El Rock Ape's Unitized Tilting Front End
I wish that I could claim the idea was mine...


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Joe, El Rock Ape's former owner, came up with a pretty neat idea for a Willys Wagon front end, don't you think? This thing is going to make engine compartment work alot easier. In fact, it's such a great idea that I'm going to make a mold for future fiberglass copies. I suspect that one of these copies will eventually wind up on El R.A.


Below is a diagram of how it latches. As you can see, it doesnt take much to remove the whole front end. Note that it took four fenders to construct the end product: two extras are needed to fabricate the separate steps that are attached to the body at the rear of the fender wells. Obviously, you can make the steps out of munched fenders that aren't good for anything else. I'll make some molds of these, also.




At right is the right side pivot hinge. Notice the spring that, along with the bayonet springs, pops the entire front end forward slightly when the latches are released. Below is a picture of the cage that supports the assembly.