West Coast Military Vehicle Connections

Before pic of rear section. Repairs were done in the past to the rear panel, they did a very good job but, a new panel will be needed, projected cost: $200

I found out about this from a VA rep from the local employment office in Hanford. Frank told me that a friend of his had a Jeep for sale with machine guns and all! A bit sceptical of its glory I went to the owners house (which was a few blocks away from where I live)and found a pretty good looking rig, I nosed around a bit and went home, grabbed my 'All American Wonder' book and went back and verified the important parts. I found it had a complete new steering system and the Willys engine with a Ford head. After that I looked for body rust, found none! The previous owners went crazy with undercoat in the past, this preserved the body from potential rust. It had civilian wiring and 12 volt system, that came off first. I purchased it and drove it home.
The first order of business was to gather knowledge as to what was supposed to be on a 1945 MB, then find out what I was missing. I then divided the refurbishing into 2 parts: Engine/drive train and Body work. This would allow me to budget for parts as the progress formed. I first sent the radiator for rodding and tank re-weld, cost was $60.00. Then ordering all required engine parts and new wiring harness, I called RAPCO for the 319 O.D. Green paint (2 gallons) and terminal strips, then I called Second Armor Productions for: 6 volt Generator $100, wiring harness $195, exhaust kit $109, new fuel line kit $74. I also called Ron Fitzpatrick for the fine details; firewall pad $35, bonding strap kit $100, radiator felt kit $20, wiring clip set $39. The rest I got from NAPA (see G503.com for a cross referrence list). I thank God for Ron Fitzpatricks website and his help, without it I'd be stumped!

Engine as of 7 June 2002

Left side as of 7 June 2002

Engine compartment shows years of cobbling, mainly the electrical system and exhaust. Front grill has some minor damage, I replaced it with a Philipino replica part for $79.00, I discourage using this, many holes didn't line up and required some machining. I'll repair the original at my leisure.