1942 Ford GPW Jeep Restoration - Well I've gone and done it.

[Cobrahistorian]

Should be bringing her home in a week or two. She needs a LOT of work, but is all matching (tub, block, data plate and frame) and has about 60% of her original paint. It looks like she may have served with the 4th Armored Division, as there's a faint 4-delta visible on the left rear bumperette and a similar marking on the right front. Can't tell the battalion yet, but hoping it'll come out soon. I'm seeing evidence of a "37-delta", but I think that's probably my imagination. The coolest thing though is she's already named. Over both rear fenders she still bears the name "Race Horse"!

 

[vostoktrading]

That's great! You got some work ahead of you...

Maybe John Wood or Creighton Abrams rode around in that thing back in the day?!

Jon.

[Johan Willaert]

That is one nice looking and very original Jeep!

[Jeeper704]

A 4AD Jeep? No way! :drool2:

 

Erwin

[Cobrahistorian]

If anyone wants to speculate on which battalion it was assigned to, here's the bumperette. Definitely seeing a 4-Delta at the top (shows up much better in natural light) and I'm not sure what I'm seeing below it.

 

 

Here's what I'm seeing. The 37 is speculative, but i am seeing a 7 and another triangle.

 

[lewis505]

One word - YAHTZEE!!!

 

Well done & congrats!

[carbinephalen]

Niiiiice!

 

You are seriously going to have to stock up on the Testors model paint for this one!! Haha!

[tsakers85]

Way to go! Where did you locate this gem at?

[Sabrejet]

Envious? Me?!! :jeal0001:

[Laurent M.]

Very nice jeep, you can't dream of a better original vehicle with original markings and nickname!!

I was just thinking: "If I was rich enough and had the chance the find such a nice jeep, I will leave it in its original condition".

I mean, it's just like finding a nice M1 helmet with original paint and markings (even 60%) and repaint it I won't do that and you won't either.

But, it is'nt just a helmet, it is a vehicle.

My second idea was the same as Ian had (Me, envious...?)

Congratulations.

[Cobrahistorian]

The plan right now is to leave as much original paint as possible. Unfortunately, the tub is rusted through in MANY places, so there's a lot of metal that's going to need to be replaced. The floor between the seats is GONE. I want to get it up and running and safe to drive. After that, I'm planning on leaving it alone.

 

Jon

[Steve B.]

NICE!

 

Say goodby to ll your spare time and money!

 

You will want to get familiar with the following website: www.g503.com

 

Enjoy!

[Cobrahistorian]

Again only speculating, but it could also be 14th AD, 47th Tank Battalion... Gonna see what I can do to pull out any more detail.

 

Steve, I'm already on the Gee. In fact, the jeep's been talked about on there quite a bit. I've just purchased it from my coworker who got it from the original 1946 owner:

 

https://jeepdraw.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=96&t=170877

[plick27]

That's awesome Jon, congrats!!

Like the new avatar too.

 

RJ

[Johan Willaert]

The great thing about this Jeep is that is still exactly like when it was put away after its Army use...

So there will most probably be no post WW2 parts on it...

 

That being said it would be great if you could keep it as is , but as you say, if it's too far gone, restoration is the only option...

 

IMO you should fully register all of the specifics of this Jeep (markings, added accessories etc..) so that you can reproduce all of it during and after rebuild...

This is a great opportunity to recreate the Jeep just like it was used by GIs back in WW2...

 

Not many of us have such a great project to start with...

 

Take it slowly and start by acquiring manuals and books... If you haven't yet, join the MVPA and register at G503...

Study Jeeps at shows and on the internet...

Get the correct tools and remember, do it right first time, no matter how long it takes...

 

This is one GPW that deserves the best restoration it can get...

 

Great Jeep!!!

[Cobrahistorian]

Johan,

 

I'm probably going to spend the first few days after it gets here just photographing everything. After that, I'm going to come up with a complete restoration plan and take things slowly. I'll probably start on the transfer case first, since it's already apart and I've got the rebuild kit for it. After that, I'll probably pull the tub, and check out how bad the frame is and start patching as needed.

 

I'm in no rush to get her out on the road, but I certainly plan to in the long run!

 

Jon

[AAF_Collection]

That looks very nice Jon!. Like Laurent says if it were mine I'd be looking to keep the original patina as much as possible. If you like I'll send you some pics of my Dodge WC-52 which is in about the same condition,ex 493rd Bomb Group-Eighth Air Force.

 

Looking forward to seeing more pics once you have her home!.

 

Matt.

[cutiger83]

Jon,

 

Congrats! I am beyond jealous! I can't believe you bought something with wheels!

 

I thought you flew ABOVE the road not ON the road!

 

...Kat

[Cobrahistorian]

Jon,

 

Congrats! I am beyond jealous! I can't believe you bought something with wheels!

 

I thought you flew ABOVE the road not ON the road!

 

...Kat

 

Kat,

 

Yeah, this is one of those bucket list things for me. I wanted a jeep. I REALLY wanted a jeep with history. This one is pretty incredible. Looking at bringing her home next week and I'll start posting pics then.

 

Jon

[fstop61]

Only in my wildest dreams.........maybe one day...Glad you were able to score. Congrats! Keep us posted on the progress.

[zepher11]

I love the look and agree that it is a bonus finding one with history. I really wish I knew some past history on my project Jeep. I'm with keeping the orginal paint as is and seeing if you can work around it to get 'er back on the road!

 

The transfer case is a good place to start. I just set my TC on the bench yesterday, and I will be pulling it apart over the next few days. Of course, I have no idea what I'm doing, but that's the fun of it!

 

Congrats and good luck!

 

Zeph

[Cobrahistorian]

Zeph,

 

I'm taking your lead on this one! I'm just slightly less than clueless, but I think I've got a firm grasp on exactly what I don't know.

 

This is going to be a long-term project, hopefully one my boys will grow to appreciate and participate in. When I do register it, I'm going to see if I can keep the original 1950 Oklahoma Farm Truck license plate that's on it. Needs blasting and painting, but it's now part of the jeep's history, so why not?!

 

Jon

[Cobrahistorian]

Well, Race Horse came home today! Already pulled the top bows and the side view mirror. Lots of neat F-marked stuff, but not all of the bolts are F-marked. I'm looking at the transfer case now and the gears are for the most part in decent shape. Pics in just a bit!

 

Jon

[carbinephalen]

looking forward to it!

[Cobrahistorian]

Spent two hours working on the jeep this afternoon. I figured I'd start with the windshield, since it was the most visible area of damage and the quickest fix. I got the remnants of the glass out, pulled the wipers and started with disassembling the inner frame. Still have lots to go. Also pulled off the right side grab handle with the help of my trusty assistant (my 3 year old!). I clamped the nut while he worked the ratchet.

 

I also looked over the transmission and transfer case. Needs work, but it isn't as bad as I thought it might be. There are a couple chipped teeth on one of the gears and some minor pitting on the others, but overall things look good.