1937/38 Willys Tilt Front End Tech West Coast Willys Club
JOE RUSSO OVERLAND DESIGN
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Originally, the entire front end tilted from the front fenders forward. but, if you had one of the doors opened at the time and you were to tilt the front end, you could put a crease in the doors (which we have done). This caused us to change the opening.
In order for the entire front end to tilt properly, it has to be made to slide forward, then tilt. We had considered this, but because this was an all steel front end, it would have required it be motorized.
We wanted to keep it simple and manageable. By cutting the fenders where we did, it accomplished two things:
- It lessened the weight of the front end, making it more manageable and,
- It actually gave us more working room in the engine compartment.
One person can open and close the front end without a problem. this car is a lot easier to work on than my '40 Coupe. The other important factor to consider is the shocks that allow it to come forward. If they are too stiff, one way or the other, it will either be difficult opening or closing. It is quite a bit different than a glass front end in terms of the amount of weight you are moving around. There are obviously a lot of things to consider, both in aesthetics and functionality.
I think the '37 -'39 benefits from the tilt front end. We used Dzus fasteners to secure the front end. The front end also has extra bracing and the entire front end is welded together.
I hope this is helpful. Joe Russo overlanddesign@earthlink.net Overland Design
