Willys MB field mods

[Hammer2412]

Hi all,

I'm in the middle of restoring my 1943 Willys MB and was looking some ways to make it slightly more unique than a "factory" rebuild.

Does anyone have any ideas for interesting field mods or modifications certain divisions or general gi's made? Anything mechanical or body wise, the more suggestions the better. Stuff like extra jerry cans, oil coolers, duallies, shortened front bumpers like the airborne jeeps, etc.

Bonus points for Australian army modifications even post war.

Cheers

[Wolfman]

A Coca Cola bottle cap opener.
Mounted on the side of the tub. Right behind the drivers entrance.
Thanks Again Hank II !!
Although I have to admit, I have not yet installed it on the original restored 42 GPW.
Makes a great conversation piece !

[Rebel Walker]

Common was angle bracket to firewall with multiple holes to adjust the handbrake outer cable so the handbrake actually works.
http://phaedra.apana.org.au/austjeep.html
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=48213

[Hammer2412]

A Coca Cola bottle cap opener.
Mounted on the side of the tub. Right behind the drivers entrance.
Thanks Again Hank II !!
Although I have to admit, I have not yet installed it on the original restored 42 GPW.
Makes a great conversation piece !

thanks for the suggestion! where would I get an accurate one?

[Hammer2412]

Common was angle bracket to firewall with multiple holes to adjust the handbrake outer cable so the handbrake actually works.
http://phaedra.apana.org.au/austjeep.html
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=48213

That's actually one I already have from it's days in the australian army! thanks for the links too, few good suggestions in the second but the first one didnt work for me?

[Wolfman]

Do a search for Coca Cola Bottle Opener on the web.
Amazon as well as other folks list them.

[HankII]

Wolfman » Thu Apr 13, 2023 7:13 am

Do a search for Coca Cola Bottle Opener on the web.
Amazon as well as other folks list them.

Be Careful Mike....

Chuck Lutz » Sun Jan 07, 2018 11:14 am

http://joelhousman.com/blog/2014/1/26/a ... tle-opener

Just make sure your mountable Coke bottle opener does not say "Made in Germany" or "Made in West Germany"

It should say "STARR X" and have either the early patent number on it or the "newer" patent number granted in 1943.

That old thread had TWELVE pages of Mudslinging....

[chevy43]

Extra door strap eye on the dash to pad lock the gear shift into reverse is useful.

[dpcd67]

I consider any mod from the original configuration to be hideous and sacrilege to a valuable historic vehicle. I remove and weld up all such defacement and restore them to original factory configuration. It's harder to make them correct than to bolt crap onto them.

[Ed Roberts]

dpcd67, your consideration is noted. However, in doing so you will have to condemn every G.I. in the field or motor pool who made things work. Some modifications were practical, some were not. Some were whimsical. I don't believe the hobby is about re-creating museum pieces. I think it's more about getting people talking to each other and the sharing of history, technology and the evolution of our military vehicles. How many factory fresh horse-drawn wagons or carriages didn't get modified after about a week or month of use and work? Just a thought.

[YLG80]

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File ... fig-11.jpg

Yves

[Ed Roberts]

Just to add to my previous comment, most importantly: Our vehicles stand as testament to the men and women who operated and repaired them. Often under horrendous conditions, parts shortages, minus skilled assistance and a myriad of other things, they kept them rolling and fighting. I have yet to hear the term "Trailer Queen" used as a compliment.
Wishing all a safe and thoughtful Memorial Day.