New Large Scale Ford GPW Jeep Project

[ColemanCollector]

One final push this long weekend (plus my other son home for more even more help), saw the frame completely stripped of the remaining drivetrain, brake lines, and suspension. Now begins the long process of dismantling, cleaning and evaluating all the bits and pieces.

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And something that never gets old--finding more parts stamped with the Ford "F" script. We figured it was just Ford going a bit marketing ID crazy, but apparently they did it to identify the manufacturer source of any parts should they fail in service.

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Mike.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Interesting: some twenty-five years ago, I helped a friend restore his father's 1948 Ford 8N tractor. I do not recall finding the script stamped in large parts.

[ColemanCollector]

Strictly a wartime thing by Ford to identify their parts. Willys and Ford parts were interchangeable, and apparently Ford was not going to take the blame for a Willys' (or other manufacturers) part failure.

Back when I knew next to nothing about GPWs/Jeeps--I'm at rube status now--I thought the f scripts were Henry Ford's shot at the US govt for telling both Willys and Ford to get their names off of the vehicle bodies in late-'42. It's a World War boys, not a Sales War!

Mike.

[ColemanCollector]

Frame just back from being sandblasted, worn and oblong old bolt holes welded up for fresh drilling, minor straightening in a few spots, proper new rear tow mount welded in, and weird chopped out bit (possibly for pto shaft) in the rear crossmember welded up. All ready for primer.

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We had hoped to prime and paint in the early fall, but the welder/machinist is opening a huge new shop and was woefully behind. Such is life...

The sandblasting revealed some of the clearest "F" script stamps yet, but sadly, they'll all be hidden by bodywork.

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This one is on the machinegun pedestal mounting plate which again, is hidden by the body.

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On to the transmission and transfer case for refreshing.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

When the warmer weather arrives (in, say, 150 days) it will be fun to paint that frame. No doubt there are many drawings and lots of dimensional data available, but I can imagine some CAD and 3D printing wizard following your every step, printing the Jeep bit-by-bit. I cherish my WCP Jeep, and no doubt there are others who do so, too.

[ColemanCollector]

Primer for the frame done. One small step for a man, one giant leap for GPWkind...

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And a little fashion accessorizing--found this sweet 1943 Canadian Army Jeep coat for my son. Fits me great, too! Made by the Woods Company and in great condition, with the usually missing belt. How did this survive for 83 years?!

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Mike.

[Stormbringer]

Cool jacket mate

[Stormbringer]

sorry double post

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Ah, warm jackets, oh yes! And RustOleum primer, right? No?

[Estnische]

Progress is made! Must be a bit cool out in the garage at the moment?