Bob, thank you for finding and posting that record. It's one of the most informative documents that I've read compared to the limited sources that are currently on the internet.Bob W wrote:Very cool APU Jeep you have there! In my limited research on these APUs it seems like there are a bunch of different versions. I included a Willys press release about Szekely APUs, dated 10-4-50, below. It looks like they were perfecting them for quite some time. I think that the F-head APUs were probably equipped with that engine at the Willys factory. Remember that the upfitters did not receive "regular" production CJ-3As to modify as APUs. Those CJ-3A would have been specially equipped (and/or not equipped) for the task. F-head engines were not available in production before the 1950 model year so this could be one explanation for the L-head APUs. Or perhaps some APU versions didn't require as much power. Also check out these interesting O. E. Szekely US patents, numbers 2,500,216 filed June 4, 1948 and 2,559,379 filed February 5, 1949.
They stated 4-wheeled APU's were used for land-based jet starting, and the 3-wheelers were specifically designed to maneuver around a tight flight deck. 3-wheeled were shorter and able to corner on a dime, and the 4-wheelers were standard Jeeps aside from the generator. Considering all that info, it adds a twist on why my Jeep in particular has the small wheels/windshield delete. I posted the picture above that shows a ground Valentine APU starting a jet. It has the standard tires and windshield. I wonder why my Jeep would have a mixture of aircraft and ground features if we have proof of each Jeep in it's specified areas?
Here are direct links of the O. E. Szekely patents for those who want to view.
#2,500,216 filed June 4, 1948. PTO generator:
https://patentimages.storage.googleapis ... 500216.pdf
#2,559,379 filed February 5, 1949. 3-wheeled steering assembly:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... 4388,d.amc