How fast can you drive a Jeep?

1941 - 1945, MB, GPW Technical questions and discussions, regarding anything related to the WWII jeep.
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ppinotti
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Re: How fast can you drive a Jeep?

Post by ppinotti » Wed Oct 30, 2019 11:40 am

I drove usually ate 30 MPH in the city, because most street limit is 30MPH. On highways 40, 45 MPH according the weather temperature, above 45 MPH with temperature 30 degree Celsius the engine temperature reach the limit. But at 40 runs well. except climbing.
Paulo Pinotti
GPW 165420 DOD 12/14/1943 - Dallas Plant
Sao Paulo - Brasil


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nick peters
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Re: How fast can you drive a Jeep?

Post by nick peters » Thu Oct 31, 2019 12:01 am

I try to drive my jeep with the top and screen down whenever I can. 30-40 mph has all ways seemed fast enough to me. Especially if you happen to get hit in the forehead by a big bumble bee :roll: :lol:
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Re: How fast can you drive a Jeep?

Post by Cotterpin » Sun Nov 10, 2019 4:42 am

Ed Roberts wrote:
Fri Oct 25, 2019 10:30 am
I think a Group Hug may be in order here. (way different than a Group Grope.)

V/r, Eddie
I don’t know. Depends on who your hugging and who your groping. 😳
On another note At WWII weekend I was following a member of our group from the hotel to the show and he was hitting 55 mph on the highway in his MB. I was a little surprised but I guess if you know your Jeep and are confident.
1944 GPW-186956
1945 Bantam T3-66670

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Rob G.
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Re: How fast can you drive a Jeep?

Post by Rob G. » Tue Nov 19, 2019 9:32 pm

My personal limit is 35 mph.

Many moons ago, the engine was machined/rebuilt and since then .... I've logged just over 10,000 miles at max speeds of 35 to 40 mph, with an average speed of probably in the low 20's over all those miles. All "sunday" type drives out in the country and parades etc. Never a "daily driver".

She just sounds so happy at around 35 mph, which BTW corresponds to the top of the torque curve.
Plus, you might stand a chance surviving at 35 mph if something goes way wrong .... faster than that, your odds drop drastically.

This sign (printed on 11x14 foam board at Walgreens) is what I have on the back of my GPW, centered on the spare tire.
I made this sign to inform folks behind me that I have limited drivability compared to what they are driving.

When driving the jeep ... I always adopt the mindset that the pleasure is in the "going there", not the "getting there" ... so I'm never in a hurry. Slow down and enjoy the privilege of driving an automotive icon each time out.
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Rob ...... "KILROY" Chapter MVPA
GPW 94445 Frame & Data Plate "1/4T" (DOD 01-25-43) - Louisville Branch
Engine: MB341746, Rebuild Tag 3-22-45, 5th SVC Base Shop - Newark Ohio
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Re: How fast can you drive a Jeep?

Post by ppinotti » Wed Nov 20, 2019 10:03 am

Very godd idea Rob.
Paulo Pinotti
GPW 165420 DOD 12/14/1943 - Dallas Plant
Sao Paulo - Brasil

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Re: How fast can you drive a Jeep?

Post by Beers » Sat Nov 23, 2019 6:58 pm

Rob G. wrote:
Tue Nov 19, 2019 9:32 pm
When driving the jeep ... I always adopt the mindset that the pleasure is in the "going there", not the "getting there"
So true. Wise words there Rob, well put...
1943 MB 213301 DOD 2-22-43

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rondo
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Re: How fast can you drive a Jeep?

Post by rondo » Sun Nov 24, 2019 6:13 am

I love that, going there, not getting there! I wish everyone would slow down and think that way.
My GPW went 'purdy darn fast' on a deserted straight downhill grade with the transmission kicked into neutral. It was fun once but i'd never take it that fast again :D
Honestly why go over 35 in a WW2 jeep anyway?
Was cruising a back road out here in Idaho listening to a backroad song and looked back and oops, at least 10 cars stuck behind me :oops:
so I just nudged it over on the wide shoulder and let them all pass. None of them had calif plates so I got no single digits from the hands :D
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Re: How fast can you drive a Jeep?

Post by Rob G. » Mon Nov 25, 2019 9:26 am

Thanks for the thoughtful comments .....

I should have included this picture for clarity.

The real possibility of getting rear-ended by a distracted driver is one that I am actively trying to avoid.
The custom caution sign, the orange safety vest folded and tucked atop the water bucket and the upgraded tail-lights all add some piece of mind when driving. All easily revertible to correct components in short order when desired.


Pardon the obvious deviations from historical accuracy.
1) Bucket style 6 volt incandescent Running/Brake lights; painted white on the inside for added
brightness, visibility and safety.
2) Historically inaccurate Bumperette markings.
3) Homemade 1 7/8" trailer hitch for moving small utility trailer.
4) Fill in the blank ______________.

Stay safe out there!
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Rob ...... "KILROY" Chapter MVPA
GPW 94445 Frame & Data Plate "1/4T" (DOD 01-25-43) - Louisville Branch
Engine: MB341746, Rebuild Tag 3-22-45, 5th SVC Base Shop - Newark Ohio
"Faithful Steed" since 1967

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Re: How fast can you drive a Jeep?

Post by Ed Roberts » Mon Nov 25, 2019 10:02 am

Rob, good ideas all. I did some similar things, although a little less custom: I mounted the safety triangle from the MVPA store with 3 small tabs of Velcro on each tip. Fits perfectly at the wheel edge where wheel meets rubber. It's secure, easy on and easy off. (But I do check it on my walk-around pre-flights before each mission.) I also changed out my rear 6V tail light to 6V LED and that made a huge difference. (And always drive with headlights on.)

Good work!
Eddie
V/r Eddie
1942 GPW #5739 "Sentimental Reasons"
MVPA & MVCC


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