42 GPW Script 26708 Restoration

[1942 Ford GPW 352nd]

Hello all,
I am hoping that I can use this great forum to ask for some help. I had purchased the jeep with the motor, however the motor was separate from the jeep and it is unknown the overall condition of the jeep and the last time the engine was running. It was suggested that I should remove the head plate and oil pan to get a better visual of the condition of the engine. I was able to remove 14 of the 15 nuts/bolts that secure the headplate. I soaked the last nut in PB blaster over the last few days and tried to heat it, but no luck. She just won't budge. Does anyone have any suggestions on how best to proceed? Once I get the last stubborn nut loose, does anyone have any suggestions on removing the headplate? I would assume that the headplate will be just as stubborn based upon the difficulty with the nuts/bolts. Apologies in advance for my lack of experience, but was hoping that I can get some great advice!

[chibobber]

If possible use a nut splitter. If not use a zizz wheel grinder on the nut.Chances are you will have to replace the head stud what ever you do. Use a dead blow hammer on the head to dislodge it.I all else fails,brute force and ignorance will get the job done.
Good luck.

[1942 Ford GPW 352nd]

Thanks for the suggestion Chibobber, I will try it if I am still having difficulty.

To satisfy my curiosity, I decided to use paint stripper on the rear panel to see if the numbers were still present. Unfortunately, it appears as though the panel was stripped down to the bare medal and then painted yellow. Although it was disappointing, I did however find out more information about my jeep's history. The previous owner had stated that the jeep was modified and used by the Higgins Boat Company. Upon stripping the data plate on the dash, I found this. Can anyone provide more information how this dataplate?

[Klaas]

Your jeep has been through the Government rebuild program in 1945, being rebuilt by Moore Equipment Co. as stated on the (rare) dashboard plate.
I can be of course that your jeep was used by Higgins, but they also were part of that rebuild program and had their own dash plates.
There were about 10 firms employed in that rebuild program in 1944 -1945.
See this link for more information:
http://www.ewillys.com/category/ordnanc ... actureing/

My GPW was rebuilt by Higgins.

[Ian Fawbert]

Hello Ian,
I have attached a couple of photos of the mirror arm and bracket. I hope this helps!

Thanks for taking the time to share photos of the mirror assembly. Greatly appreciated.

Ian.

[1942 Ford GPW 352nd]

Spending a fair amount of time lately cleaning parts by removing years of built-up rust, dirt and grime. Took a fair amount of time to properly clean the T-84 and now onto the transfer case. Unfortunately, no major progress to report as of yet, but thought I would share my latest findings. In addition to the tag on the jeep body, I found these tags on the transfer case along with the front & rear axles. Does anyone know if these plates from the Moore Equipment Corporation are common?

[twinflyer17]

Unfortunately, no major progress to report as of yet

Todd,

Any progress is good no matter how big or small! And a super cool find discovering the rebuild tags. I don't personally know anything about them, but they definitely help to make your jeep's history that much more real in my opinion!

[1942 Ford GPW 352nd]

Thanks Sean. Progress has been slow due to family and the weather. Seen alot of rain here lately in Buffalo. I have been working on cleaning up the front axle and noticed some pitting on the knuckles and spindle assembly. Is this pitting "normal" and other than using some light grit sandpaper, are there any other suggestions on how to improve the surface?

[twinflyer17]

Hey, Todd. I had similar pitting on my axles, too. I wasn't worried about it and not sure there's a good way to clean it up without removing material from the surfaces anyway. I'm sure others will give similar feedback, at least I hope!

[Ez8]

Is this pitting "normal" and other than using some light grit sandpaper, are there any other suggestions on how to improve the surface?

Heck, you can't see it from my house so you might as well leave it.

You could try using some filler primer after your initial pass of rust preventing primer. I use Red Oxide filler primer from Duplicolor. You can get it at O'Reilly.

[1942 Ford GPW 352nd]

Thanks Sean and Ez8 for your response. I thought I might be overly-concerned about the mild corrosion, but wanted to gain some insight from the group to ensure that if necessary, I would deal with it now.

[jkillelea]

I had heard about an aluminum filler. Here is the product, which is all metal. I think it should be better than plastic bondo filler. I haven't tried it, but I will when I get to doing some metal bodywork.
Good luck,
John

US Chemical All-Metal Repair Compounds USC-14060

[Ez8]

I use a similar product in my restoration and it works pretty well. It has a pretty short pot life once you mix it so make sure you don't make too much of it at a time.

You might also look at JB weld quick epoxy for these areas, also. It's easy to mix and work with and will give you a similar result.

[jkillelea]

One thing I do when there is pitting from rust, that is to use phosphoric acid which will dissolve any remaining rust in the pits. This is the same chemical in Coke, and it(Coke) could dissolve rust and metal by the way. Different companies sell it (Eastwood, Auto body suppliers). I originally got mine from Home Depot, although I think they may not have the same strength. It will get rid of the black rust in tiny holes/pits. Next I would use either JB Weld or a metal bonding filler on the knuckles and spindles. I don't think you can prime these metal parts where there is constant wear involved. Good luck. Show us some pix of your progress. Thanks.
John

[1942 Ford GPW 352nd]

Haven't posted in some time as there has been minimal progress on the Jeep due to work and family. Travels took me to Europe just before year-end and had to make a special visit Obersalzberg, Germany as it was on my "WWII bucket list" of places to see. Not many original WWII historic buildings to see in the town as most of them have been blown-up during and after the war, but had an opportunity to visit the Eagle's Nest. The trip up the Eagle's Nest would've been better had I driven up the mountain in a jeep, however the route is restricted to tour buses only.