New project! '45 GPW matching 268872

[Jpjedi]

After a period of working on Unimogs I decided to switch to WW2 'level'. Being an engineer the restoration bit is as much hobby as bringing history alive. Found a Texas GPW from may '45 in very good original condition, fully matching, but with small adjustments for hunting (ea steps welded to the rear bumper, extended side steps etc. Rear seat, top bow, spare wheel carrier/foot, bumperettes, jerry can, horn and regulator are missing (already found an original rear seat and a correct regulator).

The jeep already landed in Belgium and will get to my workshop by the end of the year as I have to move first, early December. So working on my network, sourcing the obviously required stuff, reading and watching hours of YouTube videos!Especially finding out details on things like model of tire pump, fuel filter y/n (holes in body but no filter), manual tandem wipers or vacuum (holes for vacuum line is plugged), etc. etc. etc. Very very interesting! Ordered the must-have books of course to dig in deeper but must say, the G503 board holds a wealth of info!

Goal is to restore it to factory fresh condition, with original parts only. Since it will be tough to get all parts sourced on short term, I might want to use repro temporarily till I find the original piece.

BTW: I found my project via an active board member from G503 and I am very very grateful. Will visit him after he returns from his holidays in September.

Greetings from a Dutch guy living in Belgium.
JP

Tonight I will try to upload some pictures. hereby already one to start with.

[Jpjedi]

[horrocks]

That looks very straight and unmolested. Congratulations, and best wishes, great project.

[Jpjedi]

That looks very straight and unmolested. Congratulations, and best wishes, great project.

Thanks!

[Mark Jesic]

A great find and project, keep us posted please.

[conrod6]

Original gauges too - this jeep is a dream find.

Barrie

[Jpjedi]

Thanks! Indeed very happy with it.

Just ordered the break-off rivet bolts from Brent Mullins and sent a shopping list to some local NOS stocked suppliers in The Netherlands. Next thing will be getting the typical overhaul kits for the Axles/transmission/transmission/engine. I will change the bearings anyways but will do the gears after inspection only. With 18k miles it should not be too bad I expect but who knows...

Any tips on a party in Europe that can refurbish the gauges? Not very comfortable with taking these apart. Not sure if I can do that myself without risking a 'small parts mess' after opening it. The temp and fuel gauge will need a new glass minimum, the others should be a cleaning job I hope. Of course need to see if they function.

[44kubel]

Very nice jeep! My 45 GPW 268910 was also made on May 15th at the Dallas plant. Was your jeep from California as mine was? I would be interested to know what the date code is on your original windshield glass.

Steve

[Jpjedi]

Hi Steve, thanks!

Mine is from Texas but did not investigate where it was made. Dallas would make sense though.

I will check the glass date, my picture is low res and the jeep is 100km from here in stock. (I am moving in November before it can come to my workshop)

As soon as I have it, I will share it!

[44kubel]

Hi JP,

From what I have heard the "4X4" stamping on the data plate is a feature found on the jeeps made at the Dallas plant. The other plants stamped different things in that spot like "1/4 T".

Steve

[Jpjedi]

Yup, another strong lead indeed. I asked Tom to check so see what his findings are.

[Jpjedi]

Got a nice mail from Tom!

From Ford Dallas plant records. GPW 268872 was prepped on May 16, '45 by being crated for shipping. The assigned registration number was USA 20734628.

[gpwmke]

Nice jeep. Continue to share pics as you work on it. Great find.

[Greendot319]

I owned 268333 and 268350 is also on the boards, they both had the same rifle rack fitted between the front seats, which points to them all being fitted out together and sold together or bought by the same company perhaps who fitted these racks, interesting detail, I wonder what happened to them all in the past!

[Jpjedi]

Wow, that is interesting Matt! If it was a batch that was released together and sold to a company that converted these, than I might want to ask around on facebook for more info. I found an even closer serial nr in Belgium, will check with him first!

Did yours also have the hunting steps at the rear of the jeep, a CJ wheel carrier and a reinforced hood (to put the shot animals on it fir transportation.)