1943 Willys FORD GPW

jeep

L134

GPW95032

Clear

You are bidding on a 1943 Ford GPW Serial Number 95032 with a DOD of 2-1-1943. The jeep has matching frame and glovebox data plate. The motor is actually out of an amphibious Ford GPA jeep. This jeep found it's way to me a few years ago and came out of the Reno, NV area where it had sat in a hanger for the last 20-30 years. The jeep was incredibly intact and complete. Nearly all the hard to find parts were/are there including the original tandom tow bar, original f script rear seat, f script top bows, and a ton of the little stuff like the oil can bracket. Really it was kind of an unrestored barn find of a gem. Unfortunately it did not run, needed a couple of body repairs, and had a few extra coats of paint with the last coat not catalyzed properly leaving it with a cracked and gooey texture. So, it needed some work and paint. I set off to do something a little different with this jeep and I think it's kind of unique in a world full of either over or inaccurately restored jeep. Something that would stand out and really show some of it's actual history and character. The jeep had/has never been off the frame (as evident by the pal nuts and a few other details), was so complete, original, and in such good shape; I didn't and don't think it needed a full restoration. I decided that the jeep was really just in need of some preservation and took it in a direction I would call a (prestorvation). ;) I set out to get it running, paint it, and put it back together to look more like it maybe had a little motor pool refresher. I replaced the non-durable goods such as rubber, canvas, leather, glass, seals, bearings and fluids. I had the transmission rebuilt which included replacing low/reverse gear. I went through the brakes and fuel systems and got the motor running. I hand sanded down the original paint on the body inside and out, repaired a small amount of rust in the shovel area, behind the reflectors, cleaned up a few extra holes and welds, and treated the jeep with a chemical rust converter and painted it with TM-9's epoxy primer and catalyzed Urethane paint. I stayed away from going after dents or dings and really wanted to preserve the original spot welds. I also stayed away from too much the underside of the jeep leaving it in original paint. The underside, hat channels, and steps were nearly perfect with the exception of a hole directly over the muffler and a few in the fuel sump. (see pictures) These holes are still there but heavily treated with the rust converter and with proper care and preservation don't think they will further become an issue. I left the engine compartment as original as possible; The motor is still in the original Ford factory paint and opening the hood is like opening a time capsule every time. The jeep is incredibly original. Quite literally with the exception of the non durable goods, the only reproduction parts on the entire jeep are the reflector bezels (reflectors are original WW2), a small hand full of hardware like the emergency brake return spring, a few bolts, and some of the imitation front gusset rivets, the tandom tow bar data plate, and the exhaust system. I made every attempt to replace the very few missing items with original take offs or NOS. I did things like have the straps for ax shovel created from surplus WW2 straps to make the jeep closer to correct. Again, It really wasn't missing much when I got the jeep and most of the stuff on the jeep is f script. The jeep does run and drive well. The jeep is still on 6v and charging system works as it should. It starts well, doesn't smoke, and is definitely solid enough to use on a daily basis or your occasional gentle trail ride or parade. It shifts easily and the transfer also works as it should. I would actually consider the GPA motor the next best thing to full matching numbers in a motor pool jeep because of the unique historical significance, the conversation resulting from it, likely lighter use, and ability to pull it with option to sell the motor to the right GPA person for much more than a regular replacement motor. I really want you as the potential buyer to be happy with the jeep and understand what you are buying. I do want to says that its not quite perfect and will need some tinkering over time but really it's stuff you work with as you go. The wiring harness is original but in the long run I think it may need replaced as it is brittle in certain areas. Most all of the lights work but a couple do not. I believe this is specifically due to the wiring harness. There are few other things that still need attention: I unhooked the speedometer because it was still bouncing after lubing the cable and I didn't want to possibly damage it. The fuel gauge doesn't work and I blame the wiring from the sender unit but haven't found a NOS one or takeoff in decent enough shape to replace it with. The f script emergency brake does work but tends to get hung in the cable and you sometimes you have to crawl under the jeep to help it. Even after sending the radiator to a professional shop for testing and repair it has a small pin hole leak that doesn't amount to much but really bothers me. Also after going through the break system It works fine but I feel it's a little soft, If I did it again I would turn the drums and put new pads on. Really these things are not really pressing but could use attention in the pursuit of perfection. To be clear the jeep has: - new Beeachwood canvas seats- TM-9 ordnance paint- 5 new firestone NDT tires on original combats - New glass - new seals/gaskets on the axels, transmission, transfer, oil pan- transmission rebuilt (new Richard Sanders low/reverse gear) - transfer refreshed- brakes rebuilt - radiator flushed repaired- fuel system flushed - new rubber on the wheels and windshield - new paint The jeep has all original: - combat wheels x5 - sparton r2-14 horn - air cleaner f script crossover- f fuel filter - tandom tow bar- f script top bows- f script fenders - f script flat top grill with a bullet hole I didn't add :) - NOS door straps - stimsonite No 12 reflectors- f script seats x3- F script body handles- lots of f script bolts- original gauges- glove box data pates- 6v sytem+ much, much, more... I will also include an: - Original 1943 Wheeling jerry can *with multiple layers of markings for 616th TC which as far as I can find WW2 is one of the bomber squadron/training center with the Tuskegee Airmen?- Orignal Jack- Original QMC Tire pump w/o hose - Original Hand Crank- First aid box- ax- shovel- helmet- musette bag- Original 1944 TM9-803 in nearly pristine condition- Original Hard bound copy of "The Military Jeep Complete" - and a good start to a Tool kit built many NOS tools The jeep does have a clear Idaho title in my name but I do want to mention that it has a note/brand that says it was "issued on statement of applicant" that expires 11/16/15. I don't expect this to cause any troubles and was only noted as such because I purchased it from some one who never titled it themselves. I do have a photo copy of the original and want to be clear it did have a title singed off by the original owner when it came to me. Really this has been a labor of love for me the last few years. I have a new baby on the way and need to let it go. I really think this is a very unique jeep that is extremely complete and original. I think there are very few out there that even could be considered to just be preserved rather than restored. Don't miss your chance to own this one. PLEASE ask any questions, CAREFULLY EXAMIN ALL PICTURES, and request any pictures before bidding. I would also be happy to show it in person if you have the ability, are truly a serious interested party, and would like to come look. A deposit of $500 is due within 48 hrs of the auction ending, full payment is due within 14 and the jeep needs to be picked up within 30 days unless specifically discussed with me. Shipping is responsibility of the buyer. Happy bidding!!! On Nov-24-12 at 18:20:49 PST, seller added the following information: There are about 200 photos in this slide show. If you are having trouble viewing it please first try to refresh your window, if you still have trouble let me know and we can figure out how to get at least some of them to you. On Nov-24-12 at 19:25:02 PST, seller added the following information: Here's a video of the motor: http://youtu.be/Cn9DZ_ns2RY On Nov-27-12 at 15:52:32 PST, seller added the following information: . An interested party requested a video of the tailpipe while the engine was running to see if it smokes. Here's a short clip:http://youtu.be/h-7VYmMyJZg