV06.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV05.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV04.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV03.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV02.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/tadsal/Trips/MV01.jpg

That's not the half of it.
I'm a cold wus, 5 min out of the truck and I was done.
Much more to see than that.
looks cold to me tad. might chance the route and head south. i don't want no misery during the roadtrip... and since the willy's is only a 2wd, it's rather unsafe i guess on slippery roads.

this might be a better option as we have to head through arkansas to visit jim first : http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=18140011665606131980,32.522440,-96.822280&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=Springfield,+MO&daddr=Little+rock+to:Houston+to:Austin+to:San+Anto nio+to:El+paso+to:Tucson+to:Flagstaff+to:Panamint+ Springs,+Uninc+Inyo+County,+CA+to:Antelope,+CA+to: San+Diego,+CA+to:Los+Angeles,+CA&mra=pr&mrcr=1&sll=34.052659,-106.875&sspn=22.669223,43.769531&ie=UTF8&ll=37.614231,-99.711914&spn=43.052284,87.539063&z=4&om=1

[sportsidedan]

Nice ride Dan,

My buddy Mark and I (adam) helped you fix a suspension problem on the step-side (cracked lift block?). I was in the ugly *** red J10 in the top left and mark was in a blue CJ-7.

Have a safe trip. Man this thread makes me want a willys pickup.
yeah absolutely i remember that...
thanks again for the help! that was great. i remember seeing that rear axle in my mirror swinging a foot left and right as i went through curves... lol
http://www.mediacooperation.com/IMG_0229.JPG

[sportsidedan]

What's the matter, something wrong with flat, old, scrub pine laden, industrial park strewn New Jersey? :p

Best of luck on your trip. Sounds like an awesome time with plenty to see.


JR
nice truck headhoncho... what lift do you have on there?

[sportsidedan]

Well, I wouldn't go that far. At risk of scaring you off, here's a photo depicting a typical wednesday afternoon at the Vic.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/Foureagles/Sheloeta%202005/BeardCornerattheVic.jpg
It's just a good place to find a little local color -- like the song says: "It ain't pretty, but it's real". And anyhow, if you just rolled through Salida on the main highway you'd miss the actual town down on the river and likely wouldn't think much of what is actually one of the world's best places.

No 4x4 eh? Sounds dicey! There's no international towing/rescue in the US -- wish we had one as good as that in Mexico. When I'm in Central Colorado, I like to use use Bonanza Towing. Be aware that there are many places in the Rockies with no cell phone service. You really may need a good sleeping bag.

S.J.
coollllllllllll, we wanna go victoria!!!
3 more nights to sleep and we are OFF! wohoooooooooooooooooooo!

[Headhoncho]

nice truck headhoncho... what lift do you have on there?

4" front springs, relocated stock rear springs under the frame (no blocks), 4" (yeah, I know) body lift, and SOA w/crossover steering in front. 38" tsl sx tires.

I've been drooling over your trucks online for a long time. Nice work.


JR

[gwinn]

Hi Dan,
Please let us know when you will be in Arizona. The AZFSJC can get together for a meet and greet on a weekend when you are here. The more notice we have the better the turnout. Best of luck on your adventure! :)
~Tom

azfsjc@yahoo.com

[sportsidedan]

OK Guys, this is it. 3 more hours and we are OFF to the U.S.A.!!!
If anyone wants to reach us; you can always call +32 476563353.
we'll be in Missouri tomorrow night, in Arkansas the next day, and then we don't know.

thanks everyone for all the help. i really appreciate it. we might be able to meet up sometime during the next 2 weeks?

sincerely,

dan

[jpcoutts]

Dan has had little or no computer access since he and Mike arrived on Friday(01-04-08) so I thought I'd give an update. They left my house in Russellville, Arkansas about 8:30 this am on their way to Texas. They were driving a '48 Willys P/U they picked up in Springfield, MO and my (now Dan's) J10! What a road trip for them. They mentioned communicating with some board members along the way and you guys in Texas need to get together with them! Dan is a great guy who is really into FSJ's, I mean really!! Me and my wife and daughter enjoyed meeting them and spending a little time with them over dinner Saturday night. I hope they keep us posted on their trip!

[Gambler68]

man the snow is rather bad in CO, I hope they opt for a far southern route. Mtns aint the place to be right now, all the passes are *closed*. (down in our corner at least, and coming from Denver too).

[FSJ Guy]

Agreed. Not to be un-neighborly, but the mountains have been HAMMERED with snow. Up to 3 FEET and more still to come in lots of places.

I'd stay south in AZ for sure.

[Tonka J200]

Dan-
If you read this, turn around and head for Michigan - we've got freakishly warm weather right now - into the low '60's today! It was down near zero as late as last Thursday, and we had nearly a foot of snow on the ground that has all melted in the last couple days. Not much to see here right now though, everything is brown or gray and wet...

Enjoy your trip - sounds like the adventure of a lifetime!

[Chrome]

Hope ya have a safe trip Dan!

[janie]

Aw geez Dan, wish'd I'd known your route was gonna change and bring you thru the Lone Star State.

Enjoy that J-10 and safe travels!

[mathman]

... They left my house in Russellville, Arkansas about 8:30 this am on their way to Texas.....

Didn't realize they were heading through here - at least the weather was reasonably decent for the weekend.

David
'78 J-10
'78 J-20
'50 $WD Pickup

[Marvin Gates]

You might enjoy Moab this time of year if you have a snow mobile LOL.
Hope you have a great time, You sure build some nice equipment.

[Serious Johnson]

Anyone heard from Dan? I'm startin' to feel kinda bad about steering him toward Central Colorado with his old 2WD pickup, given the recent 20' of snow and all. About a dozen folks have been dug out of slides up there in the past few days, and we always find most of 'em come Spring. Talk to us Dan so we know where to dig!

S.J.

[Carl Rasmussen]

Say hi to Mark and Jim At J&W I used to go there alot when I lived in Sacramento. I ment you also at the ECI i was driving the black and grey J10. Have a good trip

[Rod2]

Dan, wish you were bringing that Willys back through NC, would love to see it up close.

My truck is 4th from the left in the 2nd row--white over blue J4000.

[JeepBountyHunter]

Anyone heard from Dan?

[red mistress]

anyone heard from Sportsidedan?

surely he's broke down somewhere if not several times.:thumbsup:

[jpcoutts]

Dan is safely back in Belgium! I think they had great trip in spite of the FSJ trouble along the way. He said it would take about 50 days for the J10 to arrive in Belgium and he and I will work on what needs fixing then. Dan, I lost my pics of when you and Daniel were leaving , I hope you can send me some of yours!

[sportsidedan]

Hey everyone,

We got back after the best trip ever! You guys really have the most amazing country! So many beautiful things to see, so many nice people to meet.

I'd like to thank everyone out here that helped us plan this trip. Unfortunately, we drove a complete other route than planned. It was fantastic, though! We didn't get to meet many of you out that offered your help and hospitality... it will be for next time!

About the trip: we started off in Springfield, Missouri where we met Gary, the man who sold us the Willy’s pickup. The truck is great, rough and beautiful. No major rust, some dents and bents here and there but nothing unworkable. The engine just runs like no other. It’s a 289 Chevrolet Small block V8, has a 4 speed manual tranny and drives up to 90 miles per hour on the highway. J

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/willys.JPG

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/jean.JPG

We had some fixes to be performed as the truck was never much driven. We nearly lost the steering on the way to Petit Jean National Park, but else, the truck was reliable and great!
We had agreed to meet up with Jim (jpscoutts) in Arkansas where he lives. Jim has several Jeeps including a 91’ Grand Wagoneer, a CJ7, a CJ5, a cool Dually FSJ and an amazing 84’ J10 Laredo.
As we drove down to him, we realized that driving over 4500miles in a 60 year old Willy’s would not be doable. Jim had previously told us he wanted to sell the J10… so we couldn’t resist. The money we had planned to use for our holiday went into the purchase of this rare machine. We were so excited, you cannot imagine!

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/jim.JPG


After planning the shipment for the Willy’s pickup, we headed down to Texarcana, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston in two cars. It was amazing to have these two Jeeps on the road, on the other side of the world (for us Belgian’s at least). We left the Willy’s pickup in Houston at a warehouse where it would be shipped back to Belgium after several days.

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/two.JPG


http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/wagon.JPG


We continued our journey to San Antonio and then Big Bend National Park! WOW, I’ve rarely seen such a nice scenary. We drove along the Mexican border, passing through nature, without seeing anyone for nearly four hours. We even ran out of gas near Pumpville, TX, which we soon realized would be an abandoned ghost town. As we were starting to think we’d had to sleep in the bed of the truck that night, we made it to the closest gas station!

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/pump.JPG



http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/bend.JPG

We spent some time in Big Bend and headed up to White Sands though El Paso and Las Cruces. Great white desert to see there, the Jeep loved driving around those dunes!

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/sun.JPG


http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/sly.JPG

We then moved up to Canyon de Chelly where we found snow, heading to the famous Monument Valley.

We spent the night in Flagstaff where we met a couple of FSJ’s on the road.
Next day, we had to go and see the unmissable Grand Canyon. Incredible stuff, just like in the movies!!!

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/monument.JPG

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/valley.JPG


Next stop would be Panamint Springs, Death Valley, though Hoover Dam and Las Vegas. I’m not much of a gambled, but things are pretty crazy in Las Vegas. We actually saw a very nice 78 Chief parked at one of the casinos.

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/mike.JPG

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/sun.JPG

We then drove up north to Lake Tahoe where it was extremely cold. Weather was great, though!

We met Neil and his father at JW Jeep in Sacramento where we bought some parts for the J10 and spent the night in Santa Cruz, CA.

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/jw.JPG

Final stop would be Los Angeles where we left the J10 back at the warehouse, ready to be shipped back to Belgium. We spent the last day in Santa Monica, just like any normal tourist J.

The trip was super; we enjoyed every part of it, even though 4500 miles of driving is pretty much for 17 days!

Next time, we’ll try to do less and have more time so that we can meet up with you guys. When is the next big Full Size Jeep Invasion?

Thanks again for this great time in you country – we had lots of fun!

http://www.mediacooperation.com/usa/us.JPG

[TPICherokee]

Dan, glad to hear you had a good time! On the stuff we sent you, were you able to get the address worked out. We called UPS to get the address changed but they didn't guarantee it and it all showed being delivered...

Let me know.

[sportsidedan]

yup guys; a full pallet of parts arived just in time! thanks a lot! we'll keep in touch later. got some more stuff going on! have a good weekend,
d

[Tzummie]

Hey Daniel, gefeliciteerd met je veilige aankomst. Mooie trip! gr. uit Amsterdam. Tom

[Gambler68]

awesome!!!!!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :fsj:

next Invasion is in July..shoot..coulda left that truck at my house and come picked up then ;)

[sportsidedan]

where's in gonna be? might be able to make it if someone has a spare seat for me?

awesome!!!!!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :fsj:

next Invasion is in July..shoot..coulda left that truck at my house and come picked up then ;)

[Gambler68]

where's in gonna be? might be able to make it if someone has a spare seat for me?

Ouray, Colorado. There are MANY small airports you can fly right into, sure someone could pick you up or grab a rental. Shoot..fly into Telluride and get picked up in a FSJ fresh off the trail :D

There is a section in Events for the Invasion.