Military Vehicles, March 1997,: about my gpw
about my gpw
Fordgpw@aol.com
Wed, 5 Mar 1997 10:53:48 -0500 (EST)
I bought it from a guy in Charleston, SC in October 1996. It's a 42 GPW. He
bought it a couple of years before that from an old college friend. He said
it was in terrible shape and decided to restore it as closely as possible to
its original condition. He spent (and I have receipts documenting this)
several thousand on the jeep doing all kinds of things I.e. new tires, paint,
windshield glass, guages, several cosmetic items.....He also spent a bundle
on various types of engine/transmission work. To be completely honest with
you, I have had terrible luck with this thing, but I've always wanted one and
enjoy it immensely.....when it's running (keep your fingers crossed).
The only thing I can see that is not original is the 12 volt electrical
system, lap seat belts for the front seats and the exhaust system.
My problems to date have included but are not limited to the following:
1. carbeurator had to be cleaned (ok normal maintenance)
2. engine would run fine and then cut off (pick-up line in tank had to be
re-worked)
3. rear leaf spring had lost its spring (had to add a leaf to each side of
suspension b/c the guy that repaired it said that he could re-arc the springs
but did not think they
would hold or that perhaps the metal in the old springs would break....tried
to save a buck by not buying new springs.....mistake.)
4. water in oil (blown head gasket)
5. terrible oil leaks from rear of engine and other areas(I've already
replaced the rear main seal) and around the transfer case and rear end.
Since buying my jeep, I've also learned that the body tub is not original
since it doesn't have the big Ford logo stamped into the rear panel.
I probably sound pretty negative about the whole thing, but this thing is
costing me a small fortune (not to mention what I've already spent)
At any rate, I'm considering disassembling the entire vehicle and
re-assembling it the correct way.....money no object (haha)......only
original parts and equipment. If I do this, I think I'll wait until next
winter to start since the weather here is getting nice and I bought this
thing to have drive and have fun. (Hopefully, it will be a little more
reliable this summer)
One concern, I'm not all that mechanically inclined and not many people here
know enough or care to work on something like this.....any suggestions????
Steve Watkins
Florence, SC