My 1943 Willys MB

[Michigan45MB]

THAT makes sense. My Mom told me that when she aquired the Jeep from her uncle, she picked it up in Long Beach. I think we have a winner!!!

[Mark Tombleson]

I don't think so Tom as it wasn't even a city until 1957.

Norwalk is a suburban city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 103,298 at the 2000 census. In 2009 the population was 107,698. Founded in the late 19th century, Norwalk was incorporated in as a city in 1957. It is located 17 miles (27 km) southeast of downtown Los Angeles, and 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Garden Grove.

I agree that it is a Southern, CA surplus jeep, just not that school district.

[tipdog]

The decals were most likely post-WWII issue.

In Cailifornia, the school districts are often completely separate from the cities/communities they're in. It's entirely possible that this jeep was indeed used by the "Norwalk City Schools," now the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.

[Michigan45MB]

This took the entire afternoon. I had other things to do, but this was much, much more fun!!! It almost didn't even get noticed. The original paint layers are in this order: USMC lusterless forest green (with yellow markings), USMC forest green semi-gloss, a coat of yellow, then everything else. Not fair! That's basically why the 'C' and 'A' didn't make the cut. I wasn't even sure anything was there until 2-3 hours of careful sanding. Once I knew what it was, it didn't take too long.

[blackdog]

Pretty interesting. That makes two jeeps with "Camp Pendleton" markings that I've seen, well, unless you count the one or two wartime photos in Pendleton's archives I've seen. Is that another "M" on the far right of the windscreen?

Has any progress been made as far as the reproduction of the "USMC Seal" goes?

[Michigan45MB]

That could be an 'M'. I wasn't really sure what it was, but I know it was something. If it is an 'M', what would it mean?

As for the USMC decal reproduction, it's slow going. I had school to focus on and getting the Jeep ready for the Woodward Dream Cruise. I ordered a sticker of the exact same EGA, and have been working on an ultra hi-res version on photoshop. It will be a while before it's finished, but it will be well done and worth putting on well done Jeeps.

[adimw]

That could be an 'M'. I wasn't really sure what it was, but I know it was something. If it is an 'M', what would it mean?

As for the USMC decal reproduction, it's slow going. I had school to focus on and getting the Jeep ready for the Woodward Dream Cruise. I ordered a sticker of the exact same EGA, and have been working on an ultra hi-res version on photoshop. It will be a while before it's finished, but it will be well done and worth putting on well done Jeeps.

I would love a copy of any decals you've provided (its not worth buying anything off of Ebay and shipping it to New Zealand) because I can get them printed here.
Please PM me if you're prepared to share

[Michigan45MB]

Just so people know I haven't forgotten about the decal. Still working on it. You can see what I've cleaned up on the left and what hasn't been on the right. It's a slow process, but I want it done right, at least for my own sake.

[Akiss]

A Gr8 Marine Corps Jeep, Once you will start restoring you will get hooked. Gr8 mom

[Michigan45MB]

UPDATE: My Jeep has come a long way. Replaced the clutch and rebuilt the transmission in the Spring. Painted it USMC 34052 lusterless, which wasn't an exact match to what I uncovered, but it's close enough until I do a frame up. Due to my budget, I had to make my own stencils for the hood numbers. I think they came out pretty well. The undercarriage already had some black in it, so i just decided to keep it that way for now (I know it's not original). Other than that, I "splurged" on some side handles and hood blocks. Oh, and the "canvas" seat cushions were made by grandma to smooth out the ride for the Woodward Dream Cruise

[2/14Marine]

Chris,

It looks great!!! More pics please.

Javier

[WILLYS45]

I think she looks good! Nice work!