Joshua Joyce’s 1947 Jeep Willys TDI Rat Rod

Air suspension is becoming a massive deal in the restoration industry, so much so I did a little surfing today to delve into how these air assisted systems operated on Air Society. However, I got a little side-tracked when I came across this and the previous article on the WRX STI. Both use the system (and I will touch upon this subject in more detail in an upcoming article), but for this piece I want to bang on a bit about this simply beautifully executed Rat Rod.

Joshua Joyce’s 1947 Jeep Willys TDI Rat Rod

Look at it; you can see into its soul through those headlamps. This brilliant build comprises from a World War II Willys-Overland Motors’ Jeep brand Willys SUV and a 1996 VW TDI lump.

Joshua Joyce’s 1947 Jeep Willys TDI Rat Rod

Of course, the power was increased – if stage 2 cams and a Kerma K03/K04 hybrid turbo weren’t enough, other upgrades were installed such as better intercooler.

Because this thing virtually sits on the ground, four air springs powered by a compressor feed air via copper hard lines through manual paddle valves to provide the desired look this Frankenstein rod deserves.

Joshua Joyce’s 1947 Jeep Willys TDI Rat Rod

This car is a great example of what Gargling Gas likes to see – it has a personality, it has soul, it has a heart.

After all, cars have feelings too…

Joshua Joyce’s 1947 Jeep Willys TDI Rat Rod