Want a 1/2 ton to restore but is it a good idea?

[rondo]

I've been involved in this MV hobby for 2 years and i've been restoring a 44GPW for 1.5 of that. I've learned a tremendous amount about GPWs thanks to this site.
But what i've always wanted, and still want, is actually a 1/2 ton CCKW or Dodge. And i haven't taken the time to learn much about them while i restored the GPW.
Now i have two more GPWs in the garage; one is a parts jeep i suppose and the other is a matching engine/frame GPW with an EXCELLENT tub. Would like to sell those to finance the 1/2 ton. The wife sees this as moving 2 junkers out (her words) and moving a larger junker in? (her words).
So to get down to it, where do i start? with a running driving truck or basket case? Can you still get all the parts needed for these? What website would be good to learn from to make it historically accurate? What vendors are reliable and trustworthy? Where to get paint codes for colors?
Intent would be to make it reliable as a daily driver but motorpool restoration back to ww2 spec.

What i learned from doing the resto on my WW2 jeep is that it would have been cheaper and time ahead to buy someone else's restored jeep~! What are these things worth restored and where to get one?

i feel like a newb like when i was just starting out with ww2 jeeps on this site, so excuse all the questions!

[primal4x4]

1/2 ton Dodge is an all around enjoyable vehicle. Affordable and parts plentiful. Head over to the ww2dodge.com forum. Which model are looking for?

[Sgt. Hancock]

Rondo, I have a friend who is 'finished' with the whole WW2 scene. I found and then helped him restore a WC-3. It is an open cab 1/2 ton that was delivered to the War Dept. in Dec. of 1940. It is 98% finished and in impeccable condition. If you are interested, P.M. me. I'll find out what he wants to do. Dave.

[rondo]

1/2 ton Dodge is an all around enjoyable vehicle. Affordable and parts plentiful. Head over to the ww2dodge.com forum. Which model are looking for?

Thx for the quick reply. I guess i'm looking for one that has 1 front and rear axle. I've seen a couple versions here in this state that had duals on the back with the cargo bed. I'd like to keep it kind of smaller so it fits in the garage, fits on the trailer, doesn't overly upset the wife, you know!
I'm not opposed to dodge or chev at this point - just concerned really about availability of parts. I waited 3 months for a transmission part for my GPW.

[brian in denver]

its real easy to go upside down with these, every one thinks thay can do it cheaper,
clearly the more complete your basket case is the better off your going to be.
things like windshield headers, buckett seats, and beds are non exsistant.
so your basket case better have those. as everyone knows Iv been trying to sell my restored WC-4 for years,
the vendors dont give away parts, 20 bucks here 200 bucks there adds up in hurry.

BB

[1941wc-25]

You will get better MPG in a Dodge than a Chevy. But if you get a project you better have $$ 15,000 set aside not including the cost of the project.

[Gordon_M]

Dodge half ton pickup. You can buy it in bits,mix and match, swap beds, and it doesn't matter if it is incomplete when you buy it.

Gordon

[rondo]

Thanks for the advice all. There are many things that i just wouldn't know, like seats, headliners, etc. Brian your WC is awesome! Great job on it! Part of me wants to get a restored one but the up front purchase price is what it is and i'd like to learn something along the way. Restoring is great fun except when you keep tally of the funds going out every month with getting parts

[rrrr]

You will get better MPG in a Dodge than a Chevy. But if you get a project you better have $$ 15,000 set aside not including the cost of the project.

Very true ! I have a lot in my gpw, every bit of $15000 in it not including the initial cost.