MD Juan New MB Frames

Create a thread to track the progress of you MB/GPW restoration progress. Previously a General Discussion board.
Post Reply
AmphibAndy
G-Sergeant First Class
G-Sergeant First Class
Posts: 91
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:44 am
Location: UK

MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by AmphibAndy » Sun Aug 27, 2017 1:32 am

I am just commencing a restoration on a 42 MB we have owned for 40 years or more. The chassis was smashed and wrecked when we bought the MB and is totally beyond restoration now. I am thinking of buying an MD Juan chassis/frame and wondered whether there is any recent feedback about the accuracy or build quality that I need to consider before taking the plunge? All help much appreciated thanks Andrew


User avatar
David
G-Colonel
G-Colonel
Posts: 1968
Joined: Tue Dec 17, 2002 5:43 am
Location: The Netherlands

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by David » Sun Aug 27, 2017 6:48 am

I would opt personally for another original chassis, as this is the basis of the whole vehicle and a repro chassis means it will become a repro jeep with an original bodytub?

AmphibAndy
G-Sergeant First Class
G-Sergeant First Class
Posts: 91
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:44 am
Location: UK

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by AmphibAndy » Sun Aug 27, 2017 7:40 am

thanks for the reply. Yes I get that, but finding an original chassis is not easy Yes the tub is ok, needs work but not too bad. The chassis had been severely damaged at the front and bent up. Bad accident I guess, not its been cut and altered and as also rotten so no go again. Any one with experience of the MD Juan frames out there? Or perhaps someone with an original for sale :D

GI.
Sergeant Major [E-9]
Posts: 900
Joined: Sun Feb 19, 2006 3:21 pm
Location: Marietta GA.

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by GI. » Sun Aug 27, 2017 9:09 am

AmphibAndy wrote:
Sun Aug 27, 2017 1:32 am
I am just commencing a restoration on a 42 MB we have owned for 40 years or more. The chassis was smashed and wrecked when we bought the MB and is totally beyond restoration now. I am thinking of buying an MD Juan chassis/frame and wondered whether there is any recent feedback about the accuracy or build quality that I need to consider before taking the plunge? All help much appreciated thanks Andrew
Could you show us a pic. of your wrecked MB ? I would like to see one that can't be repaired. Thank's.
67 M-151A1

AmphibAndy
G-Sergeant First Class
G-Sergeant First Class
Posts: 91
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:44 am
Location: UK

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by AmphibAndy » Mon Aug 28, 2017 12:54 pm

Of course I would be delighted and will do that tomorrow. thanks for the interest.

AmphibAndy
G-Sergeant First Class
G-Sergeant First Class
Posts: 91
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:44 am
Location: UK

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by AmphibAndy » Tue Aug 29, 2017 12:17 am

here are some photos of the existing frame
Image
Image
Image

even at the rear the chassis is totally blown and the bottom is out of it as well.
Image

GI.
Sergeant Major [E-9]
Posts: 900
Joined: Sun Feb 19, 2006 3:21 pm
Location: Marietta GA.

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by GI. » Tue Aug 29, 2017 6:01 am

That does look pretty bad from the few pic's. you sent, I have seen some frame's that could be repaired in the for sale area here on the forum.
Don't give up. I would try and stay with a real frame if possible. good look on your search, it will be worth it when complete.
67 M-151A1

AmphibAndy
G-Sergeant First Class
G-Sergeant First Class
Posts: 91
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:44 am
Location: UK

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by AmphibAndy » Tue Aug 29, 2017 8:46 am

thanks. I will keep the search on although I have been looking for about 3 years and really want to get on with this restoration . Thinking Normandy 2019.

m3bobby
G-First Lieutenant
G-First Lieutenant
Posts: 608
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2015 11:13 am
Location:

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by m3bobby » Thu Aug 31, 2017 12:13 am

Where are you? Europe?
Ford GPW 6008, in slow process of restoration.

User avatar
twinflyer17
G-Colonel
G-Colonel
Posts: 1347
Joined: Thu Sep 12, 2013 11:49 am
Location: Washington, D.C.

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by twinflyer17 » Fri Sep 01, 2017 5:38 am

Have you considered using replacement rails to fix the crunched sections of your frame? I agree with the others...the more repro parts used on a jeep, obviously the less original the jeep will end of being. Or, if you opt for a repro frame so that you can move forward with the resto, definitely don't scrap your original frame. That's always something you can fix later and swap with the repro one in order to gain more originality at a later time.
Sean

GPW 108175 viewtopic.php?t=267732
DOD 4/14/43 Louisville, KY USA20371070

MVPA
AOPA

AmphibAndy
G-Sergeant First Class
G-Sergeant First Class
Posts: 91
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:44 am
Location: UK

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by AmphibAndy » Mon Sep 04, 2017 11:27 am

thanks Guys, yes I am in the UK. I don't think this frame is restorable at all. It really is rot through and through . Whats the thoughts on the body kits from MD Juan nowadays. I hear they are much better than they were?

User avatar
Michael O.
G-Lieutenant General
G-Lieutenant General
Posts: 6131
Joined: Wed Feb 26, 2003 12:29 am
Location: The Great State of Nebraska

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by Michael O. » Mon Sep 04, 2017 6:47 pm

Why spend your money just to have a replica jeep when it's all done? Most of our MB/GPW's went overseas to you guys so they should be everywhere! Also, aren't there plenty of M201's in Europe? Still, better than a replica MB or GPW.
Michael O’Connell

Too many jeeps…and a Dodge.

MVPA 13861

GSS
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Posts: 314
Joined: Tue Oct 29, 2013 7:17 pm
Location: Minnesota

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by GSS » Tue Sep 26, 2017 7:23 pm

The current bunch are outstanding fit and finish, or maybe I lucked out. I got one made in late 2016 last year and the holes, dimensions were spot on...just the transmission cross member holes had to be re drilled to allow the original cross member to fit. Hope this helps. Thanks.
GSS
1942 MB 113037, "Slat Grill"
1945 MB 431740, 20698289-S

AmphibAndy
G-Sergeant First Class
G-Sergeant First Class
Posts: 91
Joined: Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:44 am
Location: UK

Re: MD Juan New MB Frames

Post by AmphibAndy » Fri Sep 29, 2017 1:22 pm

thanks for the reply. I actually managed to buy a Hotchkiss frame which I understand is very very close to an original . I hope so. But thanks for the advice and reply to my post.


Post Reply

Return to “MB GPW Restoration Projects”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 43 guests