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GPW 32978
I acquire this May '42 Ford script in june 2001, from a guy who lives in California. It was in his possesion for 4 years, but he did not manage to start restoring it. The guy again he bought it from did start some restoration, but did not finish it either.
Engine is Willys with Ford head, the date under the oilpan says january 45, casting numbers say 13 december 1944. The engine was made with a W1 contract. Many F parts inside engine. The blocknumber is changed to 3J91971 but when and why somebody did is unknown. Came with original Ford radiator (need rebuild)
Frame (with original paint) looks good, but after looking real good, it needed to be straightened. The body is in good condition, only the front floor frame/crossmember is gone.
Ford Script is very clear and rear is in restorable shape. I have original brass nomenclatures (with 65mph as max speed, for the pro's) in excellent condition.
Update, 1-1-2002, the chassis, axles, combatrims and small parts are painted OD. The engine will be back mid february from the rebuild factory. Starting to work on the body, what a job! First sandblast the thing, then weld parts of the front floor, like new sump for the gastank.
Update, 19-1-2002 This year my jeep will celebrate its 60th aniversary ;-) !
I recently found out that on top of both rear fenders the letters NAVAHO appears. After research I first thought it had to do something with the Navaho codetalkers (native indian americans), but later I heared it had to do something with a rocket program after the war. The Navaho missile has been called the foundation of America's space program. So, I need to get more info on this.
Update, 20-10-2002
Rolling chassis, engine runs fantastic, body attached to frame, found original early KS speedometer and have found original Steward Warner Fuel gauge ($15 !), SW Ampere gauge and oil presure. The temp gauge (also SW) need to be repaired, but face is clean.
If you have any info on the NAVAHO project or the Downey plant in California, or do you know somebody who worked there... please email me : lowbonnet@yahoo.com
December 2002... almost finished!
Update, 12 february 2003
FORD GPW 32978 groundup restoration is finished!!
| Model & Serial Number |
GPW 32978 |
| Registrant's Name |
Lowbonnet |
| City, State/Region, Country |
, Friesland, Netherlands |
| Date of Acquisition |
2001-06-02 |
| Date this SNdb Record Created |
2003-06-10 08:15:14 |
| Date This SNdb Record Last Updated |
2008-03-11 03:43:16 |
