WW2 body on a 3A frame?
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WW2 body on a 3A frame?
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.
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?
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?
Good points steve. Exactly the things I would need to consider.
Hummmm
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- dpcd67
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?
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?
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
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?
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.
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?
Hello,
Give me about a week to pull the jeep out to get some pictures,
and I will post them .
Ray
Give me about a week to pull the jeep out to get some pictures,
and I will post them .
Ray
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?
Hello,
Well still working on getting large things moved, so I can get the pictures for you, but I will !!!
Best Regards,
Ray
Well still working on getting large things moved, so I can get the pictures for you, but I will !!!
Best Regards,
Ray
- dpcd67
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?
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?
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?
Bob Bell
1946 CJ2A 36116
Have owned dozens of flat fenders over the years including 1945 CJ2A 10011 which I sold in 2002.
First 4WD was an Austin Champ in 1965, and then a GPW UK license number HRO 443, sold in 1974.
1946 CJ2A 36116
Have owned dozens of flat fenders over the years including 1945 CJ2A 10011 which I sold in 2002.
First 4WD was an Austin Champ in 1965, and then a GPW UK license number HRO 443, sold in 1974.
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?
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.
Tate Christensen
1944 Ford GPW #234613 USMC Radio jeep
1943 Willys MB #263100
1945 Willys CJ2A #10226
1941 Ford GP #9687
1941 Willys MB #100161
1944 Ford GPW #234613 USMC Radio jeep
1943 Willys MB #263100
1945 Willys CJ2A #10226
1941 Ford GP #9687
1941 Willys MB #100161
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?
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! BWBob Bell wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 3:47 pmAs 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?
G Trp 2nd Sqdrn 3d Armored Cavalry Ft. Lewis 1970-71. 43GPW(Sarge?) 47CJ2A(Teddy) 47CJ2A(Rusty) 47CJ2A(Zak) 48CJ2A(Lefty) 48CJ2A(Uncle Linden) 53CJ3B(Bulldog) 88XJ(Pluto) NE CO
- Fred Coldwell
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?
Now you're talking, Bruce. Great idea!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! BW
Happy Jeep Trails,
Fred Coldwell
1944 CJ2-09 - X33
1945 CJ2-26 - X50
1944 Dodge T233 CC
1945 Dodge T233 Utility
MVPA #283C
Fred Coldwell
1944 CJ2-09 - X33
1945 CJ2-26 - X50
1944 Dodge T233 CC
1945 Dodge T233 Utility
MVPA #283C
- dpcd67
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Re: WW2 body on a 3A frame?
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.
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?
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.
Tate Christensen
1944 Ford GPW #234613 USMC Radio jeep
1943 Willys MB #263100
1945 Willys CJ2A #10226
1941 Ford GP #9687
1941 Willys MB #100161
1944 Ford GPW #234613 USMC Radio jeep
1943 Willys MB #263100
1945 Willys CJ2A #10226
1941 Ford GP #9687
1941 Willys MB #100161
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