GPA12350

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bobassel
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GPA12350

Post by bobassel » Mon Apr 22, 2019 7:37 am

GPA 12350

Hi GPA friends,
Glad to announce that GPA 12350 is now in my possession :D
Due to private circumstances I was unfortunately forced to sell my GPA 4928.
The GPA virus kept itching, and after some searching I came across a GPA project again.
The photos already showed that the project was a lot of work, and that a lot of investment and money is needed to get this GPA back on track!
GPA 12350 has been one of the last built GPAs and as I can reconstruct, this vehicle has no active military history.
I suspect that this ended up in civilian hands quite immediately after his military life, and that after a few years of private use it had been exposed to the elements for many years as a demolition / donor.
The owner, I bought it from, "Kenneth Nutt," found it in Washington state, and then brought it to Kansas.
After some negotiations, I decided to buy and restore this vehicle.
Via Houston he was transported by boat to Rotterdam, and arrived at my house via Amsterdam.
Kenneth made sure that there were front wheels underneath for easier transport.
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Some parts are still missing, which Kenneth promised to send me.
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The vehicle is in bad condition, but still has a lot of Original items.
The engine was there and it is matching with the frame number and data plate.
Al data plates are there.
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Unfortunately, somebody took out parts and used a cutting torch :twisted:
The complete water propellor and complete rudder were removed.
Unfortunately some idiot used for this the cutting torch, so the top of the propellor tunnel, were the rudder goes trough
is now there with a rough hole :twisted:
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The engine is there, but what I didn't know is that this engine was exposed to the elements for many years, and that is
was laying outside without cilinder head and engine sump.
So I had to struggle for a week to remove the rusted camshaft, cranckshaft, bearings.
All were rusted inside the engine.
The pistons I had to remove using a press with almost 10 tons pressure.
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Valves, valve tappets, springs all were stuck and rusted very hard.
Ignition and oil pump were rusted together and also very hard job to remove.
Now the engine is at the repair shop, and I hope it can be used again.
I brought the complete vehicle to the Department of Road Transport, to get it examened and fotografed.
Now I stripped the vehicle and brought it to a sandblast company.
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The right front spring was missing and a a temporary solution, ( a block of wood) was made for transport.
To strip the vehicle was a very hard job because 30 years of more, being exposed to the elements,
had the result that everything was very rusted up :twisted:
When removing the rear axle, I notised that the drive shaft was broken.
When I opened the front axle, the shock was worse :twisted:
I installed a oil bowl to collect the oil, but there was no diff. oil but......
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Here the result of 30 years water in the differential.
All and all I will need a lot of help and support from my GPA friends.
Luckely they all help me very much with advice, parts, tools and more.
So far, and the story will be continued :D
Parts, help and advice are welcome :!:
Bob
Ford GPA 12350, april 4th 1943
Author of GPA book,
Willys MD M38A1, A13817 1952

Re: GPA 12350
Hull back from sandblast company lol
No supprises, bad is bad.
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Ford GPA 12350, april 4th 1943
Author of GPA book,
Willys MD M38A1, A13817 1952

Working on the axles

Here an update of GPA 12350:
Starting with the axles.
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Also still looking to get al my requested parts, and the chase is still going on.
Eventualy my "wish list" is becomming shorter, but still looking for the right side coam, dog clutch and shafts,
water propellor parts, and more!
Got some original parts from friends in Russia, France and in the Netherlands.
Disassembled the front axle, hard job because everything was very rusted.
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I removed everything and cleaned all with a solvant and degreaser.
Then high pressure water and dried all parts.
removed all rust and installed new oil / grease seals and bushings.
Using a donor axle new bearings and gears were installed and adjusted.
I installed the much better CJ5 Knuckle seals on the front axle.
Same procedure with the rear axle, but this interieur could be used.
Only some new bearings, oil seals and all new gaskets.
Need to make the correct brake line brackets.
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When the axles are finished, I want to start working on the frame / chassis.
Bob
Ford GPA 12350, april 4th 1943
Author of GPA book,
Willys MD M38A1, A13817 1952
Last edited by bobassel on Thu May 23, 2019 4:58 am, edited 10 times in total.
Ford GPA 12350 DOD: april 4th 1943
Willys MD M38A1, A13817 1952


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Re: GPA12350

Post by 70th Division » Mon Apr 22, 2019 9:19 am

Hello Bob,

What a great discovery you found with this new GPA !!
Congratulations to you, they are very rare to find them anymore, anywhere !!

It actually looks to be in pretty good shape , relatively speaking :D :D :D :D

Best of luck on your great restoration, and please keep us posted on your wonderful GPA rescue !!

Best Regards,

Ray

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Re: GPA12350

Post by 70th Division » Mon Apr 22, 2019 9:26 am

Bob,

I have not heard of a GPA discovered like this in a very long time !!!
The one I had been trying to buy, every year, since I was a kid here in Florida,
also from Washington state, was sold to a local MV collector about 12 years ago.

It was "never for sale" and was exposed to the elements for many years.
The floor was rusted through, but still had the blue USA numbers on it.
I think he paid $500 for it, a day before I went to inquire about it, as I did every year.

He then resold it to a large MV dealer in Texas for I think $12,500 at the time.
I wonder if it was ever restored ?

Best Regards,

Ray
USA

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bobassel
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Re: GPA12350

Post by bobassel » Thu Apr 25, 2019 6:52 am

The rear and front axle are full reconditioned and painted in a very strong good primer.
Than the finishing old drab green was added.
They are now stalled away untill the moment of assembly.
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Then I started with the springs.)3 pieces and waiting for the shipment from Russia for the missing one'
The springs were full of rust between the spring leaves, so much that some clips were broken of the pressure :roll:
When I removed the central bolt, they exploded of the pressure.
I removed all corrosion and cleaned them, and made some new clips .
Put some grease between the leaves to prevent rusting again.
Cleaned them, primered them, and put on the final coating.
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In between I repaired some small body parts, and sprayed them.
All are ready to assembly when the time is there 8)
Ford GPA 12350 DOD: april 4th 1943
Willys MD M38A1, A13817 1952

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Re: GPA12350

Post by ollygolf » Sun Apr 28, 2019 2:47 am

Keep up the good work and look forward to hearing more on the progress.

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bobassel
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Re: GPA12350

Post by bobassel » Sat May 04, 2019 3:36 am

Two weeks holiday were fine for me, and I could do a lot of work :D
I did recondition all (small) parts, cleaned them, did metal work, painted the parts and stalled them untill the time is there to install.
This give me a lot of motivation to get on with the frame and body / hull.
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I started with the missing right front spring, and thanks to my good contact in Russia, my friend send me two front springs.
Now I even have one extra ! 8)
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I got less pleasant news from the company JEMAX Jeepparts for engine rebuild :cry:
The engine is not good after beëing exposed to the elements after so many years without cilinder head and engine sump.
The engine is sandblasted and after this it became clear that there were some cracks in it probably by freezing.
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The cylinders are to much damaged, that it will need new cylinder bushings :oops:
Wil Verhagen, the man in charge of the company, mentioned that if it was his engine, he wouldn't do the reconditioning.
He understood the importance of the matching GPA number for me, so he is gona repair it for me.
Wil is a very skilled crafsman, and I have full confidence in him!
He promissed me to deliver the engine in good reconditioned state in two months.
I was lucky to find a original rudder at my friend in Belgium.
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Still a lot of important parts missing, but my list is getting shorter :D
Kenneth Nutt arranged a radiator shroud for me, and I hope to receive this soon.
I found also a Ford transfer case, and still looking for a transmission.
Will be continued,
Bob
Ford GPA 12350 DOD: april 4th 1943
Willys MD M38A1, A13817 1952

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Re: GPA12350

Post by wo2jeeper » Sun May 05, 2019 5:48 am

Does Kenneth has another shroud. Can use one also ?

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bobassel
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Re: GPA12350

Post by bobassel » Wed Jul 10, 2019 2:33 am

So, finaly there is again movement in working on the GPA 12350 :D
Preparations and the tour for Normandy 2019, took a lot of time.
My work also took a lot of time, but now holiday, so on the right track again.
In the mean time also working on a Ford GPW, so two projects at the same time. :roll:
I started with the two chassis / frame beams that were totally rotten.
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I made wooden models of the best one, and made new outer and inner u frame beams.
I used brackets to weld them in the correct angle and at the correct measurements.
Now they are ready.
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The cross over beam, where the machine gun is on, was cut away with a torch,
and also the bracket for the hand cranck mechanism. :twisted:
Years ago a saw this beam on a trading market for sale.
At that time I didn't need it, but for 50,- euro I couln't leave it.
For years I didn't know what to do with it, and now I am very pleased with it!
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I have to repair the bracket, but than this is also fixed.
Then the two rear spring frame brackets, also rotten away, and than ready for paintning green.
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Will be continued,
Bob
Ford GPA 12350 DOD: april 4th 1943
Willys MD M38A1, A13817 1952

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bobassel
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Re: GPA12350

Post by bobassel » Sun Jul 28, 2019 12:39 am

The repairs are done on the frame lol
The front beams are repaired and the bracket of the cross beam is also done.
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The two brackets at the rear, where the rear springhanger is fixed, are also repaired and revetted on the frame.
A weak piece in the frame is replaced with strong material
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When all repairs where done, I painted the frame with an extra ground cover and then the olive drab.
Then I did the first installing of parts on the frame, beams and other parts.
So I can see if everything fits, and make shure there are all the correct bolts and nuts.
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Then I installed the spring hangers, springs and axles.
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My spare transmission and transfer were installed and the drive shafts to front and rear axle.
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Because the radiator is still under construction, and the matching engine is also still at the reair shop,
I decided to install my spare engine, to see how everything fits.
Now I can make all connections and fuel lines.
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I have only one original GPA generator, so on this spare engine, I will install a 12 volt Dodge generator.
Make this engine Like a GPA engine, with all 12 volt components,
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Will be continued sunny
Ford GPA 12350, april 4th 1943
Author of GPA book,
Willys MD M38A1, A13817 1952
Ford GPA 12350 DOD: april 4th 1943
Willys MD M38A1, A13817 1952

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Re: GPA12350

Post by hummermark » Sun Jul 28, 2019 1:36 am

Hi the round unit on top of the master cylinder is this a modification of some sort or just some thing resting on top when the picture was taken?
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bobassel
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Re: GPA12350

Post by bobassel » Sun Jul 28, 2019 9:06 am

Hi Mark,
Just a modification for transparrant brake flued extra reservoir.
Bob
Ford GPA 12350 DOD: april 4th 1943
Willys MD M38A1, A13817 1952

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Re: GPA12350

Post by YLG80 » Sun Jul 28, 2019 9:53 am

My God, that's really a resurrection! Marvelous job!
Yves
Ford GPW 1943 - Louisville - DoD 12-7-43
serial 164794

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Re: GPA12350

Post by bobassel » Wed Aug 21, 2019 4:32 am

Hi guys,
My project is going very well, but unfortunately still missing some parts :oops:
Who can do me a big favor, with a spare winch dog clutch and /or a hand crank mechanism
what is laying on a shelf.
It will never brake down, and I need it to make mine complete.
You will make me happy.

Bob
Ford GPA 12350 DOD: april 4th 1943
Willys MD M38A1, A13817 1952

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Re: GPA12350

Post by YLG80 » Wed Aug 21, 2019 4:39 am

bobassel wrote:
Wed Aug 21, 2019 4:32 am
Hi guys,
My project is going very well, but unfortunately still missing some parts :oops:
Who can do me a big favor, with a spare winch dog clutch and /or a hand crank mechanism
what is laying on a shelf.
It will never brake down, and I need it to make mine complete.
You will make me happy.

Bob
BTW, do you have a GPA radiator? I have one still in repair for a leak.

Yves
Ford GPW 1943 - Louisville - DoD 12-7-43
serial 164794

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Re: GPA12350

Post by YLG80 » Wed Aug 21, 2019 4:43 am

bobassel wrote:
Wed Aug 21, 2019 4:32 am
Hi guys,
My project is going very well, but unfortunately still missing some parts :oops:
Who can do me a big favor, with a spare winch dog clutch and /or a hand crank mechanism
what is laying on a shelf.
It will never brake down, and I need it to make mine complete.
You will make me happy.

Bob
BTW, do you have a GPA radiator? I have one still in repair for a leak.
I'm really not in a hurry to repair that radiator as you can see in the posts following posts :lol: viewtopic.php?t=280347
Yves
Ford GPW 1943 - Louisville - DoD 12-7-43
serial 164794


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