AUTHENTIC DO-DADS THAT MAKE GOOD CONVERSATION

[Michael O.]

Yes indeed, and in the end, isn't our mission to educate the public about the historical significance of military vehicles? Not only does it strengthen the notion of civilian ownership of MV's but it also reminds the public of the sacrifices made by our military veterans.

[Joe Gopan]

You're exactly right.My MB was marked as belonging to the 110th Infantry, 28th Div and I used to carry the famous photo of the 28th marching thru Paris when the jeep was requested by local high school history teachers. My uncle Joe was marching up near the front row. Those events were conducted differently than a antique car show.

[Joe Gopan]

My 14th Fighter Group Licence Plate Topper that took me 30 years to find. It is from the 1947-1949 time period at DOW FIELD, MAINE.
The 14th was assigned to Dow for the purpose of being the first AAF/USAF unit to receive the new P-84B Thunderjet. The unit was a "Who's Who of WWII Fighter Ace names.

[rondo]

In mine I leave a WW1 helmet and Japanese (this one is repro) in it. Had a WW2 vet go absolutely nuts over the helmet Also found a basic training book in an antique store for $2. leave that in the glove box.

[Joe Gopan]

The Ignition Switch and the H-700 Key make good conversation. Not many would think that "one key fit all" on WWII MV's.

[signsup]

Due to a starter rebuild problem, I've had my 42 GPW out on the driveway the past week or so. In direct violation of homeowners association rules, but that's another story. With the wife out of town, I've had to take a taxi to several appointments. Three different cab drivers. In all three cases, the taxi pulled up the driveway and by the time I made my way out the front door, the drivers were out of there cabs gawking at the jeep. (or so I thought)

In all three cases, the drivers wanted to know about the .50 cal Browning mounted in the back. I think I could have mounted it on my riding lawn mower and got the same level of interest. One slightly negative side affect of the "doo dads" is that sometimes, they become the main attraction and the jeep becomes the "doo dad". It's given me something else to learn about as I feel I need to speak about the history and capabilities of the gun as much as I do about the jeep.

Haven't had too many taxi drivers come up and ask me about the water bucket.

[Joe Gopan]

Explaining the lifting handles is a good talking point.

[Joe Gopan]

An authentic D-Day "CLICKER" (Cricket) in the glove box draws interest, guaranteed to capture an audience around your Jeep.

[signsup]

We discussed this at our local MVPA meeting yesterday and someone mentioned that they thought somewhere on the Internet was a pattern for a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes in full color. Print it out on card stock on your color printer and cut out and fold it and glue it together and put in your glove box or under your camo net on your helmet.

I haven't looked on the web for it, but might be kinda neat if it's out there. And, I presume instead of matches, an old zippo lighter would complete the affect.

[signsup]

If anyone is interested in the Lucky Strike cigarette packages, hete is the pattern.

http://jbwid.com/img_97/luky40s.jpg

[Lee Bishop]

The few car shows I go to, I have nothing modern but a sign about the Jeep I made, sometimes a 'do not touch' sign and whatever vehicle number card the show calls for. Even my chair and cooler are historically correct (a 30s folding chair painted OD and a 41 pattern mermite).
But the pack of Lucky Strikes in the back seat along with the crates is THE thing people most comment about...

[Joe Gopan]

Looks great!
We had a bunch of those chairs in our American Legion Post that I donated to a local radio club.

[andys]

I do have a small stuffed "jeep" figure that used to ride around in my cj2a at car shows. He drew a lot of comments and attention. When my GPW is finished, he will occupy the back seat there as well.

Andy

[lucakiki]

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Nice display! I guess that if some smartie defines your nice waterbucket as a case of monkey see monkey do you will give the statement the weight it deserves...

[Joe Gopan]

The soon to be installed SCR-510 Radio Set in my MB will make good conversation, also.