My New Project - 1942 Ford GPW

[clinto]

OK...here's the story I heard/read/made up. On the GP's Good ole Henry actually had "FORD" in script letters embossed on the rear panels of his jeeps but the government wanted the GPW (Ford) and the MB (Willys) to be identical with 100% of the parts interchangeable and no trademark name on the jeeps.

Yes, Henry was proud of his jeeps and believed the quality to be above that of the Willys MB and he had nearly every single part embossed/stamped with the "Script F". That way if a part failed they would know if it was a Ford or Willy's issue.

This is the story I believe. The warranty issue explains why pieces were marked that would never see the light of day.

 

[Tinwoodsman]

Got all the brake lines and master cylinder installed today. Then on to refurbishing the steering gear but had to fix the steering tube surrounding the shaft which was bent. I have a friend who is 89 years old and knows just about all there is to know on early model vehicles and he came up with a contraption that allowed us to straighten it without distorting the tube integrity. Hope to get that put together tomorrow. Then on to the tranny and transfer case. Here are some pictures.

 

[papabear]

That master cylinder looks so tiny!! Looks like you got in a good days work my Brother.

 

[Another Ahab]

Got all the brake lines and master cylinder installed today. Here are some pictures.

View attachment 580385

Man, TWM, you're work always looks just SO absolutely perfect, that I think I'm going to cry out of sheer happiness or something.

 

[Tinwoodsman]

That master cylinder looks so tiny!! Looks like you got in a good days work my Brother.

That is because I use nuclear brake fluid.

 

[papabear]

That is because I use nuclear brake fluid.

So DOT 5 is purple...ish...is that nuclear stuff the orange...ish stuff? I thought it was just rust in the lines of my deuce so now I feel much mo betta

 

[Tinwoodsman]

Started the day by preparing to relign the parking brake band. Could not find any replacement 5/32" lining material at a reasonable price so my mechanic friend happend to have some left over woven lining strips. We put on masks and other protection because the material contains asbestos and surface the lining to 5/32" and then trimmed it to the required 2" width. Then we used his rivet press to drill the holes and recess the rivets. My cost was zero dollars versus $70 for a reproduction band or $100 for materials. Not a difficult choice.

Also completed the refurbishment of the steering gear buy replacing the worn sector shaft and bearings. Was able to straighten a bend in the steering tube so it is back together and I hope it does not leak since they are notorious for that. I will use 140 weight oil for the gear box refill. Wish me luck.

 

[zout]

Luck

 

[papabear]

Dang!!! You got a lot done so far this week Bro!!

 

[Tinwoodsman]

Soldier B is out of town and I got the rest of the tranny and transfer case parts so spent some time in the shop. Adjusted the steering gear and centered the pitman arm and then installed the drag link. Temporarily installed the steering wheel. Will fine tune once tub is installed. The finished up the transfer case with the exception of the lower cover. Moved on to the tranny and installed all the gears in the case. Have a few issues with the synchronizer which I hope to work thru tomorrow. Goal is to install the transfer case to the tranny and adjust all linkages. Here are some photos......

 

[papabear]

The day you take the first "check ride" in that baby will be a proud day for us all Brother.

I think we can truly say that NO ONE has ever done a more complete restoration of an MB!

 

[Tinwoodsman]

Thanks PB, I will smile once I get the tranny tuned.

 

[zout]

Twm surely has thrown the gauntlet down for one pristine rebuild by one individual.

 

[Tinwoodsman]

Thanks Bro. Following in your footsteps!!!

 

[Another Ahab]

Twm surely has thrown the gauntlet down for one pristine rebuild by one individual.

TWM?

He's like the Usain Bolt of Restorations:

- He's in a field ALL his own.

"Can't Nobody" touch that guy!

 

[Tinwoodsman]

Almost wrapped up the transmission and transfer case today. Waiting on two parts which need to be installed prior to marrying with the engine and bell housing. Did check end play on both components so once I have the parts I will be ready to move forward. Also decided to replicate the early WW2 lock wire method and think it came out fine. Here are some photos:

 

[Another Ahab]

Almost wrapped up the transmission and transfer case today. Here are some photos:

View attachment 582915View attachment 582917

Just...so...d*****...perfect...

 

[papabear]

You Sir are a master restorer and I'm honored to call you Brother!

 

[zout]

Instead of PB headed to my DZ with the backhoe and loader - I think he is now headed to your DZ to build you a 100 ft sq cement pad to put a pole barn rebuilt center together - how do ya like them apples. When ya hear a rumble in the background - ITS PB and CAMO Crew to make ya a rebuild restore center.

 

[Another Ahab]

Instead of PB headed to my DZ with the backhoe and loader - I think he is now headed to your DZ to build you a 100 ft sq cement pad to put a pole barn rebuilt center together - how do ya like them apples. When ya hear a rumble in the background - ITS PB and CAMO Crew to make ya a rebuild restore center.

The Crowded Masses are Begging for Photos of the Grand Event.