Of couse if you want to be completely original with parts as delivered by the
military supply system when the vehicle was in service, you have to stick to
NOS parts unless you know for sure that a civilian stock part was used. In
recent years there has been a trend toward use of standard civilian parts where
feasible as the military got into serious cost cutting. For example, I have a
fire extinguisher out of a sealed military carton with the NSN numbers on it
dating from 1985. Inside is a nice heavy steel mounting bracket painted OD
and a standard extinguisher like you would buy at K-mart with all civilian
labels and a cheap plastic top. The only other military part is a green
inventory/refill schedule tag.
Similarly with oil filters. For newer vehicles (eg, M151) there are commercial
filters which just screw on to the engine mounting point and are exact match as
far as specs. Of couse it may be orange and say FRAM. There is also an
"official" OD filter the same size and shape which would be correct for the
vehicle and would get more points for authenticity from a judge. In fact, if
you picked a jeep out of a convoy at random (when the M151 was in service) you
might find either type of filter.
Just part of the facination of this hobby, One more remark. Auto parts
countermen used to be serious people (usually men, but some women too) who
really knew their vehicles and parts. Today, especially at the chain stores,
they tend to be the same type of individual who might be working at Wal-Mart.
It's just a package with a bar code.
Best of luck with everything,
chuck
====================================================
This question peaked my curiosity. I've used a Genmarc repro body, as
well as many other parts and was very happy with them. Since the
Central MV parts is coming out of the Philippines, I wondered if they
etc etc
....
....
Finally, when dealing with any old military jeep, don't simply assume
since it was military, you can't buy parts for it at your local parts supplier.
While this might be true at some of the larger national stores, you would
be surprised at some of the smaller vendors. I have used NAPA and Car
Quest extensively in the restoration of my 43 GPW, 52 M38 and 54
M38A1. Most of the older places which have knowledgeable workers
can look in their books and find parts numbers for both Willys MB and
Ford GPWs for 41-45. If not, in many applications, the parts are the
same as for a 46-?? CJ-2 or 3. Brakes and engines are especially true in
this regard. Wheels bearings, seals, U-joints and belts are also easily
available at these places. Of course, don't walk into Western Auto and
expect them to be able to help you. First, their computers don't go back
that far and second, most of them don't have a clue how to cross
reference anything even if they have the books available. I've tried to
ask for parts for a 1943 "Jeep" for Ford and always get a blank look. If I
say 46 CJ-2, about 90% of the time, they still can't help me unless it is
something easy like spark plugs. Don't despair, you can call Auto Zone
and many times, you will be automatically patched through to the national
HQ in Memphis. When you are, these guys can sometimes help, but you
have to ask whoever answers the phone if it is your local store or if you
are speaking to someone at the national level.
Good Luck and good hunting. I know this is probably old news to many
of you subscribers, however, hopefully it will assist some of our newer
readers. Perhaps the administrator will post this message to the newly
formed FAQ website.
Jim Rice
RICEJ@USAFAS.ARMY.MIL [work]
jimrice@iamerica.net [home]
>>> Carmen Falcone III <fbc@epix.net> 01/09/97 05:08am >>>
Has anyone ever bought a body form Central MV Parts. I saw their ad in
the last issue of MVPA. The price is right but the freight is FOB from
the Philippines. Are they a good company to deal with? Is the body as it
is suppose to be. Please let me know.