MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

1941 - 1945, MB, GPW Technical questions and discussions, regarding anything related to the WWII jeep.
MB2A
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MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by MB2A » Sun Dec 10, 2017 12:57 pm

Hello Folks,

I hope this might be of some interest to you, I am nearly three years into my jeep restoration, I thought it might be useful to some of you who are thinking of undertaking a restoration-conversion such as this one, and the problems I have encountered along the way. Living in the U.K., as some of you know, MB and GPW restorations can fetch a pretty penny, especially this last few years. I remember reading up a few years ago on the GEE that some members had converted CJ2A's to MB specs, and decided to look into the CJ2A, and found that many of the components where of similar construction, i.e., the chassis, engine etc. where not much different from their wartime counterparts, I liked the idea of doing such a conversion, and held out for what seemed to be a good project via a well known auction site. On this site, and located In Loughborough-England, there was a CJ2A that seemed a good viable option, the chassis-frame seemed good from pics, the engine, and transfer case all seemed to be there. The body condition and grill-fenders where an after thought, as I had always planned to replace all of this, even the rims seemed fine. The tub, had no forward floor, it had rotted out, there was no fuel tank, or wind-screen, as I did not require these, wanting to go with MB spec, there was no steering wheel either. Located in Northern Ireland, I could only go from the photographs and information from the seller, the only good thing was, I knew he was reputable, and imported these and other Jeeps quite frequently. After some discussion, we agreed on a price, £2500. Additionally it would also cost around £450 to ship it over from England, to N.Ireland. A week or so later it arrived on a car transporter. Upon receiving the Title, it appeared the Jeep last home in the U.S. was, Roopville, Georgia.

More to come soon:

The Jeep in Loughborough:
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Michael O.
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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by Michael O. » Sun Dec 10, 2017 1:07 pm

I would keep it “2A” as much as possible, since they are collectible in their own right. Looks like you have an M-38 windshield. Nice looking 2A overall....there can’t be too many in Northern Ireland.
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dpcd67
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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by dpcd67 » Sun Dec 10, 2017 2:18 pm

Don't forget that Willys build over 6000 CJ jeeps included their Military Production records; so any one of them could have been one of those. I have seen them (long ago) on airfields. And I do see CJs painted OD with stars sell better than civilian painted ones. I know, not correct, but some people don't care.
Disclaimer, last fall painted a CJ2A 48, in USMC Forest Green. Everyone likes it and zero people have said it is wrong.
Me, if I was you, I would convert it in a heartbeat. CJs are easy to get.
Just saying. There are options.
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twinflyer17
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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by twinflyer17 » Mon Dec 11, 2017 7:10 am

Looks like you found a solid base jeep. Definitely post some more pictures when able. I'm assuming after three years it's looking quite a bit different from these pictures!
Sean

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Bruce W
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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by Bruce W » Mon Dec 11, 2017 10:02 am

As owner of several CJ's, an MB, and a GPW, I hate to see people do that, almost as much as I hate to see any old jeep spoiled with a V8 or even a V6, truck axles, etc, etc. But as they (we) say, "it's your jeep, do what you want to with it". We can't stop you anyway. Maybe I'll put a CJ grill on my slat and paint it John Deere Green, and see how that goes over! :mrgreen: :lol: :wink: BW
G Trp 2nd Sqdrn 3d Armored Cavalry Ft. Lewis 1970-71. 43GPW(Sarge?) 47CJ2A(Teddy) 47CJ2A(Rusty) 47CJ2A(Zak) 48CJ2A(Lefty) 48CJ2A(Uncle Linden) 53CJ3B(Bulldog) 88XJ(Pluto) NE CO

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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by dpcd67 » Mon Dec 11, 2017 2:25 pm

Second jeep I bought was owned by a worker at the John Deere foundry here and it was, indeed, painted JD green. I wasted no time in getting that paint off.
I don't mind a militarized CJ; because they are still common, and WW2 jeeps aren't. The jump in $ to own one is at least four fold. And it could be re converted at any time if someone had the inclination.
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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by Bruce W » Mon Dec 11, 2017 5:40 pm

It's the same as putting Z28 badges on a 6-cylinder Camaro, or painting Cobra stripes on a base Mustang, it ain't right. You've got to realize that every one of those fake military jeeps de-values your painstakingly restored MB or GPW by some amount, small as it may seem. BW
G Trp 2nd Sqdrn 3d Armored Cavalry Ft. Lewis 1970-71. 43GPW(Sarge?) 47CJ2A(Teddy) 47CJ2A(Rusty) 47CJ2A(Zak) 48CJ2A(Lefty) 48CJ2A(Uncle Linden) 53CJ3B(Bulldog) 88XJ(Pluto) NE CO

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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by JIMN » Mon Dec 11, 2017 7:25 pm

I never thought about it until Michael O pointed it out. There probably aren't very many CJ2A jeeps over there. I agree that would be even more interesting being where you are. You could even gradually pick up some of the many accessories.
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MB2A
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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by MB2A » Tue Dec 12, 2017 3:20 am

hello folks,many thanks for your interest and replies, more photographs to come soon of the restoration which has took place over the past few years. I appreciate the postive comments and also understand some of the frustrated comments about this restoration, it is not for everyone to undertake such a conversion-restoration. The best way i can describe the postive side to this, is, that i never inetnded to buy this jeep to keep it as a cj2a, i liked the idea of breathing life back into it, in keeping with its wartime counterpart, not only, but i am sure here, many will get more joy out of seeing it as representing a jeep from a conflict that many have interest in, and in turn, remember those brave boys who came in their thousands to train in northern ireland from the states during the last war, of which, many locals remember them, with fondness. My grandmothers sister married an american MP who was in the USAAF at a local american air depot during those years, it is some thing very close to my heart and have a passion about, i think if i was to drive around in an ordinary cj, it wouldnt be for me, as that isnt what i ever wanted. I will proudly display its history as a cj, with its frame tag, and tell anyone what it is, a mix of cj, gpw, mb, and hotchkiss, a real mongrel jeep, but one that will still put a smile on the face hopefully, i dont mean to rant, but im proud that ive come this far, and eventually it will be around for many to see, it could have very easily ended up rusting away in an old field uncared for. I look forward to hearing from you all, and enjoy reading your comments. Many thanks. Will

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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by twinflyer17 » Tue Dec 12, 2017 4:24 am

MB2A wrote:
Tue Dec 12, 2017 3:20 am
i dont mean to rant, but im proud that ive come this far, and eventually it will be around for many to see, it could have very easily ended up rusting away in an old field uncared for.
You have every right to be proud of the progress you've made so far in reaching your overall goal. As you've already read, some on the G can be very critical over other people projects...don't let that discourage you (fortunately, it sounds like it hasn't). It's your jeep and you have decided the direction you want to go with it! I'm just curious to see what it currently looks like now :D By the way, not sure anyone else has said it yet...welcome to the G! :D
Sean

GPW 108175 viewtopic.php?t=267732
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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by dpcd67 » Tue Dec 12, 2017 7:20 am

Yes, welcome to the forum; you are doing absolutely the right thing with your jeep, as it has meaning to you and you are and will get more enjoyment out of it than doing anything else.
Ignore all the nay sayers; it isn't theirs is it?
Good luck.
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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by Bruce W » Tue Dec 12, 2017 2:17 pm

I am glad that it's been rescued from, as you say, "rusting away in some old field", and I'm glad that you are enjoying it. Two important things have been satisfied - It's been saved, and you like it. BW
G Trp 2nd Sqdrn 3d Armored Cavalry Ft. Lewis 1970-71. 43GPW(Sarge?) 47CJ2A(Teddy) 47CJ2A(Rusty) 47CJ2A(Zak) 48CJ2A(Lefty) 48CJ2A(Uncle Linden) 53CJ3B(Bulldog) 88XJ(Pluto) NE CO

MB2A
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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by MB2A » Wed Dec 13, 2017 12:03 am

The Jeep Arrives at its new home:
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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by GI. » Wed Dec 13, 2017 2:15 am

The best of luck on your project, it will come out just fine. please keep us updated with a lot of pic's of your progress.
In our small club one of our member's has a CJ2A fix'ed up like a WW-2 era jeep, he bring's it to all of our event's and parade's, even has a .50 cal. mounted on it.
This is the only pic. I have at this time.

Plus, If you change your mind, you can always go back to a CJ2A, which is a great looking jeep, but would require a lot better body work and a far better paint job, on the WW-2 jeep all you need is a can of bondo and 10-12 rattle can's of OD paint. :wink:
Last edited by GI. on Wed Dec 13, 2017 6:12 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: MB2A Conversion-Restoration U.K.

Post by danover321 » Wed Dec 13, 2017 5:03 am

Don't be bullied or discouraged by any G member's comments. Several members believe owning a jeep is a special right only allowed to the elitist few! Keeping a CJ2A as a CJ2A is of course the ideal outcome; however, it's your jeep to do as you please.


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