The FlatFender Brand Story

1977 Young Mitch Carley with CJ-2A 'Flatty'

In 1977 the 'FlatFender the Brand' was 'felt' in Ohio by Mitch Carley as he discovered his dream, a completely worn out and rusty CJ-2a. With his High School Bonanza Steak House bus-boy money, his encouraging father talked down the salty-seller from an asking price of $1300…to $845.00 Cash. The seller agreed to remove the snow-plow and pump, the Slotted Mags with too wide 32's, no-Spare…and on and on…the last $5 was for no-Jack…Ohio required a Spare Tire and Jack. Another $200 came OFF as the 'ol' Go-Devil' gave-up-the-ghost on the ride to Mitch's home…. Mitch has bought, built, broke (repeat) dozens of vintage Jeeps for nearly 50 years. In fact, Peterson's 4 Wheel & Off-Road Magazine featured 6 of his Jeeps in the 1984 Nov. issue with a re-print, by popularity in the 1985 Annual. See some of Mitch's builds in his Garage here on the Official FlatFender Brand App.

1984 Nov. & 1985 Annual Featuring some of Mitch's FlatFenders

More than a decade later now a family-man, now in Austin TX, Mitch felt 'Flatty', formally 'ol'Clank', would make an awesome father and sons' project. They grabbed a buddy's trailer loaded up the Durango with a 110V convertor, a Tube TV-SEGA, snacks and more and off they went to rescue 'Flatty' from being scrapped…that was the late 1990's.

Professionally Mitch was a career Ad-guy who created for eBay, McDonalds, ESPN and on and on. In the 1990's Mitch was considering the name 'FlatFender' for a new-kind of 'web-publication', and branded it. Mitch bought the URL and launched FlatFender.com in 1999. The Wayback Machine / https://web.archive.org/ has a record as early as 4/01.

The 1990's FlatFender.com had a very active YAHOOS Group, a very early CafePress style site which included branded Shirts, Caps, Stickers and Tumblers – decades prior to the popular brands out now.

'FlatFender' is the same spirit 'you' feel and refer to. Born from late-night garage sessions, weekend trail rides that create unbreakable bonds between vintage Jeep enthusiasts. What started as a small group of friends in Ohio sharing parts and stories has evolved into a global community united by our love for these iconic machines.

Mitch believes that every vintage Jeep has a story to 'tell' and every enthusiast has knowledge to share. Whether you're hunting for that perfect restoration part, seeking mechanical advice or simply want to connect with fellow 'FlatFender' lovers, welcome to your digital home. Mitch's vision is the App you are holding in your hands today.

Pass this to friend who is preserving a 1941-1971* legend anywhere along the Find - Fix - Freedom Trail that is only Genuine FlatFender Brand!

*FlatFender the Brand defines FlatFenders as all manufactured from the years 1941-1971, yes even FC Pickups have Flat Rear Fenders, early CJ-5's have FlatFenders as well.

2025 Mitch's CJ-2A 'Flatty' brand-rig for FLATFENDER - look for at local Central Texas Car Shows, trail rides and more.

Click here for Mitch's digital FF Garage featuring some of his builds from the past.