JPMulders Posted August 19, 2020 Author Share Posted August 19, 2020 Wise words gentlemen, Decisions are sometime taken by the heart rather than the head indeed. I try to find a balance though and your input is just great!. I had a few things passing by but this GPW seems to make the heart ticking just a bit faster like you feel something special is coming your way. The seller is a recognized specialist and was very active on G503.com in the past. I am bringing a very experienced guy with me that I visited before and we started WA'ing back and forth and he helped me understanding the value or risks of buying a project. It is great meeting these genuine people. At least it is a far better feeling spending your money with such a guy vs some business guy or via the local Ebay. We will see, the feeling is good so far. He sent me 60 pictures of litteraly every bult and nut and he gave me a detailed list of pro's and cons. He was honest enough to tell from the start that he wants the GPA transfer case to be switched for a GPW, fair enough. He owned a GPA before by the way. gr JP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMulders Posted August 23, 2020 Author Share Posted August 23, 2020 Deal done! The GPW matching kept occupying my head and it is the kind of project that offers me just that bit extra. So now the games begin! Will move first so it will have to wait till the workshop is moved but meanwhile I start sourcing like the GPW top bow, back seat, auto-lite regulator, Sparton horn, etc etc. It will be taken apart completely and rebuild part by part. I see parts of the original hood-number so eager to start scraping/sanding and see if I can recover it. Nevertheless it will dressed like a jeep of the 1st Polish armored division of General Maczek. They liberated my birth village and I want to honor them. It will be completely original and authentic. Picture of the original jeep I got from the Maczek museum in Breda (NL). 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rootes75 Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 Brilliant. So glad you found it. Lovely story too with the plan to restore her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMulders Posted August 23, 2020 Author Share Posted August 23, 2020 Beside the hat channels, the body is in a very good shape, completely hard. I got the time for sourcing but since that might take time, I already start looking for GPW top bow, back seat and an original auto-lite regulator. I will need these anyway. The instruments seem to be ok but need refurbishment, something I need to dig myself into as I am not familiair with fixing instruments. Really a nice project. Completely original, even the glass window. The only thing that has been replaced is the oil pump and the transfer case. Everything is F marked. Happy man. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jessie The Jeep Posted August 23, 2020 Share Posted August 23, 2020 The instruments may have radio-active paint on the dials. Approach stripping them down with caution as you don't want to be breathing radio-active paint dust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMulders Posted August 24, 2020 Author Share Posted August 24, 2020 11 hours ago, Jessie The Jeep said: The instruments may have radio-active paint on the dials. Approach stripping them down with caution as you don't want to be breathing radio-active paint dust. Good tip! Like jeeps but a bit early to die for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matchlesswdg3 Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 Looks a nice practical project and best of luck with it. As to instruments, that would be something I would not tackle myself as it is very easy to make a right mess of them and end up with something that looks naff. I prefer to put them the way of trusted specialists who make a fantastic job - either just get working (properly and reliably) retaining the patina or a full restoration. Its good to keep these people going, but good for you if you think you can tackle it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMulders Posted August 24, 2020 Author Share Posted August 24, 2020 2 minutes ago, matchlesswdg3 said: Looks a nice practical project and best of luck with it. As to instruments, that would be something I would not tackle myself as it is very easy to make a right mess of them and end up with something that looks naff. I prefer to put them the way of trusted specialists who make a fantastic job - either just get working (properly and reliably) retaining the patina or a full restoration. Its good to keep these people going, but good for you if you think you can tackle it. I| doubt if I can handle, 'not my cup of tea', Any suggestions on a specialist to send these to for refurbishment. I found the name of a French guy (Laurent) on G503.com but he is not responding. Somebody else warned me that your speedo might not return at all.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviem Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 I think it looks great bud and appears to be complete, have fun i will follow your progress. Steve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMulders Posted August 24, 2020 Author Share Posted August 24, 2020 12 minutes ago, steviem said: I think it looks great bud and appears to be complete, have fun i will follow your progress. Steve Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matchlesswdg3 Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 "Any suggestions on a specialist to send these to for refurbishment." I have only had motorcycle instruments done and I hesitate to recommend the guy I use, but there are a few specialists in UK and it is likely that someone on here has a recommendation for Jeep ones. Maybe even just try ringing one of the trusted restorers and ask who they use - like Jeffereys. I presume you would rather use the originals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMulders Posted August 24, 2020 Author Share Posted August 24, 2020 2 hours ago, matchlesswdg3 said: "Any suggestions on a specialist to send these to for refurbishment." I have only had motorcycle instruments done and I hesitate to recommend the guy I use, but there are a few specialists in UK and it is likely that someone on here has a recommendation for Jeep ones. Maybe even just try ringing one of the trusted restorers and ask who they use - like Jeffereys. I presume you would rather use the originals. I will call around here in Belgium or NL first. I was at BAIV last Saturday but forgot to ask. Most impressive workshop I have ever seen. They restore tanks and heavy armored stuff for the hi-end market.. They had a '44 comet and 2 Pershings in the shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMulders Posted August 24, 2020 Author Share Posted August 24, 2020 Other question, do you guys have a sandblast cabinet in your workshop/garage? I Consider buying one.. That one thing I am still missing for smaller parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviem Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 I have one at work for small parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMulders Posted August 27, 2020 Author Share Posted August 27, 2020 On 8/24/2020 at 8:39 PM, steviem said: I have one at work for small parts. That is nice Stevie! I found a place where I can do it myself on an hourly rate. Disadvantage is that it's a one our drive but probably efficient planning would limit the wasted hours for traveling. Meanwhile I found a rear seat as well so we are getting there! last big thing is the top bow next to 'smaller' items like the bumperettes, spare wheel carrier, hook pintle, etc. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviem Posted August 27, 2020 Share Posted August 27, 2020 you will get there bud, i have picked up various bits that i will not need for a while, new wiring loom, brake pipes,fuel pipes lights even stencils, more importantly take your time i am going to send my entire drive train to Jerry for restoration i could have tried myself but it would have more than likely cost me again for someone to put it right, i will instead attempt the the tub, fenders , hood , windscreen etc i have the space for these task so much more manageable for me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMulders Posted September 21, 2020 Author Share Posted September 21, 2020 Got a nice mail from Tom Wolboldt! From Ford Dallas plant records. GPW 268872 was prepped on May 16, '45 by being crated for shipping. The assigned registration number was USA 20734628. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviem Posted October 10, 2020 Share Posted October 10, 2020 How are you getting on brother, remember to take lots of pics to view and look back on, noticed you are on the G503 now too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPMulders Posted October 10, 2020 Author Share Posted October 10, 2020 Hi there! Been busy with work and we are moving by the end of November. So start of the project will be for Christmas holidays meanwhile sourced good original F marked stuff like the Bumperettes, rear seat and some smaller things like axle covers. and an original jerrycan carrier, correct tire pump, grease gun, correct genny pulley, Even got the original Sparton found!!👏💪👌 started on straightening out the rear seat and putting the pump brackets on. for the rest it is youtube and reading reading reading! Indeed g503 offers a wealth of info as well does facebook. still after an original F marked spare wheel carrier+ foot support and a GPW top bow (difficult!)🥴 How are you progressing? I do read your topic, should react more often. Apologies ☺️. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviem Posted October 10, 2020 Share Posted October 10, 2020 Slowly atm lack of workshop and daylight hours after work is a pain, but no rush the MB ain't going anywhere, all the best with it bud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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