GPW 2956

Ronnie Guin · Post by **Ronnie Guin** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:23 pm

I brought the frame back from the sandblasters Thursday. I wanted to share some of the markings I found with everyone. Of sourse the serial number on the Willys frame.

What about the battery tray. It was the only part that had rust through on the whole frame. The other repairs I am making are due to add on angle iron and such mainly to the rear crossover.

What about this big "F" on the lower right front side of the front axle. My other GPW does not have an "F" there? It has a "4". I also found script "F"s on the two welded on brake line brackets on the front axle.

I also have a Ross steering box. The three large bolts holding it on all have nice big script "F"s on them. I am told the early GPWs had Ross steering boxes?

I have also have found one "F" marked brake drum. Have not checked the other three. "F" marked pintal hook with two eyelets. "F" marked transmission cross member with GPW T-84 (Not right hand plugs, but later left hand plugs) and GPW transfer case. Original GPW marked splash pan was still on it and is perfect. Anyway hope this helps some for the VEF.

Ronnie Guin · Post by **Ronnie Guin** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 5:13 pm

2956 before I loaded it for the sandblaster.

After the sandblaster.

maeserik · Post by **maeserik** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 11:21 pm

Doesnt the sand enter the axles when you sandblast them.
I am going to start the restoration on my gpw this summer and I was wondering iff the sand does not dammage the bearings etc of the axles when you leave them on the chassis.

Best regards

Ronnie Guin · Post by **Ronnie Guin** » Mon Mar 26, 2007 12:54 pm

All of it is coming apart soon. I will clean everything out in the axles and put in new seals, bearings, brakes, and the works. Had no intentions of using all of that stuff that had sat around for years rusting.

iowa · Post by **iowa** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 8:18 am

hi ronnie
the sand will get in two places:
the diff breather hole
and the space between the brake shoe
and the hub.
both of these i tape off securely.
i also sandblast 1st
and then tear is all down
good luck with your low gpw.
i really liked the large 'f' on the diff.
mine didn't have that.
is it only up to a certain number?
dave

Ronnie Guin · Post by **Ronnie Guin** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 5:57 pm

I do not know if the big "F" on the diff. means anything or not? I think my early GPW would be a good candidate to compare other early GPWs too. Maybe we can come up with some new unknown things about VEF. The reason is it was owned by the same GI for almost sixty years (He bought it in 1946 from the Army). He has told me a lot about its history. While there is a lot of f marks on the axle supports and brake clips, there were no "F" marked bolts on the body. All of the grab handles were intact and had the same size bolts. All were smooth head, but the grab handles themselves have very nice stamped "F" on each of them. Much clearer than my Septemeber GPW has. On the frame the three big bolts holding the steering box on all have nice big "F"s on them. The Steering box is a ROSS which they say is what should be on it rather than the "F" box.

William · Post by **William** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 9:05 pm

Just a question ....

is this the original battery tray ?

Mike Wright · Post by **Mike Wright** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 4:18 am

William,
I'd say it is as it looks just like mine, to include the rust

William · Post by **William** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 4:26 am

From when , or till when , were the "slatgrill" battery trays used on the VEP GPW's with Willys frames ?

Thanks

Post by **Frank** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 10:04 am

William wrote:From when , or till when , were the "slatgrill" battery trays used on the VEP GPW's with Willys frames ?

Thanks

Who said they where used on the VEP GPW`s?

Ronnie Guin · Post by **Ronnie Guin** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 5:16 pm

William, as far as I can tell the battery tray is the original one. There is no indications of any of the brackets or rivets being molested or tampered with. I know the slat grill battery tray is a little different, but why would the Army change out the battery tray on a four year old jeep? Remember the guy I got the jeep from bought it in November of 1946 from the Army. He said he never changed out the battery tray. The frame has none of the usual corrosion or rust under the battery tray either.

Mike Wright · Post by **Mike Wright** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 7:54 pm

I don't think VEP's ever had the slat battery tray unless it were a few very very early VEP's. My GPW 2636 has a standard MB type battery tray.
Any other VEP's have the 2 piece Slatt tray

Jon S · Post by **Jon S** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:06 pm

I have never seen a VEP GPW with a 2 piece style battery tray. Just my humble opinion, but I think the Midland frames supplied all had the standard battery tray. Jon S.

Ronnie Guin · Post by **Ronnie Guin** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 7:43 am

I am wondering if the Script "F" on the front axle lower right in picture above is a VEP thing?? I was looking at Bobby Nowlands 885 and 9202 VEP jeeps yesterday and botn have the Script "F" in the same location as mine. 9202 is not restored, but looks like it could be put back together.

GI jeeps · Post by **GI jeeps** » Mon Apr 02, 2007 11:56 pm

It has been wickedly butchered but Old Four definately has the remains of a two piece slat type battery tray.

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