Jeep ID and repair opinions

[Seeker81]

Hello guys, I have what I believe to be a 1945 Willys MB but it had a CJ2A engine. This is my first restoration so I'm kinda lost. I believe this is a MB frame but I would like to hear from some knowledgeable people for identification. I would also like to know if this frame is salvagable and if so can someone steer me in the right direction as to where I need to take the frame for repairs and what parts I should have replaced? Thanks.

[htc]

Hello Seeker81,

That frame is shot. I would not try to repair it.
If this is your first restoration you better start with something better. Sorry about that.

I hope you find a replacement.
Greetings

Hans

[parker007]

maybe some parts for your new frame to repair.

[dpcd67]

New made frames are being sold. Buy one of those.
Oh, welcome to the forum.
You will definitely need to learn to do the work yourself; body work, welding, painting, etc; the very idea of "taking" jeep restorations to someone else to do the work is, for me, giving up all the fun and rewards of the process. Even engine assembly is well within average skills. Of course an old time auto machine shop is needed for the machine work.
All your restoration parts are available from the guy who pays for us to use this great site, Ron Fitzpatrick, at the top of this page. In case you are wondering where to get parts.
You also need a complete set of TMs, including the SNL, and AAW, and read Jeep Draw, and this site for a couple of. months before you do anything.

[Seeker81]

New made frames are being sold. Buy one of those.
Oh, welcome to the forum.
You will definitely need to learn to do the work yourself; body work, welding, painting, etc; the very idea of "taking" jeep restorations to someone else to do the work is, for me, giving up all the fun and rewards of the process. Even engine assembly is well within average skills. Of course an old time auto machine shop is needed for the machine work.
All your restoration parts are available from the guy who pays for us to use this great site, Ron Fitzpatrick, at the top of this page. In case you are wondering where to get parts.
You also need a complete set of TMs, including the SNL, and AAW, and read Jeep Draw, and this site for a couple of. months before you do anything.

Thanks for the info on the new frames.

The mechanical work I have no problem doing. I've already rebuilt my Dana 18 transfercase and T84 transmission.

[GSS]

I would second that. Buy a brand new frame for safety especially since this is your first restoration. The new MB frames are good quality and accuracy is excellent…..definitely better than some repro bodies. There will be plenty of fun learning for all other parts!

[Adam]

Post some pics of the rest of the jeep. In FL, do you have a title? dont waste your money building anything if you need a title to get tags on it down there.

On the other hand, i have not heard good things about repop frames from the philipines, you may be able to find a better used one that was not sitting in the salt water bog. Might have to drive into TN or GA though, or get a better project with a title.

What do you want to build? a frame off nut and bolt factory resto or just something to drive? why a ww2 jeep?

There is a jeep club on the east coast near the palm beaches for one, and some members are in fl and may be of help to you. There is also a military vehicle meet N of you near orlando coming soon.

I have all the tm's, they come in handy now that it is getting cold and i need to get the wood burner a going.

Adam

[DogDoc]

You are correct about the frame being a MB frame. Post some engine pics and you can get some help with that as well. Welcome to the hobby. I appreciate what the others are saying but I personally would look for a MB frame. It will be a “motor pool” restoration anyway.

[Seeker81]

Post some pics of the rest of the jeep. In FL, do you have a title? dont waste your money building anything if you need a title to get tags on it down there.

On the other hand, i have not heard good things about repop frames from the philipines, you may be able to find a better used one that was not sitting in the salt water bog. Might have to drive into TN or GA though, or get a better project with a title.

What do you want to build? a frame off nut and bolt factory resto or just something to drive? why a ww2 jeep?

There is a jeep club on the east coast near the palm beaches for one, and some members are in fl and may be of help to you. There is also a military vehicle meet N of you near orlando coming soon.

I have all the tm's, they come in handy now that it is getting cold and i need to get the wood burner a going.

Adam

I will post some pics of the remaining parts tomorrow and post them up. A little history on the Jeep it was recovered from a field in PA. apparently it was used as a snow plow and over the years many cj2a parts were used in place of MB parts. I purchased it and sat in VA for about 5 years and now it is here with me in the sunshine state. I enjoy the WWII era and I think I would really enjoy a motor pool restoration that I could drive around. I will also check out the local groups.

[Seeker81]

You are correct about the frame being a MB frame. Post some engine pics and you can get some help with that as well. Welcome to the hobby. I appreciate what the others are saying but I personally would look for a MB frame. It will be a “motor pool” restoration anyway.

I will post up more pics tomorrow.

[dpcd67]

Not everyone sees any need to study the TMs. I strongly discourage that philosophy. You can't own or maintain any MV without them. I spent literally two careers trying to get soldiers, then civilians, to use their TMs. Guys, especially, resist it.

[Seeker81]

Here are more pics. I'm not sure if the axles and wheels are MB or CJ but I think the rest are MB parts other then the engine which I believe is a 47-48 CJ. I also have the MB data plates but they are in storage right now.

[Seeker81]

More pics.

[Seeker81]

Last set of pics

[Klaas]

You have got a very nice pile of MB and GPW parts there. Axles look correct for GPW or MB, but the wheels are CJ or similar. Fenders look like they are Ford GPW so check for the script F on the top surface. Body is Willys MB or ACM and you got one GPW toolbox lid. Grille is MB/GPW and hood looks correct too.

You got your work cut out, but not un do-able. See other restoration threads here on the G for inspiration and how it's done. Good luck with the restoration!!

And like dpcd67 said: study all TM's and available books!!!