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Here is as much as I can tell you about this jeep: it was used in France & in Germany during the war & afterwards. It was purchased by an Army Captain and he arranged to have it shipped back to the states in the early 50's. My father purchased it from him around 1954, after it had been submerged under water during a large flood in Connecticut. My Dad used it for everything from daily transportation, snow plowing and general use around the house for a number of years, until it was not mechanically sound for being on the road. It then was used strictly offroad, for snow plowing & getting firewood. My affection for it started almost as soon as I could walk, and once I was old enough, I bought it from my dad, and started the restoration project. It was many years later that it was back on the road (safely this time) and the skills I learned during this project helped me to decide to become an automotive technician, as well as my current position as Service Manager at a Daimler-Chrysler dealership.
The jeep was very complete, with many "F" markings all over it. It now has been brought back to a state that it might have been during its service in the War. The engine is the only non-original component, it is a early 46 CJ2A engine with a timing chain. All the original GPW engine accessories had been swapped over to it and it is painted in the correct GPW paint scheme.
I use it on a regular basis for recreational driving as well as using it in parades & other events. I am a member of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association.
While I was sanding the vehicle I found a picture painted on the original paint. It was located on the drivers side of the body, directly under where the shovel head goes. It was a skull & crossbones, that was made to look like Adolph Hitler. There were some things in the background, but I could not clearly see what they were. I have been trying to locate someone who may know what this marking was . I have pictures of it available that I can e-mail, just ask. mbonak@mtco.com.
I just purchased a Bantam T3 trailer, 1945, to go along with the jeep. I hope to have it finished soon.Update 9/21/02= the trailer is now completed, it is serial # 66670, rear registration # 0822723. It was a nice finishing touch to the jeep!
