Will I make it? Jeep project!

[Lars R.]

Hi guys!

...after being involved with G503 Jeeps for over 30 years, I managed to get my hands on one I was always dreaming of! A CDLV 241! (Details of which please find in signature). It was found in BC and does not feature the ETO conversions installed at CMD. Despite cautiously sanding down 4 layers of paint, I have been unable to find traces of markings or a DND number. But it looks like it was sanded down before when the other layers of paint were applied previously.

Unfortunately the engine as stamped on the plate is not in it anymore, however, it has a Canadaian DND replacement engine installed in July 1945. It is an engine 116xxx predating the manufacturing date of the Jeep by a fortnight or so. I believe this could be an engine which might have been delivered to Canada in a spares package included in the 241/242 contract, but that I could not confirm yet.

It is not a complete basket case, but I have a mountain to climb! It seems fairly complete and I am missing only a hand full of original parts. (Solid rims, early speedo, a decent black Sheller steering wheel). Most of the missing parts in the pictures I have sourced in the menatime. Greatest find was an original WILLYS imprinted back panel to replace the cut out rear.

Biggest challange is a fracture in the frame. Sheetmetal body work is managable.

It has some strange modifications. On these I might post later.

I hope to have it roadworthy by it's 80th birthday on 16 Feb next year. We will see!







...still some original OD under the hood!

[Lars R.]

In interesting modification involves the rear seat (the one in picture did not come with the Jeep). It was moved in the position of the passenger seat, using the bracket from the rear and a stopper for the back.

[Lars R.]

It also had the spare wheel carrier moved to the passenger side. There is no other paint then OD under the traces of the installation. Civi paint (yellow and red) must have come after this was done.

[Lars R.]

These brackets on the rear corners of the body are a mystery. They are well made and have OD paint on them. They use the original EC and TR20 marked bolts as well as the hooks for the rear seat...(also see pic in first post). Should anyone have an idea for what they might have been, please speak up. They do not seem to match any known ambulance set up. It might be important to note in this respect, that the tops of the inner fenders look perfect, no dents, as if protected by someting for a long time. Tool box covers look great also, with good hinges and still working locks. Inside of tool boxes with original OD, no dents or scratches. Rests for rear seet removed, additional bolt holes on inside of fenders. The side handles were moved back and up. All holes for top bow brackets ar removed handles welded shut. Same with stud holes for half doors or ax / shovel brackets and footman loops, fire extinguisher. It has the Canadian Mod for antirattle of the hood at the rear, but using the windscreen catches, not the CMP ones.

[David Dunlop]

Modified for stretchers perhaps?

David

[Lars R.]

David, that was also my first thought. But it does not match the known ambulance mods. I have the notion this would have been a Canadian based Jeep, so, would they have modded it into a frontline ambulance? Hmm?

My intention is to restore it to the "delivery" config. But I will take care that no measurements for the "changes" are lost and keep the brackets in store. I will also keep the rearseat mods at the passenger seat.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Hello Lars,

Welcome on MLU Forum and congrats on the CDLV jeep project.

Will be followoing this thread as I am interested to see how you will restore this to orginal configuration.

PS: please read posting images for tips on how to attach photos to your posts. While suracezero is a dependable host, the links to your pictures will one day disappear, rendering your thread far less informative. Thanks in advance!

[Eric B]

Hello

By looking at what you have, it seems there was a structure over your jeep. It could have been attached to the tubes on your rear corners and the tubes on the front frame.

I have been looking at many period in use in Canada photos and so far nothing comes close.

Certainly unique. I personally would have kept all of the oddities on unless they looked like they were a non military configuration.

Sometimes it is the differences which make it easier to identify later.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks

[Lars R.]

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra

Hello Lars,
...Will be followoing this thread as I am interested to see how you will restore this to orginal configuration.

Thanks Hanno! Info on fotos noted.

...original configuration. I hope I will meet your expactations! For me, this is not just a Jeep, it is my little Canuck!

To my wife's frustration, I am notorious for keeping stuff not "needed". So, I cut out these parts from a Jeep I restored over 20 years ago, as I did not like the modification...now I know what it is and it deserves to go on the Canuck!

[Lars R.]

And, although using Jeep catches, not CMP ones, another mod to keep. (note the welded shut holes for the fire extinguisher and shovel brackets as well as the still present hole and grommet for the wiper wiring):





I have a Dyneto, but unfortunately only a 2 post one...

[Lars R.]

For Mike: THE CRACK!

...only provisionally tacked, not repaired. To me it looks like an impact damage, not fatigue. Since there is no other deformation on the rail, I think the steel structure (snow plough?) hit soemthing and lifted it up and it snapped. You will also notice the snapped and deformed slat grill. Although it is in the area of the shock absorber, I believe it can be safely repaired once cleaned as it is in the way of the tubular x-member. What do you think?

[Matthew P]

The CJ-2A civilian jeeps after WW2 had a top cover system that used vertical tubes in the rear corners to support the top bows. Maybe sometime your Jeep was fitted with something similar to make a CJ top for CJ like top support.


Matthew