Willys MB 1942 -----------
654 MB's were built with Chinese nameplates. Mine truly has an extraordinary
history and characteristics, which have astonished all Jeep specialists
(or those, who claim they are specialists). Here are some of their statements:
The 654 MB's were all delivered to China (mine was deployed to Austria).
Chinese language nameplates were only produced in zinc (mine are made
from brass). Slat grills were only supplied in January and February 1942
(mine was delivered on 31 March 1942). And, at last, that vehicle is a
reproduction. Well, for all that rubbish above, I would be really grateful
for any helpful hints on that issue: "How actually did an Early MB
make it all the way to Austria?" And, don't take the historic literature
for granted, apparently not everything printed in books is 100% correct.
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During
disassembly I found even more "early" features. Rust although,
had eaten up a part of the body, which had to be repaired after sandblasting
the sheetmetal. A lot of hours were spent with welding work. |
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I found my GPW years ago on a cemetery, where
it was used as a snowplough in wintertime. Back then, I did not know too
much about the differences between Ford and Willys Jeeps. I only recognized
the "Ford" script on the rear body panel. Only when I started
to restore the Jeep, I found out that it had not been used by the Austrian
Army (where most U.S. vehicles were used after the end of WW II), and
that almost all original features of the vehicle were unmodified. I was
astonished where I found the stamped and imprinted "F's" on
that car.
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As the engine’s output power was
not really outstanding, it was taken apart and completely rebuilt. The body,
of course had to be repaired on the known neuralgic places, and welded.
At that time, we only had NOS spare parts, but no rebuilt sheetmetal, like
available today.
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Pictures of the restored
vehicle to be placed here. |
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My cross-country Jeep
Found in a barn, where it was stored by the owner many
years ago. It was previously used for hunting and later replaced by a
Russian Lada. At first glance, you could not spot it under a pile of junk
and hay. After getting it back in daylight, we filled her up with gas,
put a little oil in the engine and hooked up a new battery. After cranking
the engine three times, it fired up and we drove it all the way back to
my home.
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During our annual meeting in Styria, we
drive our Jeeps not only on forest roads, we “ride” them in
terrain, the rougher, the better and more interesting. |
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A complete restoration was not necessary.
Only the paintjob was done, new tires mounted and the brakes were overhauled. |
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Repairing the master brake cylinder in
the field. The Jeep is hanging on the hook of a Ward La France. |
For riding in extreme snow covered terrain
we mounted a Capstan Winch. |
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