Unusual jeep

Little Jo · #1 12-12-11, 05:55

Hi All

I noticed this WW2 Jeep for sale on e-Bay. The vehicle is for sale in Australia and is advertised as a 06/1942 FORD/WILLYS JEEP. I am confused as it does not appear to be the same as my 1942 MB Willys Jeep I recently restored. The Data plate shows it as a "Ford" and the engine has "Willys Jeep" on the top of the engine head, which mine does not. My Engine number is behind the Oil filter and my chassis Number which is confirmed for a 04/08/1942 delivered MB Willys Jeep.

The vehicle for sale states the engine number as: GPW11542, and the chassis number as 112330. I have enclosed photos and would be interested if it is a "Ford" or "Willys" Jeep. The chassis number 112330 is in the 1942 MB Willys Jeep manufacture range. I am Confused.

Details off e-Bay below.

Cheers

Tony

Quote:

FORD WILLYS JEEP - 06/1942 - GOOD RELIABLE WORKING CONDITION- VERY ORIGINAL AND AUTHENTIC - VIC HISTORIC REG ...09586-H

Good Early example of FORD/WILLYS JEEP. Has recently been approved for rego by the Victorian Military Vehicle Club, the Tester commented favourably on how original it was. Drives very nicely, front brakes just reconditioned. Starts first time (foot starter, kill switch) all canvass seats good, solid body. Paint acceptable, however a repaint would make vehicle top class.

-12 volt electrical system -original Left-Hand Drive -near new tyres -good canvass top - new points, plugs, oil. -indicators and lights.

Unfortunately I am not giving it the attention it deserves and when I do my wife does not give me the favourable attention I deserve.

Vehicle is at Burwood, Victoria. You are welcome to look and hear run, no joy rides sorry.

Lynn Eades · #2 12-12-11, 10:00

The Willys were built first. When ford started building them, they used Willys chassis in the first lot.
To give you an idea, Willys serial 112815 has a delivery date of 16th Jan 42
Ford serial112401 was delivered in april 43.
The Cyl head with "willys" cast into it, is post war(if i remember correctly)
The Willys has a round tube cross member in front of the grill.
The Ford has the inverted Channel cross member (there are many other differences) As stated the early Fords correctly have a Willys chassis.

Little Jo · #3 12-12-11, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn Eades

The Willys were built first. When ford started building them, they used Willys chassis in the first lot.
To give you an idea, Willys serial 112815 has a delivery date of 16th Jan 42
Ford serial112401 was delivered in april 43.
The Cyl head with "willys" cast into it, is post war(if i remember correctly)
The Willys has a round tube cross member in front of the grill.
The Ford has the inverted Channel cross member (there are many other differences) As stated the early Fords correctly have a Willys chassis.

Hi Lynn

Thank you for getting back and sorting that out for me. I was confused as to how the guy was advertising the Jeep. I think prospective buyers should be aware of the differences.

Cheers

Tony

Lynn Eades · #4 12-12-11, 10:32

Get on the G503 forum. It should cater to your appetite (come back though)

jason meade · #5 12-12-11, 12:57

Seems to just be an early ford with a late willys engine inplace of the original, Willys engines were cast better and survived better than fords did, Fords were known to crack in several places.
As stated ford did use willys numbers for awhilewhile using willys frames at the same time untill they got up and running.
Jeep looks ok, but has m-38 rims or cj rims. hood blocks are wrong, signal lights,and should be 6 volt.
Guess the said club should relook at how original it is...lol
Jason

Little Jo · #6 13-12-11, 00:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by jason meade

Seems to just be an early ford with a late willys engine inplace of the original, Willys engines were cast better and survived better than fords did, Fords were known to crack in several places.
As stated ford did use willys numbers for awhilewhile using willys frames at the same time untill they got up and running.
Jeep looks ok, but has m-38 rims or cj rims. hood blocks are wrong, signal lights,and should be 6 volt.
Guess the said club should relook at how original it is...lol
Jason

Hi Jason

You are correct, closer inspection does show some variations to the original. As I am only new to the restoration game and having restored mine from the chassis up, I had to have it all original before I could get it approved road worthy at the government garage and signed off prior to registration to drive on the road. Our club (Wartime Vehicle Conservarion Group, also had to inspect the vehicle and sign off as original before my Jeep could be registered. I am concerned for any new prospective members joining any Military Club that they may not always purchase an original vehicle. I guess I was lucky that I joined a club first and had a lot of support and assistance from members before I started looking for a project. I also had a good mate who assisted in locating the right vehicle.

Cheers

Tony