Building the ICON CJ3B Prototype

The first Dog is taken outside the Van Nuys shop for a photo shoot. The "Beta batch" is being built as Willys vehicles with the original-style grille.

The repro body has been given a roll cage, custom gauges, Smittybuilt tire carrier, and LED tail and backup lights.

Potential suspension travel is eyeballed prior to spring installation.

The Dog can't wait to get out into those Santa Monica Mountains. Here the original single-coil springs have been replaced with dual coils (130K JPEG).

On the hoist on ICON's beautiful shop floor. And who wouldn't love one of those Haas machines in their garage?

Touching up some of the welds after the transmission skid plate (90K JPEG) has been bolted on.

The front suspension, steering and winch. See also a view from under the engine (100K JPEG).

The alloy shade canopy will be quieter than canvas, and will be laminated with woven vinyl. See the underside (80K JPEG).

This shot of the powder-coated rolling chassis offers a good look at the GM Ecotec four-cylinder engine.

After being sent out for powder coating, the tub goes back on the frame. Starting to look like the computer rendering (60K JPEG).

Rear view of the tub as finished in Mocha Tan by Andrews Powder Coating.

Good view of the front end, and the roll cage now installed.