Will I make it? Jeep project!

[Lars R.]

Hey Chris & Terry,

the Frame should be O.K., it is fractured were many Jeep frames brake, especially if used as a snow plough. It is were the tube meets the side rail and it has full thickness, no rust, so, it has been repaird on other Jeeps before and should work.

That Jeep has had a long journey indeed, all they way through Canada back East, then to the US to be shipped accross the Atlantic and via 4 European countries till it finally turned up at my doorstep, but it found a good home I hope. It took over a Year though. In anticipation, I could collect many missing parts in those 12 months!

If it would have been a story about "just a Jeep", it probably would not have happened. We are spoilt rotten with mechanically very sound G503s in Europe, with many only having been sold off by Armies in the 1980s/90s and mostly well maintained! I think the Italians were the last to let some go in the early 2000s, from a Railway Engineers Battallion. But, most of these are complete salads having been rebuilt not only once, but some even three times! I have a Frence cast block (not Hotchkiss!!!), which was casted in 1989 for the French Army and assembled by them with WWII internals to a running engine in 1990!

So, if you want a fairly original 241 / 242 one, you need to look elsewhere and go the extra mile...and be prepared to take on a Challenge!

[Eric B]

Hello

It is not a standard military fire jeep, These brackets were not on the military modification, nor is it a stretcher jeep.

If they are original they create an interesting oddity... and puzzle.

I have not seen any CDN MB's painted yellow. There were some red for fire service. We did not have "Follow me vehicles" like the USA that I am aware of.

It is nothing that i have seen or have in my files. It could be a one of... but what?

Thanks
Eric

[Lars R.]

Lars is Lurchi!

Eric, I am puzzled too. It does not correspond with any stretcher versions I have seen. The airstrip Jeep / Fire Jeep seems a plausible (but unconfirmed) theory.

Looking at fire Jeeps, much seems consistent with what we have here. Although, it might have been a progressive evolution from plain to yellow "help" vehicle to fire truck later. It is all speculation and I do not claim anything.

What strikes me though, is the fact that the inner fenders and tool boxes are near to new, as if protected by a structure over a period of time. The rear brackets look well made and use the genuine TR 20 bolts and rear seat hooks and the modifications show some OD paint...either under it or even on it. Hence, my assumption, this happened early, if not even in Army (CAF) service. Strange, that all unused holes (Fire extinguischer, handles, side reflectors, top bow brackets, half doors. etc) were welded shut and show OD over the welding!. The cut out rear panel shows no trace of a hinge and was very neatly cut.

I simply don't know...

[Lars R.]

I was so lucky to get hold of this original back panel!

A friend of mine restoring a Slat thought it was not good enough for his and cut it out...

It needs some TLC, but I am happy with it!

[Lars R.]

I spent all day int he workshop today. Most of the time clearing up and making space...an then I though about the best way to get this Bubba bumper off without causing too much damage. I think I know how...in small steps. The good thing is, the original frame horns / bumper gussets are still there and possibly can be saved!

[Lars R.]

Need some advice: I have not detached the air deflecors from fenders yet. I fear the round haeded bolts will suffer, if not break. Alternative: restore fenders with them still attached and later blast them togeather and prime / paint them as a "unit", any thoughts?

[Mike K]

Hi Lars

I would definately remove the deflectors. Is there something special about the deflector fasteners ? Round head screws are available, you might have to search for the correct SAE thread type but I doubt that anyone will notice.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Lars R.

Need some advice: I have not detached the air deflecors from fenders yet. I fear the round haeded bolts will suffer, if not break. Alternative: restore fenders with them still attached and later blast them togeather and prime / paint them as a "unit", any thoughts?

Original material is good. If I can save it it goes back on pitting and all.