WW2 body on a 3A frame?

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WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by wc56daveyboy » Mon Jan 25, 2021 4:43 pm

I know there are kits to put a MB repop body on a 2A frame

I have such a great running 3A.
Was wondering if a MB or GPW body would fit easily into the 3A frame

*NOTE!!

Not looking for authenticity. Just a WW2 jeep lookalike

I get it.. the lack of a rear full floater will stick out like a sore thumb

The front steering setup will be quickly noticed by an expert

But wondering if anyone has done it or has seen an example of it

Any issues with mounting locations?
I guess that would be the least of my worries.

Thanks.


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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by Steve Webb » Mon Jan 25, 2021 5:01 pm

I don't think there are any unsurmountable problems. I thing the frame mounts would have to be dealt with. I believe the 3a tub had a little more clearance for the seat to steering wheel and the fuel tank is maybe the biggest thing to think about with the different ways they are filled. Also the cross piece holding the tranny was different so not sure about the tunnel on a MB with 3a running gear. Radiator mounting also.
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by wc56daveyboy » Mon Jan 25, 2021 5:09 pm

Good points steve. Exactly the things I would need to consider.

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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by dpcd67 » Mon Jan 25, 2021 5:41 pm

Such a thing is already being sold; called the MB/2A body kit. Google it up and you will find it. Your 3A is the same if you remove the body. Body mounts on the frame have to moved anyway to make room for the gas tank. Anyway, someone has already done all the thinking for you.
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by 70th Division » Tue Jan 26, 2021 6:22 pm

Hello,

It can be done, and look pretty decent.
I have one actually, that is a CJ3A with a WOF M201 MB type body on it.

I bought it for the French body, and I assume there may be some way to easily install it.
The front fenders all line up good, it even has the 3A windshield on the M201 body, perfect fit.
maybe some transmission hump interaction that needs adjustment or modification, but it has a T90 as well.

Good luck !!!


Ray

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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by wc56daveyboy » Wed Jan 27, 2021 4:56 am

Thanks Ray.

I d like to see pics of this setup if you got some handy.

Like other posters here, I think there might be issues.

- around the Tranny area
- Maybe one or two body to frame mounts

My goal would be to use the entire drivetrain and frame of the 3A as is. Hoping I don’t have to “Lower” the transmission via the crossmember but that’s about all I can think of as obstacles at this point.

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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by 70th Division » Wed Jan 27, 2021 8:25 am

Hello,

Give me about a week to pull the jeep out to get some pictures,
and I will post them .


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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by 70th Division » Sun Feb 14, 2021 5:55 pm

Hello,

Well still working on getting large things moved, so I can get the pictures for you, but I will !!!

Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by dpcd67 » Sun Feb 14, 2021 6:24 pm

If you will look at the MB-2A kit being sold it will answer all your questions.
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by Bob Bell » Wed Jun 02, 2021 3:47 pm

As an ardent CJ owner, I often see posts that want to turn a CJ into an MB or GPW. Have to admit, I find them a bit depressing. I am interested in hearing from those who may have an opinion on my possibly turning an MB or GPW into a CJ2A. Same basic idea, right? Or should I post this in the MB / GPW forum?
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by IvorGPW » Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:29 pm

Is your 3A tub rusted or damaged beyond repair? I know that you are looking for opinions on putting an MB tub on your frame but because I am lazy, if I was to build a clone I would just put on a MB grill spray some of the olive drab you can get from Ron and ride into the sunset. Like you said no one would be able to tell the difference but an expert and it would still be easily returnable to a CJ3a.
Last edited by IvorGPW on Wed Jun 02, 2021 9:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by Bruce W » Wed Jun 02, 2021 4:36 pm

Bob Bell wrote:
Wed Jun 02, 2021 3:47 pm
As an ardent CJ owner, I often see posts that want to turn a CJ into an MB or GPW. Have to admit, I find them a bit depressing. I am interested in hearing from those who may have an opinion on my possibly turning an MB or GPW into a CJ2A. Same basic idea, right? Or should I post this in the MB / GPW forum?
Interesting idea. I can’t say I’m against it. I might be tempted to go part way - turn an MB into a CJ1 or CJ2 clone! :lol: BW
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by Fred Coldwell » Wed Jun 02, 2021 5:20 pm

Bruce W wrote:
Interesting idea. I can’t say I’m against it. I might be tempted to go part way - turn an MB into a CJ1 or CJ2 clone! :lol: BW
Now you're talking, Bruce. Great idea! :D
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by dpcd67 » Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:39 am

NO; it is not the same thing at all, and is definitely a bad idea. Unless you just want to instantly turn a $20K vehicle into a $6K one.
Taking a CJ of any ilk and making an MB mock up hurts nothing. Doing the opposite is lunacy.
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?

Post by IvorGPW » Thu Jun 03, 2021 10:56 am

dpcd67 wrote:
Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:39 am
NO; it is not the same thing at all, and is definitely a bad idea. Unless you just want to instantly turn a $20K vehicle into a $6K one.
Taking a CJ of any ilk and making an MB mock up hurts nothing. Doing the opposite is lunacy.
Take it easy, no ones actually changing an MB into a CJ but I don’t understand why so many look at the early CJs with such disdain, they are great little jeeps and have a great history. I for one would be quite interested to see someone make a CJ1 or CJ2 clone as the originals are few and far between.
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