1944 MB USMC/MZ

Post by **Tom Wolboldt** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 12:44 pm

Hi Brad,

Nice find. Looks to me to be a Sept. 44 MZ-2.

blitz67 · Post by **blitz67** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 4:40 pm

Tom, that what I was thinking, now to nail down the day.

Brad

Mark Tombleson · Post by **Mark Tombleson** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 7:27 pm

Farrell Fox wrote:Wow, looks like maybe another MZ radio Jeep. Brad, it's possible your Jeep is a factory radio Jeep. The frame number is right in between MZ-1 and MZ-2 production. If you like, send me a pm, I can come by and we can go over your Jeep together. Would be nice to have a local MZ radio Jeep guy

MZ-2 production started before MZ-1 production ended, Farrell. MB-343418 is the earliest confirmed number with 6 known from that jeep to MB-343492... that is June production. My MZ-1 was the last of the MZ-1 production... July 1944 according to Tom W.

I think some more investigation is needed to see if the body and frame have all the little features and reinforcements of the MZ-2... it could be like one of the Lang jeeps, a converted MB with all the fittings.

However... the body number seems to line up near others (123664) and there is another MZ-2 near MB-367486 (if I am reading the frame plate correctly), that being MB-367418, so I'm willing to agree it is an MZ-2,

blitz67 · Post by **blitz67** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 8:27 pm

Mark, thanks for all the information, I'm still learning about these Jeeps. Farrell, it does have six holes in the windshield.
'
Brad

Post by **Farrell Fox** » Fri Jan 08, 2016 9:14 pm

[Post Deleted By Author]

Dave 56 · Post by **Dave 56** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 9:46 am

Hi Brad,
Nice find! From Nevada? Based on the serial numbers in the database here on the G, I'd say a DOD of September 4, 1944 would be about right. I have MB 373837 with estimated DOD of 9/23/44. If you get it restored in time for the MVPA convention in August you're welcome to put it in my Pacific Island display. I'm gathering radio jeeps and ambulance jeeps for an aid station/supply depot scene from a WWII Pacific Island beachhead.

Dave

blitz67 · Post by **blitz67** » Sat Jan 09, 2016 10:45 am

Dave, thanks for the date, no way will it be done in time, how about 2017?

Brad

blitz67 · Post by **blitz67** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 12:07 pm

I have made some small progress on my MZ Jeep. The frame is straight with really no rust or post war mods, the rear cross member was really mangled underneath so I removed that, I bought a repro, but the center and top rivet holes were not pre drilled and the quality is very poor. I have a good US made one on the way. The front gussets were not salvageable and the left horn took a nasty hit at one time. I think I got it straight enough and after sandblasting and paint it will be unnoticeable. I hope to have it sandblasted and primed in the next week or so.

Post by **Farrell Fox** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 12:22 pm

[Post Deleted By Author]

Post by **Tom Wolboldt** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 1:01 pm

Hi Brad,

What is the center to center distance for the holes in the hooks ?

blitz67 · Post by **blitz67** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 1:37 pm

Tom, 2" on the hook and 1 7/8"n the frame, they will work for now until I find some originals. These came from Bensinger, I also bought two tie down rings, I already have two originals, they will also work for now, but are not correct. I spent several hundred dollars on parts in the last week or so and at least half of the stuff I bought is poor quality, does not fit or is constructed incorrectly!! Very discouraging to say the least.

Post by **Farrell Fox** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 1:47 pm

[Post Deleted By Author]

Dave 56 · Post by **Dave 56** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 2:30 pm

Tie down rings... Sounds like a project for Vintage Military Parts.com. (That's me)

Dave

Post by **Farrell Fox** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 2:36 pm

[Post Deleted By Author]

blitz67 · Post by **blitz67** » Wed Jan 27, 2016 9:40 pm

I finally finished up my frame and got everything welded, I'm taking to the sand blaster tomorrow. Next is getting paint and start the rebuild. I added a few pictures of my work, had to replace the rear cross member, all four front gussets and the spring hangers. I bolted everything up to make sure all the holes were aligned, everything was perfect. Hope ya'll like the pics!