WTB: Correct GPW top

1941 - 1945, MB, GPW, Wanted jeeps or parts... list your needs.
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Michael O.
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WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Michael O. » Sat Jun 27, 2015 6:12 am

Looking for a factory correct reproduction top for a mid series GPW. I've already checked with Dave. Any other suggestions? Who currently has the most accurate top?
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Chuck Lutz » Sat Jun 27, 2015 6:56 am

Michael.....If WeeBee can't help you I'd be surprised....by correct do you want one without the twist-type fasteners on the front top bow flaps that has the push-type ones similar to the fittings on the top of the windshield for the top? You want one with the cut-out for the gas can strap bracket?
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Ralph » Sat Jun 27, 2015 12:50 pm

Chuck,it may be that pesky C/D end piece on the straps....
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Chuck Lutz » Sat Jun 27, 2015 3:45 pm

Hi Ralph...I thought Dave had those but since they are more difficult to install and less readily available he had to charge a premium? I don't know of anyone with the front top bow fasterner hardware though.
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Ralph » Sat Jun 27, 2015 5:01 pm

I recall that Dave had one size C end he could supply,I think he posted that it was the larger....that was a while back though.Beyond that,I'd agree that his would be as good as there is out there.
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Michael O. » Sat Jun 27, 2015 6:12 pm

I think he was having issues with the special "GPW" style edging material (forgive me for not remembering the correct term) and did not indicate that he would be producing ones with the same materials he had available in the past. I really wanted to purchase one of his tops this year, but it looks like I need to source elsewhere. Who else makes high quality canvas tops? I'm very particular and would like to obtain the most accurate top available. I appreciate any suggestions.
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Ian Fawbert » Sat Jun 27, 2015 8:26 pm

Michael O. wrote:I think he was having issues with the special "GPW" style edging material
Hi Mike,

By the special edging, are you talking about the leatherette style edging? I was of the impression that the leatherette was a Willys feature and that Ford used the cloth/cotton.

When i had asked in the past, Dave was unable to do the leatherette, but was able to do the cotton edging, but that was several years ago and times change. The leatherette is available (i had/have seen it on ebay under a similar name- gimp?), but i dont think it is in the correct width or colour.

You may have trouble finding someone to supply or put the Cinch type fasteners in the top, which is going to, in my opinion drastically affect the reproduced originality of your final product if missing. Dave did have them, but again, that was a while ago. G member Farrel Fox advertised a top awhile back i think he had made (was going to sell it at Tower Park this year) which had the correct Cinch type fasteners for the 3 top bow flaps.

In my observations, i seem to have concluded the following based PURELY on what i have seen advertised here on the G/seen on vehicles.

Weebee-
Has the most original looking and shaped top
Did/does the Cinch type fastener for the top bow flaps. has

Beechwood-
puts C tips on straps

I am not sure if 'we' ever finalised the correct shape of buckle for a GPW strap in any threads on the topic (there were some good ones from a 2 or 3 years back involving Chuck, myself and possibly Luca). Discussion was about the style of buckle, with some being completely flat (i believe Willys as they have turned up in Willys packaging, albeit post war) and some with more rounded edges being Ford having shown up on original unrestored GPW's and with Ford labels. But that said I have also seen the opposite fitted too (rounded on a MB/Flat on a GPW/Ford packaging).

I haven't seen other tops fitted or in enough detail to comment on suppliers around the world. Well, let me rephrase that, i have seen plenty, but none which would be in a league similar to what i believe you are after.

Cheers,
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Joe Gopan » Sun Jun 28, 2015 3:02 am

Friday Canvas made an accurate top , sadly he is no longer with us. And do not forget the excellent products from New Life.
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by gpw6335 » Sun Jun 28, 2015 6:08 am

Mona at New Life Canvas makes an excellent product. Very satisfied with my purchases.
1943 GPW 103951
1951 M38 27714
1952 M38a1 28888
1969 M274A5
1972 M151A2
1943 MBT
1951 M100
1979 M416
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Chuck Lutz » Sun Jun 28, 2015 7:23 am

Willys edging = leatherette
Ford edging = herringbone twill cotton
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Farrell Fox » Thu Jul 02, 2015 1:16 pm

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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Joe Gopan » Fri Jul 03, 2015 3:05 am

Are the correct configuration grommets for attaching the top to the windshield commercially available?
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HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Farrell Fox » Fri Jul 03, 2015 4:11 am

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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Michael O. » Mon Jul 06, 2015 6:10 am

GPW6335, can you post some photos of Mona's GPW top?

Farrell, if you do make more tops please let me know as I'll also need one for my '44 MB before too long. Your MB top looks great and I'm one for attention to detail.
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Re: WTB: Correct GPW top

Post by Farrell Fox » Mon Jul 06, 2015 6:13 am

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