New Large Scale Ford GPW Jeep Project

[ColemanCollector]

And by large scale, I mean lifesize! My oldest son has been eyeballing Second World War jeeps for a restoration project since his early 20's. Dad The Enabler, found a 1943 Ford GPW a few hours away in his price bracket, so off we went to evaluate. I've restored a couple of Triumph sportscars in the last decade, so the idea was he bankrolls the project and does the wrenching, while I supply the restoration "knowledge"--a term we'll use very loosely and with much grandeur! My lower back likes the minimal wrenching aspect.

SOLD! It has a solid body and frame, an engine that last ran in 2018, non-existant brakes, and many absent bits and pieces, but nothing horrendous. The perfect project to learn some skills and skin some knuckles. We brought it to our home a couple of days ago for storage until spring and then the serious work of getting it running and braking begins. We'll do the brakes first!

Mike.

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[Ad Lav]

Excellent purchase!

Solid investments as well.

I have a Willys M38

[ColemanCollector]

You are now on speed dial, Ad Lav!

Mike.

[Ecam]

, while I supply the restoration "knowledge"--a term we'll use very loosely and with much grandeur! My lower back likes the minimal wrenching aspect.


Mike.

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Ha! Great laugh! I've been in your position... Good luck, I am rooting for you.

[MrChef]

Nice job. Congratulations!

Now that we all know about it though updates and pics are required.

[Ad Lav]

You are now on speed dial, Ad Lav!

Mike.

Feel free to message me - spent two years restoring it!

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Oh, yeah! I believe this is a "build" we will need to follow throughout. Whoopie! And I am jealous, although I have no idea how anyone can fit his (or even her) legs under that steering wheel and to the pedals. I got a leg cramp just trying. One of the Tuesday modelers group (Make Modeling Mediocre Again) has just redone an early '50s Jeep and he found that there are many sources for Jeep reproduction parts, etc. If you or your son's contacting him can be of any help, let me know. Above all, enjoy!

[ColemanCollector]

My son watched me getting in it when we first went to see it, and he wasn't sure I was going to get out. At 175cm and with moderate 24 pack abs, it was a tight fit, but once I finally got in place it was pretty comfy.
I'll pm you for his contact info Professor. Thanks!
Mike.

[ColemanCollector]

You are now on speed dial, Ad Lav!

Mike.

Feel free to message me - spent two years restoring it!

Definitely will! Many thanks,
Mike.

[vtwillys]

Here is our 47 CJ 2A. Nice project, good luck. Nice thing about Jeeps is they are pretty basic in form. That is a good thing. I did a frame off about 20 years ago. Not period correct in some ways like 12 volt electrical and an alternator in place of the old generator. Needs a refresh paint and a few other items.