This sort of follows the repro body thread, but takes it to a different
direction.
If a jeep with a repro body on it can no longer be called a Jeep, than is my
1943 WC-51 (reproduction wiring harness, electric fuel pump, oxy/propane
machine guns, Cadillac ambulance siren (with military data plate), new brake
pads, reproduction canvas, reproduction tires, new gas & lubricants, ad
nauseum) a refurbished WC or a restored WC?
Also, I have worked on some half-tracks. Usually, they are found with the
rear armor cut off. Lacking the facilities to fabricate new armor, we
usually welded plate steel to the rear and finished it as original. BTW, I
couldn't find original half-track headlamps when I needed them, so I used
off-road headlamp housings and body putty! I guess that is going to choke
some of the purists up! Also, several *purists* didn't believe me when I
told them what the original looked like until I brought out the photos.
Having a pure vehicle is nice if you are planning to show it only. I like to
have fun with my vehicles. I also use them in living history displays to
teach people history. They seem to get a better grasp on things when they
can feel, smell, hear, touch, see, and taste it, rather than just read about
it. You'd be surprised at how many people I have *won* over to keeping
history alive just by showing up with a vehicle.
Just my nickel's worth. Ya'll can give me my $.03 back.
Robert Ratliff
Denton, Texas
RobRatt@aol.com
1943 WC-51
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