Wet Willy: A Modernized, Cummins-Powered ’57 Willys Panel

• March 29, 2024
• Story By
  Mike Garrett

One of the most enjoyable and impressive things about the 4x4 and truck scene is seeing a vehicle that was once destined to be a utilitarian workhorse re-imagined as a stunning enthusiast machine.

From former military vehicles and other retired government machinery to old farm trucks being given new life, there are some great ones out there. And among that list of great ones is Mike Slater’s 1957 Willys Panel.

At one point in its life, this Willys served as a farm truck somewhere in Oregon, before making its way across the country to Maryland. That’s where Mike found it four years ago, coated in red primer and in dire need of some care.

Despite being a rarity with plenty of historical value, a factory restoration for the old Willys was not part of Mike’s plans. As the owner of Eastern Truck & Accessory in Virginia Beach, Virginia, his daily routine revolves around building and driving all types of modified trucks and 4x4s. 

Instead of bringing it back to showroom spec, Mike would instead use his years of experience to transform the Willys into a show-stopping custom build, and the work began with an entirely new chassis.

Wrangler Chassis Swap

Mike found that the Willys had nearly the same wheelbase as the extended “LJ” Wrangler of the mid 2000s. And though LJ Wranglers aren’t particularly easy to find, Mike happened to have a 2006 Wrangler Unlimited that was ready to give up its chassis.

But of course, the project would go far beyond just putting the old Willys body onto the LJ chassis. Not only was the whole frame stripped and powdercoated, if you look under the hood, you’ll find that the entire firewall from the modern Wrangler has been welded in.

Diesel Powered Drivetrain

But before you notice the firewall differences, your eyes will probably be drawn to the engine: a Cummins R2.8 four-cylinder turbodiesel crate setup. It makes 310 pound-feet of reliable, fuel-efficient torque that would’ve been unheard of back in ’57 — especially from a four cylinder.

The brand-new Cummins crate motor is mated to a TJ Wrangler six-speed manual transmission, while the transfer case is an Atlas Trail Series unit with a 4.3:1 ratio.

The axles and differentials are both from TeraFlex, with a Tera60 HD setup in the front and a full-floating CRD60 HD in the rear, each with ARB lockers. The driveshafts are from Tom Wood’s.

Modern Suspension & Mud Terrain Tires

All the LJ suspension, steering and brakes have also been swapped out for TeraFlex gear, including extended arms, adjustable Falcon shocks and a TeraFlex S/T sway bar system.

Given that he spends his days working on all matter of 4x4s, Mike is well-versed in mud terrain tires. And for his personal project it was the Nitto Mud Grappler he chose without hesitation.

Drawn to the tire’s aggressive tread pattern and capability, Mike mounted the 37/13.50R17LT Mud Grapplers on a set of 17x9-inch beadlock wheels from Method Race Wheels.

Pretty Outside & Inside

On the outside you’ll find the original Willys steel body coated in Toyota Cavalry Blue, a custom front bumper with a Warn winch and Rigid LED headlights. And don’t forget the custom wood paneling.

Inside you’ll notice some of the popular upgrades like Autometer instruments and PRP seats, along with some very cool one-off touches like a custom dash built from two Willys doors flipped upside down.

Amazingly, despite the heavy fabrication work and the attention to detail that went into the project, the build was completed in just 10 months.

And following a successful debut at the 2023 SEMA Show, Mike and the Eastern Truck & Accessory crew have already taken “Wet Willy,” as the rig has come to be known, to a few regional shows. And there are plenty of adventures planned for ’24.

With as many high-quality Jeep builds that are out there these days, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd — yet Mike’s reborn Willys Panel manages to do that and then some.

What a journey it’s been for this truck since those farm truck days so long ago.

Hard Facts