From: jonathon (jemery@execpc.com)
Date: Mon Oct 06 2003 - 07:45:53 PDT
>I've been looking to buy a Willys MB or Ford GPW but then re-read an older
issue of Military Vehicles magazine which had the M422/M422A1 Mighty Mite in
it and was quite impressed.
Yes, it is a fun and unique little sucker.
>The M422s seem to cost quite a bit less. They have aluminum bodies and
engines (no rust!). Is the frame aluminum or steel?
I think many people are scared off by the aluminum body and the fact that
parts, some parts, can be a problem. Frame and bumpers are steel. Engine
block and heads, tranny and transfer case are aluminum, axle units are
aluminum versions (with cover on top) of the basic Dana 27.
>However, I don't see too many dealers advertising parts for them. Are parts
hard to come by for the M422?
Yes and no. Sam Werner is the main guy, in Tracy City TN. Incredible place
to see if you've never been there. He seems to be trying to sell out of the
mitey mite stuff, at least vehicles. Daryl Benzinger in PA is also a source
of parts and Surplus City in CA has/had a fair selection as well.
>Engines, transfer cases, and transmissions easy to rebuild?
I had my tranny and transfer apart, I did not "rebuild" them, just fixed
what was wrong and put them back together. Have not done anything with axle
units yet but it would seem to be no different than working on any other
Dana 27 axle unit.
I started rebuilding my motor as it swollowed a screw, that's why I got it
so cheap! I found comfort in going to talk to a local shop (where I used to
live) that specialised in the old air cooled VW Beetles. In fact they did my
head work for me. MM engine is very similar to Beetle but it's a V4 rather
than a flat 4. I have not yet completed the engine, it's sitting here as a
long block but still needs all the external stuff put on. It's sort of a
someday project.
>Are common parts (spark plugs, coils, rotors, ignition wires, bulbs,
distributors, filters, brake shoes, brake drums, clutches) interchangeable
with other models?
On what you listed, basically yes. All electrics are the same other than
there are two indicator lights on the dash that are not standard to any
other MV I have seen. And there is a temperature switch in the oil pan
(looks like a sending unit but it's a switch) which is not easy to find,
although civy units without the rubber boot are plentiful. As to brake and
clutch parts, just go to a truck brake/clutch shop, for driveline stuff just
go to a driveshaft shop. The only unique thing is the Rzeppa CV joints but
they seem to be out there if you need another pair.
>Easy to work on?
Biggest problem I am having at this point is that my unit was used in the
winter in and around FonduLac WI (in the salt belt that is). Problem is the
rivets in the floor, the entire body is riveted together like an airplane.
The Aluminum is corroding in the lap joint and expanding causing the rivet
heads to pop off. I started replacing them with pop rivets (5/32" diameter
for some reason) just to keep it all together, I can always drill them out
later and put in proper rivets.
>Which is more desirable: M422 or M422A1?
If your not 18 years old, 120# and 5'-6", you may find the -A1 more
comfortable, at least I have been told that, I've never sat in a M422 to
compare. I prefer the later (some call it the M38 style) windshield, mosts
purists like the earlier one but I don't really care.
>Any owners of M422/M422A1 out there? Comments?
Yup, I got one. I got it in 1983 and am still picking away at it. Of course
it does not help that a mule and an M35 and lately a Gama Goat have gotten
in the way. Someday I'll get it road worthy.
later,
je
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