Forum Home Forum Home > Buying, Selling or Trading > Wanted to Buy
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - WTB: restored MB/GPW or advice?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

WTB: restored MB/GPW or advice?

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
Scratch View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 30 July 2019
Location: Hudson, WI
Status: Offline
Points: 1404
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scratch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: WTB: restored MB/GPW or advice?
    Posted: 25 May 2021 at 5:33pm
Looking for opinions here, or an entire Jeep.  
I have a 43 GPW barn find right now that I got for pretty much free, but it needs lots of work. In the 15 years or so since I've owned it, I've never touched it or seen it run.  The head is unbolted from the engine for some reason, the body needs to be replaced, brake lines are shot, needs all new seats, glass, etc... it needs lots of work.  It rolls, but that's about it.  I want to have a "parade quality" military themed, Jeep, and it's gotta have 9 slots.  I have enough 7 slots.

I have a few other Jeeps already and I've done my share of frame off rebuilds.  During those rebuilds, I've often thought that it might be better to just buy someone elses project that they've been working on for many years, and are now ready to sell it.  It might actually be cheaper than building one yourself.  Yes, I know you don't get the experience, satisfaction and pride of doing the work yourself, but I've already done it enough that I don't think I'll miss that too much.  I know I have the skills, time and money for another one, but I'm thinking I could actually save money by buying someone elses rebuild.

I don't mind doing a bit of work to it, but I'm starting to "feel my age" and I'm wondering if I should just buy one instead of starting a big project that may go on for years.
I've seen MB's that have sold for 12 to 15K-ish and am thinking that with an engine rebuild, a new body tub, new tires and wheels, new brakes, all the miscellaneous other stuff that I don't even realize needs to be replaced... I'd be time and money ahead by just buying one already done.

So with that said, let's say you found what I did.  A mess of a '43 GPW that needs a ton of work and wanted to make it "parade quality", what kind of ballpark price do you think it would take?  Another 15K? 20K? 25K?

I'd be willing to spend that much right now if it means I could drive it today and putz with some of the little details.

Any input?  Is it cheaper to buy or build do you think in my case?


Edited by Scratch - 25 May 2021 at 5:56pm
43 GPW 93487 Blk
44 GPW 230283 OD
46 CJ2A 50100 Tan
46 CJ2A 77632 Wht
47 CJ2A 141681 Grn
48 CJ2A 156240 Red/Yel
48 CJ2A "Lefty" 181341 Red
61 CJ5 123120 Tan
03 TJ Inca Gld
Back to Top
Lee MN View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 13 Aug. 2008
Location: Harris, MN
Status: Offline
Points: 4895
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lee MN Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2021 at 6:18pm
Would probably be much cheaper buying a restored Jeep, sifting through the so-called restored and the ones that actually are can be frustrating but there are nicely done ones out there, no so much in our area though!.... The other plus is you would have a vehicle you can enjoy even if you need t work through a few issues or things that were not done correctly. Best wishes on your search.

Lee
               LEE
44 GPW-The Perfected Willys
49 2A
“If you wait, you only get older”
67 M715
American Made Rolling History
Back to Top
Vintage Don View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar
Sponsor Member

Joined: 10 Sep. 2020
Location: Medina, OH
Status: Offline
Points: 413
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vintage Don Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2021 at 7:21pm
Talk to JAB on the Page here, send him a PM, this might be right up his alley. He restores GPW and MB, and is always looking for a project. And might well have one done and for sale. Haha! (Tell him Vintage Don sent ya.)

Edited by Vintage Don - 25 May 2021 at 7:24pm
Back to Top
19Cargo42 View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 23 Apr. 2018
Location: Western Mass.
Status: Offline
Points: 564
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 19Cargo42 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2021 at 8:41pm
Is it a numbers matching GPW? Engine, frame, data plates?
Back to Top
JAB View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21 Mar. 2019
Location: WI 53153
Status: Offline
Points: 168
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JAB Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2021 at 11:12pm
Well (thanks Don, I think!) I do have a numbers matching October ‘44 GPW, except someone removed the original data plate so that one is a reproduction. The frame and engine numbers match. I got it together late last year/ early this year and wasn’t planning on selling it until I got another one running in a year or two.  It’s not 100% done, (are they ever?) as I’m still working out some bugs, including waiting for an NOS PCV valve from the Netherlands that should solve the low power at idle and sucking oil up the dipstick tube and into the air cleaner issue.  I consider it more of a refurbishment than a restoration as I feel a “restoration” to be a higher standard. It’s definitely parade ready. It is complete and very original with plenty of F-marked parts. It’s got the entire complement of canvas, proper tool set and spare parts kit, although the tire chains are not military and their bags are reproductions.  I only put about 600 miles on it so far since getting it back together.  The engine is still standard bore with good compression so I just cleaned and painted it and installed new gaskets and seals.  My wife will not be happy with me if I sell it before I get the other one done, but.... I have the other one. Pm me if this interests you and I’ll start working on my wife, or working harder on the other one, for my wife!
GR8GPN2U!
Back to Top
Scratch View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 30 July 2019
Location: Hudson, WI
Status: Offline
Points: 1404
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scratch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 May 2021 at 12:53am
Originally posted by 19Cargo42 19Cargo42 wrote:

Is it a numbers matching GPW? Engine, frame, data plates?
Not sure.  I found the numbers on the engine, but can't find the rest.  Maybe you know other places where the numbers are located...?  It's been a while since I looked.
43 GPW 93487 Blk
44 GPW 230283 OD
46 CJ2A 50100 Tan
46 CJ2A 77632 Wht
47 CJ2A 141681 Grn
48 CJ2A 156240 Red/Yel
48 CJ2A "Lefty" 181341 Red
61 CJ5 123120 Tan
03 TJ Inca Gld
Back to Top
JAB View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21 Mar. 2019
Location: WI 53153
Status: Offline
Points: 168
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JAB Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 May 2021 at 6:44am
Drivers side frame rail on, or in front of, the motor mount.  It will have a GPW followed by a double ended arrow, which is followed by the serial number, ending with a star.  There may be a star in front of the GPW too but I’d have to check.  
GR8GPN2U!
Back to Top
JAB View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21 Mar. 2019
Location: WI 53153
Status: Offline
Points: 168
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JAB Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 May 2021 at 7:33am
Steve, I sent you two private messages and both were blocked.  Please PM me your email address.  Thanks. 
GR8GPN2U!
Back to Top
Scratch View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 30 July 2019
Location: Hudson, WI
Status: Offline
Points: 1404
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scratch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 June 2021 at 11:22pm
Thanks to
Originally posted by Vintage Don Vintage Don wrote:

for pointing me in the direction of
Originally posted by JAB JAB wrote:

and helping me find something with 9 slots!

I ended up with JAB's 99% completely restored '44 GPW and am very happy with it!  He gave it to me with lots of extra goodies like vintage tire pump, first aid kit, tire chains, fire extinguisher, spare parts kit, tool kit, jerry can and spout, jack, underhood grease gun and oil can, canvas top, half doors, and windshield cover, Axe and shovel, and some good literature too!

I feel a little funny buying somebody else's completely done Jeep, but now I have more time to work on project number 3 and 4 which are the next 2A's in line.

Here's a pic of what followed me home from JAB's place.  Thanks again JAB, it was great meeting you!

43 GPW 93487 Blk
44 GPW 230283 OD
46 CJ2A 50100 Tan
46 CJ2A 77632 Wht
47 CJ2A 141681 Grn
48 CJ2A 156240 Red/Yel
48 CJ2A "Lefty" 181341 Red
61 CJ5 123120 Tan
03 TJ Inca Gld
Back to Top
Lee MN View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 13 Aug. 2008
Location: Harris, MN
Status: Offline
Points: 4895
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lee MN Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 June 2021 at 7:08am
Very nice 👍🏽 Have fun with it.

Lee
               LEE
44 GPW-The Perfected Willys
49 2A
“If you wait, you only get older”
67 M715
American Made Rolling History
Back to Top
JAB View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21 Mar. 2019
Location: WI 53153
Status: Offline
Points: 168
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JAB Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 June 2021 at 8:19am
Wow!  Thanks again for the nice words Steve!  I’m glad you’re giving it a good home, complete with trails and CJ “cousins”!  Keep us posted on your other projects and show us pictures of your mini-parade when you get to that point!
GR8GPN2U!
Back to Top
Vintage Don View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar
Sponsor Member

Joined: 10 Sep. 2020
Location: Medina, OH
Status: Offline
Points: 413
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Vintage Don Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 June 2021 at 8:48am
That's neat, that this worked out and came together.

Jab does really nice work, eh? 
Back to Top
damar2yxr View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar
Sponsor Member x 2

Joined: 23 Aug. 2010
Location: Watertown, Wisc
Status: Offline
Points: 2632
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote damar2yxr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 June 2021 at 5:02pm
Wow! This all happened right under my nose. Vintage Don did it again! Brokered a deal between 2 Wisconsin guys.....I live by one and am vacationing right now by the other.... how cool is that? Add to it that Vintage Don was instrumental in getting the orange pumpkin started at the Willys reunion. Wisconsin jeepersThumbs UpTongue owe him a lot of gratitude.
eat,sleep,jeep

Proud father of a Marine, Army Dentist, Navy Pilot and a Princess. LIFE IS GOOD!
43MB,47CJ2-A,48CJ2-A X2,70Jeepster Commando 1/2 cab,84CJ-7,
Back to Top
Scratch View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 30 July 2019
Location: Hudson, WI
Status: Offline
Points: 1404
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Scratch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 June 2021 at 10:55pm
Yes, thanks again to both of them!
43 GPW 93487 Blk
44 GPW 230283 OD
46 CJ2A 50100 Tan
46 CJ2A 77632 Wht
47 CJ2A 141681 Grn
48 CJ2A 156240 Red/Yel
48 CJ2A "Lefty" 181341 Red
61 CJ5 123120 Tan
03 TJ Inca Gld
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.06
Copyright ©2001-2022 Web Wiz Ltd.