Overland Questions

[6point9diesel]

I have been waiting to start work on a 1917 Overland, but have a few questions I'd like to get answered before I start.

It was converted to a pickup a very long time ago. Some of it appears to be very well done...while some of the conversion doesn't look to be very good at all. I am told that pickup conversions were available. Does anyone know if this was available for an Overland, or has anyone seen a pre 1920 Overland pickup? It looks like a local blacksmith may have done the conversion but I can't be sure.

The model number of this overland is an 84-4 TL. I wrote to the Willys Overland Knight Registry and they said the T in the model number represents touring, but they could not find any information on the L. I have found a few pictures of 1917 84-4 T's on the internet. All of the engines appear to have a cast iron block and various other cast iron parts. The Overland that I am working on has a cast aluminum block and various other aluminum parts. Which leads me to believe that the L in the model number represents light. Does anyone have any information on this?

I would sure appreciate any help or discussion.

Thanks,

Paul

[Bob Shannon]

As having a 1923 Ford model T Roadster converted to a pick up, I found that there were a million different companies building truck beds back then. I never did find a picture anywere of on that looked like mine. Sears, Monkey Wards and other retail places sold them too. AND... there is always a chance that a farmer or blacksith made it on the side using what ever he had laying around. Post a pic if you can. Would be neat to see!! Good luck!! Bob

[6point9diesel]

Thanks for the reply. I'll post a picture when I can.

Also...I meant to say the model number is and 85-4 TL

Thanks again,

Paul

[John Davidson]

Years ago I had a 1916 Model 85 Overland touring with the back seat cut off and a home made box attached. Traded it off somewhere. Do have a original sales catalog. The price for the Model 85-Four was $795. fob Toledo. They also made a Model 65-Six touring selling at $925. fob Toledo. The model 85s had transaxle (transmission mounted at the rear differential hub) like previous year Overlands (my 13 has transaxle) Bad feature I think is the cone clutch used in those years.

The 85-4 engine in my brochure states "Crank case and oil base are of aluminum" Cylinder block is cast iron. Are you sure the block is aluminun on your 85?

Overlands were guaranteed for 90 days.

[Bud Tierney]

Overland built lots of light trucks, and sold Gramm trucks under the Overland name (John Willys bought Gramm in 1913, and later sold it off, but I don't know when). In 1913 Overland had 15 commercial types, including an Express Delivery, and in 1919 had a "Light Four" engine, but I don't have anything that ID's the "Light Four" engine by b/s. (from Mroz's truck book).
A 1930 gasket catalog lists trucks of 1/2T, 3/4T, 800 lbs and 1200 lbs capacity. It lists an Overland Motor, 4, passenger models 83B, 85, Truck model 83-BOE, capacity 1200 lbs, as a 41/8x41/2.

[6point9diesel]

John

Yep...transaxles. The one my wife and I have is pretty much at the flower pot stage of the restoration, so I can't comment on how it operates. Did your 1916 have a cast iron crankcase? You are right about the aluminum crankcase. This one has an aluminum crankcase and cast iron jugs. The jugs are cast as one unit. Do you have any idea what the L would mean in the model number? Thanks much for the information. I really appreciate it.

Bud

Thank you for the information. I didn't know that about Gramm Trucks. I'm pretty sure this one is an Overland that has been converted. We will likely be changing it back to it's original glory.

Thanks much!

[Andrew Albrecht]

If anyone is working on one. I know where there is a Nice shape Frame, And probably a couple of 4 cyl. engines and i thenk the front axle and springs are laying in my drive. I beleive this stuff is closer to 1919. Trying to find a home for this stuff for the widow of a friend. Thanks andrew

[6point9diesel]

Couple of pictures. Sorry about the quality.

[6point9diesel]

And a few more.