Stu,
First, yes those parts are available as reproductions, not originals.
Second, the easiest way to tell an MB from a GPW is to look at the front
crossmember under the grill (Ford is square hat channel, willys is round
tubular). Third, the way to tell when it was made is to look for the
frame serial number. On the willys it was stamped on a small plate
between the bumper mounts on the drivers side front of the frame rail.
Ford serial numbers are stamped on the top of the drivers side frame
rail in back of the shock absorber mount. This number will tell you
when the CHASSIS was made. Next check the ENGINE number which is
located at the front of the engine underneath the oil filter on a small
casting boss. You will want to check to see if the engine number
matches the chassis number. WW2 jeep engines start with either MB for
willys or GPW for a ford engine. Once you have found the serial numbers
let mil-veh know and i'm sure one of us "Jeep Nuts" can look it up for
you. Good Luck!!
Tony Standefer
1944 Willys
Seattle, Wa