1942 WWII Jeep

 
1942 WWII Willys Jeep
S.N. 107862
After finishing the restoration of my Army jeep, I started looking for another project. I found a Navy “slat grill” jeep built on  January 2, 1942. I bought the jeep and towed it  home on September 13, 2003.
The jeep looked pretty good and I thought it was going to be an easy project.

This jeep looks great, but what I didn’t realize at the time was that it was covered with a thick layer of Bondo which concealed
major damage and rust. It would be a much bigger project than I had anticipated.

I burned and scraped the Bondo off the tub down to bare metal.
 My first task was to remove the Bondo. Then I bought a MIG welder and began to learn how to repair sheet metal.

The motor was not operational so I knew that a rebuild would be a part of the project.
 Out comes the motor! Rebuilding the motor was
the most challenging aspect of this restoration. I had never done it before, but what a great learning experience!
I welded the “V” cross member to the frame and rear bumper. The two pieces are joined with bolts and a rivet.

The rear frame and cross member was badly damaged and required new metal and some serious welding.

The gas tank and tank well had to be totally replaced with new metal.
I replaced rusty and damaged panels on both sides of the jeep, the floor, replaced the tank well and side steps. My welding
improved as the project went on.
All the jeeps came out of the factory painted olive drab.
 Wow, this frame is looking good! Note the shiny new break lines. I rebuilt my transmission and replaced the seals in the transfer case.
I test ran the motor before installing the tub. It was a happy day when my rebuilt motor started!
 The project is coming along nicely. I love seeing how old metal can be repaired and renewed.
Jeeps came from the factory painted olive drab. The Navy painted their jeeps battleship grey.
 I painted the tub with a flat Navy gray. Next comes the wiring (much easier to do with the tub off the frame).
Easy boys! And thanks for your help!
 When installing the jeep tub on the frame, I recommend getting help from your neighbors. Watch out for the steering column and the wiring.
 
December 31, 2011
On the last day of 2011, I drove the jeep out of the driveway for the first time and went on a test drive. The 8 and 1/2 year project was nearly complete.
The first 15,000 jeeps were “slat grill.” Later jeeps had the more familiar pressed metal grill.
 I marked the hood “U.S. Navy” and add “Shore Patrol” to the windscreen. Note the Federal siren! It will be used in parades!
A pretty girl sure adds something nice to an old, grey Navy jeep!
 I showed off my jeep at the Military Vehicles Preservation Association Convention which our Military Vehicle Collectors Club of Oregon hosted in Portland (July 2013).
Ready for the parade with my restored jeep and Navy Shore Patrol outfit.

Although I have not served in the military, I am privileged to represent and honor the men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces whenever I drive my jeep in a parade. Thank you for your service, veterans!

Click here to see a video with pictures of this jeep restoration project.

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