42 Ford GPW

How much did the WW2 Jeep weigh?

2008-07-26T03:03:00.001-04:00

Do you have the manuals? It's in there. IF you don't have them yet then look at this - General Stats.
Net weight - 2,453 lbs.
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173+ megabytes of jeep & related info.

Combat Wheel Torque Reading?

2008-07-25T02:59:00.001-04:00

When you put your combat rims together you should use a torque wrench and set the bolt to 60-70 ft. lbs.
Combat wheels are identified by eight bolts holding together the two halves of the tire rim. When removing a tire, first remove the wheel and be sure to deflate the tire before removing the rim nuts. After removing the rim nuts, remove the outer rim nuts, remove the outer rim then remove the tire after which remove the beard locking ring and tube from the tire. Mounting the tire is the reverse procedure. Do not put too much air in the tube when mounting.
From TM 10-1513 Change No. 1, May 15, 1942.

How do you bleed brakes?

2008-07-24T03:03:00.001-04:00

Bleeding Brakes.
(1) Remove cap screw from bleeder connection, and thread bleeder drain hose into this opening. Allow bleeder hose to hang in a clean container.
(2) Care must be taken not to drain the master cylinder reservoir during this operation; otherwise, air will enter and make rebleeding necessary. Reservoir must be full during the bleeding operation.
(3) Loosen bleeder screw one full turn, and depress the brake pedal slowly; then, allow pedal to return to the "OFF" position. Repeat this operation approximately 10 times, to provide a pumping action to force fluid through the line, and expel all air. This opera tion must be repeated at all four wheels to bleed the entire system.
(4) Watch flow from bleeder hose, keeping hose submerged in fluid in container. When air bubbles cease to appear, or when the stream is a clean, solid mass, close bleeder connection.

CAUTION: Fluid withdrawn during the bleeding operation should not be used again.

Is Viscosity a concern?

2008-07-23T03:42:00.001-04:00

Film thickness. Simplified equations have been developed to provide approximations of film thickness with a considerable degree of precision. Regardless of how film thickness is calculated, it is a function of viscosity, velocity, and load. As viscosity or velocity increases, the film thickness increases. When these two variables decrease, the film thickness also decreases. Film thickness varies inversely with the load; as the load increases, film thickness decreases. Viscosity, velocity, and operating temperature are also interrelated. If the oil viscosity is increased the operating temperature will increase, and this in turn has a tendency to reduce viscosity. Thus, an increase in viscosity tends to neutralize itself somewhat. Velocity increases also cause temperature increases that subsequently result in viscosity reduction. From EM 1110-2-1424 28 Feb 99.

Increased viscosity leads to increased operating temperature which is not good for either your engine or your transmission (or other mechanicals). That's why it is best to use the viscosity recommended by the original manufacturers. For example for the L-134 engine use 10 weight in the winter and 30 weight during the summer...or using modern oils you might consider using 10w30. For the transmission, transfer case and differentials use 90 weight during the summer and 80 weight during the winter.

Incendiary Blonde

2008-07-22T03:27:00.002-04:00

Incendiary Blonde Dark T-Shirt
Aircraft nose art print on your item. Beautiful blonde bombshell!
$19.99 plus shipping. Ships worldwide.
Size: Small Medium Large X-Large 2X-Large (+$3.00)
Color:Black Cardinal Military Green

Navy

AVAILABILITY: Dark Apparel will ship in a minimum of 5 business days. Please Note - We cannot guarantee delivery time for [beta] dark shirts. Product Number: 97584247 CLICK on product number link to order or call TOLL FREE in the US. 877.809.1659

Product Information
Fit: Not too tight, not too loose.
Fabric Thickness:Look cool without breaking the bank. Our durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton t-shirt is what to wear when you want to go comfortably casual. Preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.
5.6 oz. 100% cotton

WW2 USN Jeep - GPW poster

2008-07-21T04:30:00.000-04:00

A USN marked jeep being used by the USMC to tow a Marine glider.

Perfect for dressing up any wall, this is the perfect size for maximum visual impact, or instantly creating a theme for a room. Images look great on this high-quality poster, printed on heavyweight 7 mil semi-gloss paper using superior dye inks. Treat yourself or give as a gift.

This photo has been analyzed and appears to be an early Ford GPW. The poster is 29.6" x 19.5" and only costs $19.99 plus shipping. Order on line or by calling 877.809.1659 and giving the operator product number 79695474.

Replica 37mm Anti-Tank Gun at play

2008-07-20T03:28:00.001-04:00

Here's a good friend of mine, Mac, having way to much fun with his replica 37mm Anti-Tank Gun.

You can see more about Mac's gun by reading Until The Guns Come Off The Line. The story starts off with a Capt Johnson in 1940 who didn't have enough real guns to train his troops...so he built his own! He made the training guns from surplus Dodge's and other vehicles. Part two of the story picks up with Mac deciding to build his own. Check it out.

Army Jill Salutes The Troops

2008-07-19T03:40:00.001-04:00

Army Jill salutes the troops wherever they may be. She hopes that all of them will have a successful tour and that they will be able to come home safe and victorious.

Emergency or Parking Brake on the G503?

2008-07-18T03:37:00.001-04:00

It is a parking brake, not an emergency brake. This is made clear in the TM 9-803 on page 17, " Hand Brake (fig.5). The hand brake is applied by pulling out on the handle at the center of the instrument panel. Pull the handle out in a vertical position when the vehicle is parked. The brake is released by turning the handle one-quarter turn." Emphasis added. This is not to say you couldn't or shouldn't use the hand brake in an emergency but that is not what it is designed for.

As a parking brake it is "okay" but I usually place a chock against a wheel anyway.

WW2 Jill in Old Army Iron

2008-07-17T03:31:00.001-04:00

WW2 Jill in Old Army Iron-military vehicle-cartoon art. Use the tile as a coaster or decoration. Perfect for resting your hot coffee on or placing a cold sweaty beer--protect your other surfaces!
$9.99 plus shipping

AVAILABILITY: In Stock.
Product Number: 109474539
Product InformationLiven up any room or party with our fun, hip tile coasters, measuring 4.25” x 4.25” and 1/6-inch thick. Images are applied with a polyester resin that accepts dye as part of the coating. Four felt pads protect your furniture from scratches. Dishwasher safe. Not for use with abrasive cups and mugs.

Order on line by clicking the product number above. Or order TOLL FREE (US) by calling the number at left and

giving the operator the product number above.

Where can I get a new MB/GPW wheel hub?

2008-07-16T03:28:00.001-04:00

Brent Mullins Jeep Parts had hubs when I needed them. I've bought a couple from him just a two or three years ago and they are still listed on his website.

You will also want to consider purchasing bearings and cups as well as new LH or RH thread bolts for the wheel hub.

WO A-1691 "Hub, less bearings, front and rear" $42.50
WO 52943 "Cup, wheel bearing" $10.00
WO 52942 "Cone, wheel bearing" $17.50
WO A-473 "Bolt, wheel hub, LH thread" $2.50
WO A-474 "Bolt, wheel hub, RH thread" $2.50

Prices are subject to change but where listed on the website as I wrote this.

Improper Adjustment of the Clutch?

2008-07-15T03:21:00.002-04:00

Improper adjustment (no pedal free travel) will cause a slipping clutch and can be corrected by adjusting the pedal free travel. If this does not eliminate the slipping, the cause may be worn facings, grease on facings, clutch disk hub binding on clutch shaft, or insufficient spring tension. The clutch assembly must be replaced (par 224).

This is from a book I have edited called, "Automotive Trouble Shooting for WW2 Wheeled Vehicles, Volume 2." It is available from Amazon.com.

This book is for ALL WW2 wheeled vehicles...not just jeeps!

What is a peep?

2008-07-14T03:15:00.002-04:00

I received a query via e-mail saying how they liked my website (http://www.42fordgpw.com/) but had never heard of a "peep."

Back at the beginning of the jeep story, the 1/4-ton had an older bigger "brother"--the 1/2-ton Dodge Command Car. This was referred to many as a jeep. When the little quarter-ton showed up it was called "son of jeep" and "peep" (among other things). Well, Katherine Hilyard is credited with spilling the "jeep" story to the world. For the world the little vehicle was known as the "Jeep" (a registered trademark now belonging to Daimler-Chrysler).

However, in Armored circles the quarter-ton continued to be referred to as "peeps".

And of course the wonderful "peep":

Autobiography of a Jeep and more!

2008-07-13T07:21:00.000-04:00

Autobiography of a Jeep is a neat film available on DVD. It's only about 10 minutes long. Basicallly "The Jeep" tells you its story. There are scenes of all sorts of early jeeps racing about as the new guy (the Jeep) on the block sits out to prove itself to the other war machines.

The video is available thru Amazon.com and is under $10 (about $6.49). Price subject to change.

Another DVD to consider purchasing is Jeep: The Unstoppable Soldier. This is a good historical overview of the World War Two jeep and ends with a brief blurb or two about the Army's replacement vehicle - The Hummer. Also, available thru Amazon.com for only $17.99.

If you like WW2 jeeps you can't go wrong with either or both of these films.

Trouble Shooting And Rebuilding The T-84J

2008-07-12T03:10:00.001-04:00

Trouble Shooting And Rebuilding The T-84J
by Robert Notman

$34.95 PLUS SHIPPING

AVAILABILITY: Books will ship in a minimum of 5 business days. Product Number: 13014504
Genre: AutomobilesPaperback: 158 pages
Description: Rebuild the T-84J WW2 jeep Transmission Yourself! 42FordGPW

Synopsis:Trouble Shooting and Rebuilding The T-84J Transmission is an aide designed to help the novice to decide whether or not to rebuild the T-84J themselves. It covers all sorts of "tricks" and "how-to's" for tearing down, cleaning, inspecting and then assembling the rebuilt transmission. You will learn trouble shooting tips. Why is your transmission jumping out of gear? Is the T-84J really supposed to be noisy? And much, much more! You also might be interested in the CD version--to see a live action version of what is going on in the book.

Book Details: · Paperback: 158 pages · Binding: Wire-O · Publisher: Robert Notman (August 2004)

You can order online by clicking the link above or by calling TOLLFREE in the US at (877)809-1659.

Miss Bea Havin Military Green T-Shirt (other colors available!)

2008-07-11T03:03:00.001-04:00

Miss Bea Havin Dark T-Shirt
Jill as WW2 aircraft nose art Miss Bea Havin

$19.99 plus shipping. Ships worldwide.

Size: Small Medium Large X-Large 2X-Large (+$3.00)
Color:Black Cardinal Military Green Navy

AVAILABILITY: Dark Apparel will ship in a minimum of 5 business days. Please Note - We cannot guarantee delivery time for [beta] dark shirts. Product Number: 97361122 CLICK to order or call TOLL FREE in the US at (877)809-1659.

The Standardized War Time Jeep, 1941-45

2008-07-10T02:59:00.001-04:00

The Standardized War Time Jeep, 1941-45
Sneak a Peak at some of the pages.

Price: $29.95 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. See web site for details.

This is a pretty good book with a ton of pictures. Like most jeep books it contains some errors that detract from an otherwise fine effort by Mr. Farley. IF you wish to restore you jeep there are hundreds of jeep pictures to choose from that just might aid you.

Visit the 42FordGPW Bookstore for more books and other items related to the jeep.

1/4-Ton, Truck Lend Lease Shipments during WW2

2008-07-09T03:50:00.001-04:00

From "Lend Lease Shipments World War II" dated 31 December 1946; 182,597 jeeps shipped:

British Empire received 104,430

USSR 49,250

French Forces 9,736

China 6,944

Brazil 1,985

Other Latin American Countries 992

Canada 8,200

Netherlands 136

Other Countries 872

FEA (?) 52

How many of these jeeps are still in the country that lend-leased them?

Weight Class Markings for Jeeps during WW2?

2008-07-08T03:39:00.001-04:00

Like anything else with the jeep in WW2 if you look hard enough you can find examples. The US Army Training Circular No. 15, 1 Nov 1943 added the weight class markers to vehicles. It is described as square in shape (8" on a side). It says that no self-propelled vehicle whose weight-class is less than 5 tons will be marked. The lightest vehicle to be marked is the 1 1/2-ton truck. Another Training Circular was issued 15 March 1944. No jeeps.

That leaves us with TM 12-260. Anyone have a copy? Dated 31 December 1943. Did this include jeeps? There is also a Training Circular No. 7, 1944.

So far it looks like NO jeeps for US forces.

But all you have to do is look at war time pictures and you can see jeeps marked with a "2".

Perhaps like many things in WW2 it was up to the area Commanding General to dictate who, what, when and where...and how much?

Visit our webstore and don't forget to look at http://www.42fordgpw.com/
and our NEW web book store (where we sell more than books!)

12 volt or 6 volt?

2008-07-07T03:29:00.001-04:00

If you find a WW2 jeep converted to 12 volt should you leave it as found or restore it back to 6volt?

Leave it as is--leave it as YOU use it. If you want to pass it on to a future generation...Leave

it up to the grandkids if they want to restore the jeep back to "original" or just keep it as grandpa used it. 12 volt is nice, it let's you get away with more on your jeep. 6 volt is nice but you have to pay more attention to the details like grounding straps (not that you don't need at least one of those on a 12 volt). If you were wanting to show the jeep then I would suggest you move it back to 6 volt. If you want to make it more original for your grandkids then make it so. If you just want to leave them a fun little driver then leave it so.

For now I'm not planning on converting my 12 volt jeep back to 6volt. In my case, I don't think the expense would be worth the "history". Mine has a Phillo repro body on it. A civilian block with a Ford head on it. It's running an alternator and a regular 12 volt battery and of course all 12 volt lights, etc. It does have a 6volt original optional WW2 heater. Comes in real handy in Florida when it is cold.

Visit http://www.42fordgpw.com/ 179+ megabytes of jeep & related info.

Excessive Oil Consumption, Part Two

2008-07-06T03:23:00.001-04:00

[1] Make a thorough inspection for leaks. Check all oil lines, and tighten connections or replace as necessary (par 204).
[2] Poor driving practices may be responsible and should be corrected. Speeding the engine will result in excessive oil consumption.
[3] Worn pistons or broken piston rings area common cause. Make the compression test (par 9).
[4] 0verheating may be a cause (par 89).
[5] Clogged crankcase ventilator may be a cause (par 207).
[6] Loose connecting rod or main bearings may be a cause.

The above information is from Automotive Trouble Shooting For WW2 Vehicles, Volume 1. Paragraphs that are less than 200 are from Volume 1 and paragraphs over 200 are from Volume 2.

See more information on our book-list at 42FordGPW.com.

Excessive Oil Consumption, Part One

2008-07-05T08:20:00.000-04:00

As the engine warms, the oil circulates more freely and is more likely to leak from a loose connection. An inspection should be made for oil leaks with the engine warmed up to normal operating temperature. Inspect pan gaskets, timing case cover gasket, valve-spring cover gaskets, push rod-cover gaskets, and fuel-pump gasket. Inspect the oil lines, joints, and connections at the filter and the oil pressure gage. Inspect the flywheel housing for oil leakage from rear main bearing or the crankshaft oil seal, as indicated by a steady drip of oil from the drain hole in the housing. It has been estimated that an oil leak of one drop every 30 feet will account. for a gallon of oil in about 400 miles of driving.

The above is from Automotive Trouble Shooting For WW2 Wheeled Vehicle, Volume 2.

Should you use an oil filter or not on a WW2 Jeep Engine?

2008-07-04T03:02:00.001-04:00

No? That was written back around 1983. We have hashed it out many times. That all got started by a mfg error in the early 50s (not on the MB/GPW L-134) with the wrong size jet on the gear driven block. It took a couple of years for them to realize what the problem was and then they went to a smaller jet.

The mfg wouldn't have added an oil filter if it would destroy the engine. The jeep wasn't expected to last 60 years but many have and many have the original oil canister filter system. While the bypass filter is not the cleanest system or so they say...any filtration is better than none. All American Wonder has a lot of good advice, that wasn't one of them. It will be fine.

2008-07-03T03:52:00.001-04:00

The following was extracted from an article by the same name contained in Military Maintenance for MB/GPW Jeeps 1941-45 starting on page 86. The article originally appeared in the WW2 Army Motors magazine.

Regulation and manuals that could be helpful to the jeep restorer and historian.Starts with Army Regulations like AR 1-5, Index to Army Regulations AR 850-5 Marking of Clothing, Equipment, Vehicles and Property. AR 850-10 Registration of Motor Vehicles AR 850-15 Motor Vehicles ("the bible of motor vehicles") among others.

Field Manuals like FM 21-6, List of Publications for Training; FM 21-7 List of Training Films, Film Strips and Film Bulletins; FM 25-10 Basic Field Manual: Motor Transport Technical Manuals] TM 9-2800 Standard Military Motor Vehicles (ah, a book to drool over and included in the cd from military-media); TM 9-2810 Motor Vehicle Inspections and Preventive Maintenance Services; TM 21-300 Driver Selection and Training; and one of my favorites... TM 31-200 Maintenance and Care of Pneumatic Tires and Rubber Treads; TM 38-250 Basic Maintenance Manual; then there are the vehicle TMs. (get them on the CD for cheap or collect the originals or the 1947 reprints or the modern reprints in one volume).

And there were War Department Circulars
Training Circulars ("like TC 117 on the marking of bridges and vehicles")
Technical Bulletins - this would cover changes to your vehicle
TMs and would be incorporated with the next TM change
Tables of Organization and Equipment - just how many jeeps and machine guns are supposed to be in an Infantry Division?

There are Ordnance Field Service Publications
Standard Nomenclature Lists - gives parts identification and allowances
SNL "H" parts in common
SNL "K" includes cleaning, preserving, welding and lubricating materials
SNL N-19 motor-transport tool sets!
SNL G-19 Interchangeability Chart of Organizational Special Tools for Combat Vehicles

Don't forget... Field Service Modification Work Orders (so you install those favorite mods they came up with like Winterization kits.) FSMWOs were replaced with MWOs.

Ordnance Field Service Bulletins
OFSB 1-1 Index to Ordnance Publications
OFSB 2-16 Storage and shipment of rubber tires, tubes and camelback
OFSB 2-18 Requisition and issue of Spare Parts, Equipment and Supplies
OFSB 2-25 Winterization equipment for automotive material
OFSB 4-21 Gun mounts for general purpose vehicles

I don't even have half of this stuff and this isn't everything listed in the article. There are many jeep specific publications and most of these seem to be missing from the general jeep collectors library. Perhaps someone is setting on these and thinking of publishing them "someday". I hope they will come forward. And as I mentioned before there are original articles from service publications, private and public that make interesting reading and collection. Many are still available. Happy hunting.

Jill on board a blue jeep

2008-07-02T03:47:00.001-04:00

Jill in a red t-shirt and the GPW painted blue. Every thought about painting your WW2 jeep some other color besides olive drab? Me neither, but with Jill on board the ol' jeep looks pretty good in any color.

Check out my website http://www.42fordgpwcom/ for more interesting bits of WW2 jeep information.