Let's Fix This Mess

[Ian Fawbert]

Hi Vic. In short the host closed and site has stopped… new one in progress (slowly!). If you need anything just PM me (or call/message if you’ve my number!).

Thanks, Ian.

[Vic ALLAN]

Thanks Ian...no problem
Cheers
Vic

[Klaas]

Clinch nuts location 3 orange.
- I’m still unsure on the clinch nuts. Where are they fitted? In the tub or chassis?

Hi Oz and Ian,

Clinch nut on 3 orange is fitted in the body tub; the bolt goes in from underneath, because the fuel tank sits on top and you can't get at it from above without removing the tank first.

Bolts in location 2 are not present on all GPW's. On my Ford body they are absent and there are no holes in that location. I presume that is an early vs. late thing.
I think you are missing out the two bolts that fix the front gussets to the side of the chassis rails and go into a nut welded inside the chassis. Can be a bit awkward if you want to lift the tub off with these two still in place
You gave the answer already in the second post, Oz:

" 3. Bolt No. 2 is most likely one of the following options:
a. These are the bolts that attach the Gusset to the frame rail, which in the SNL, February 1945, are referred to as: Gusset, Front Toe board to frame, Left and Right Assembly, OR
b. These are used in lieu of the spring bolts No. 1 in later production, but the TM still lists the longer special bolts and springs."

It is option a!

[Klaas]

I knew I had a picture of the body pillar without bolt somewhere... early into the renovation of GPW17331.

[JAB]

I noticed that you list 4 bolts for position #6 as being 4 each, 20386 5/16-18 X 1, which makes perfect sense. My manual has always been at odds with common sense in that it lists just 2 bolts, and at 1-5/8" (too long, and 4 are actually required). My manuals list the bolt as WO-52857 for the Willys part number without a corresponding Ford part. In the past I used common sense and used either inch or 1-1/8" bolts in the rear crossmember. What source are you using for this info? I obvioulsy need to upgrade my source material as I assemble a Ford bodied '43 soon. Thanx!

[17thAirborne]

I noticed that you list 4 bolts for position #6 as being 4 each, 20386 5/16-18 X 1, which makes perfect sense. My manual has always been at odds with common sense in that it lists just 2 bolts, and at 1-5/8" (too long, and 4 are actually required). My manuals list the bolt as WO-52857 for the Willys part number without a corresponding Ford part. In the past I used common sense and used either inch or 1-1/8" bolts in the rear crossmember. What source are you using for this info? I obvioulsy need to upgrade my source material as I assemble a Ford bodied '43 soon. Thanx!

It is the TM dated March 43. One has to go to the hardware section of the TM, find the part number to get the length. Also, the hardware listed just below the bolt in the TM is assumed to go with that bolt.

[17thAirborne]

Ian, Klaas et al,

Here is the latest version after conferring with a few others on the phone. PLease keep commenting until we are all (mostly) happy. I'll continue to modify the updates. The image is converted from Office Libre, to a pdf, then into an image, so quality has suffered. Perhaps there is a better way to post the data. When we get the final version, I can work on that.

[JAB]

I just noticed that you listed 3/8 lockwashers for positions 5 and 6 instead of 5/16.

Also, thanks for the source. I may have a re-print of an earlier manual tucked away. I need to take a look and compare.

Thanx!

[17thAirborne]

I just noticed that you listed 3/8 lockwashers for positions 5 and 6 instead of 5/16.

Also, thanks for the source. I may have a re-print of an earlier manual tucked away. I need to take a look and compare.

Thanx!

Hardware Listing above has been updated to reflect 5/16 lock washers and their correct GPW part number...thanks

[17thAirborne]

Another issue to resolve is the use of 14 pads for 12 bolts. We've added the two bolts for the gussets which bring us to 14 bolts, but these go into the side rails of the frame, and if you notice in the image there are two additional pads laying on the frame rail. The two circled in yellow are forward of the Bolt No. 1. I am thinking these go under the gusset rails as they lay ontop of the frame after getting bolted into the side of the frame rail via the two angled brackets. I am awaiting the council of those in the know. Will post when I hear something.

[Ian Fawbert]

Hi Oz,

I haven't forgotten you/this.

I am gathering information to support your observations.

In short though, it seems I was wrong on some of the split lock washer observations I (thought I !!!!) had made. I will clarify these when I add supporting information in the coming days.

Thanks again,
Ian.

[JAB]

GPW 230283 had a pad under each toeboard gusset when I took it apart. The rivet head on the frame rail (IIRC) held it in and it's "stickyness" (when it was new?) kept it from turning or being spit out. The pads were of a canvas strap type of material that appeared to be soaked in asphalt, similar to the asphalt impregnated loom that's used to protect the tail light pigtails, gas line, and brake lines.

[Klaas]

GPW 230283 had a pad under each toeboard gusset when I took it apart. The rivet head on the frame rail (IIRC) held it in and it's "stickyness" (when it was new?) kept it from turning or being spit out. The pads were of a canvas strap type of material that appeared to be soaked in asphalt, similar to the asphalt impregnated loom that's used to protect the tail light pigtails, gas line, and brake lines.

Same thing for GPW17331. All the (remains of the) 14 pads were of the fabric and asphalt type. Not rubber.

[Raflad]

I took this photo of mine prior to disassembly, you can see the pad.

[Klaas]

Hi Oz. Still been thinking about bolts nr. 2 between the body pillar and the floor. In the first post you speak about VEP and EP (possibly MP also) bolt locations. The article you quote in post 7 in which this bolt location are mentioned is about a 1945 GPW so LP. Would be a good thing to see if VEP/EP/MP had these bolts fitted or when the change was made. I personally think these bolts were fitted after Ford stopped making bodies, ie Composite. Did Willys have them from the beginning?