Newbie with a 1945 MB S/N 433154

[macaddict23]

Firewall fuel filters dropped in early 45 on MBs and GPWs.
Strainer in the tank from the factory.

Ed

Ah! Good to know. Thanks!

[rondo]

I just spent 1.5 hours going over this entire post because i'm going thru the same thing you are. I love your jeep! Can i save some of the pics for inspiration? I'm about 9 months behind ya in the restoration haha
Very inspirational! Thanks for the thread. I would have liked to have known where you received all of your parts, as well as which vendors you preferred. I get most of mine from Ron (-) the ones he doesn't have in stock. I also share your frustration with MB Juan. Their parts don't fit well.
I especially liked the comment about not restoring it too perfectly. I imagine if it was made in a day and put together over a lunch hour by (former) housewives, then yeah it would be a bit rough

[918jeeper]

I just spent 1.5 hours going over this entire post because i'm going thru the same thing you are. I love your jeep! Can i save some of the pics for inspiration? I'm about 9 months behind ya in the restoration haha
Very inspirational! Thanks for the thread. I would have liked to have known where you received all of your parts, as well as which vendors you preferred. I get most of mine from Ron (-) the ones he doesn't have in stock. I also share your frustration with MB Juan. Their parts don't fit well.
I especially liked the comment about not restoring it too perfectly. I imagine if it was made in a day and put together over a lunch hour by (former) housewives, then yeah it would be a bit rough

Thank You! You are welcome to use my photos for inspiration. Most of my parts came from Ron. I also obtained parts from various members here on the forum and other connections within the MV community. Good luck with your restoration! Do you have a thread started so we can all follow along?

[918jeeper]

I finished painting all the unit markings on the jeep. I think they came out looking great! Thanks to Robert (Dataplates4u.com) for working with me and providing a fantastic customized product. The hood number was recommended by Robert based on research and known hood numbers from jeeps close to the serial number and DOD of mine.

Just a recap on the unit markings and their meaning.

603rd AC&W (Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron)
G.C.S (Ground Control Squadron)
AFE (Air Forces Europe)

Again these markings were on the jeep in the photo of my father behind the 30 cal. when he served in the USAF as an Air Policeman in Germany with the 603rd AC&W Air Police Squadron from 1950 to 1953. The only variation I made was in the size of the USAF star on the side of the jeep so they would not be in the way of the corner handles.



Note the star and AFE on the bumper.


Same markings on the trucks in the convoy.

[Brandon]

Wow!!!! She turned out great, congrats!! I hope you bring her to Papago this year, Id love to see her.

Brandon

[918jeeper]

Wow!!!! She turned out great, congrats!! I hope you bring her to Papago this year, Id love to see her.

Brandon

Thanks Brandon! I will definitely be at the Papago show. Hope to see you there.

[veteran]

FISH BOUND WELD. This is i paint -full pun-kt!!! Congratulations !!!

[veteran]

Nice catch, Sr.
I am late one year , but my hat is down in front your achievement !!!
Hope I will find some one here in Europe, for my soul and in the name for all fall down people for my freedom today !!!
Greetings from Serbia!

[Cobra Doc]

That is SWEET!!

[918jeeper]

With the exception of a few minor things,I have officially declared this restoration as complete. Like I have said before, this was the first time I have ever restored a vehicle. I had no special tools or equipment, just a welder and common hand tools. My garage floor was my work bench for cutting sheetmetal and a vise, hammer, dolly, and some C clamps were used for shaping.

I could not have done this restoration without the help of this site and the knowledgable people that are regulars here. This is truely a Wonderful site! Thank You all!

This thread has been on top of the page for almost two years now. As it slowly fades to the bottom and finally out of sight I look back to when I first started this project. What started off as a simple flatfender fix up project turned into a full frame up military vehicle restoration. I Learned a lot, cursed alot, sweat alot and even bled some, but over all it was a fulfilling experience and something I can say I accomplished myself.

The jeep has been busy at work participating in all the Veterans Day celebrations this past week with my local MV club. It has been a blast and an honor participating in these activities.

The first event the jeep participated in was the Gilbert Veterans celebration on Wednesday where our club provided vehicles for a static display around the stage/festivities area. Lunch was provided to all veterans after the ceremonies.



I've been collecting some period military items that the Airmen are wearing in the photos my father gave me and using them as props while displaying the jeep.


I painted and marked the helmet liner in the same manner as the one my father is wearing. Before he passed away I asked him what was the color of the helmet, and he said they were silver with blue markings, so that's how I painted it. The billy club was the actual billy club he used when he was an Air Policeman. My Mother gave this to me plus another one that he used when dressed in Blues.


I also put together these temporary placards explaining the history of the unit and the dedication to my father.




Thursday the jeep participated in it's first parade. Our group provided vehicles for the Vietnam Vets. Here it is all parade ready.


I was fortunate to have David ride with me. David is a WWII combat vet and it was an honor to have him as my first ride along.


Saturday our club participated in the Gilbert Days parade to celebrate the city's 90th birthday. We had a really big turnout with a lot of different types of MV's. It was a blast seeing all these vehicles.











Finally I took the jeep to the National Cemetary where my father was laid to rest. He never saw the jeep completed so it was my way of showing him the jeep that I had dedicated to him. It couldn't have been a better day. The cemetary is beautiful and peaceful in it's desert surroundings. There are also several monuments within the cemetary honoring all veterans from all wars. To top it all off there were several vintage aircraft flying overhead including the B-17 Sentimental Journey from the CAF. They were doing a show for a veterans celebration at a nearby airport. Then at 12:00 noon the cemetary bells played each of the service hymns. Just a wonderful day and sort of a closure for me at the same time.




















When I was a boy I loved to put together model airplanes. My father worked shift work so he usually came home late at night when we were all asleep. When I completed a model I would set it on the dining room table all proud of what I had done and to show my father when he came home. The next morning he would give me that smile and nod of approval and tell me I had done a good job. Going to the cemetary today was symbolic of that same ritual I used to do when I was a boy. I know he's looking down at me right now with that same smile on his face and telling me, "Good Job son!"

I love you and miss you Dad!

[horrocks]

You have every reason to be proud. This is a truly exceptional restoration, all the more so considering your limited experience and tools. I am sure everybody here would agree. This was clearly a labour of passion for you, and your entire post, most particularly as it relates to your late father, is very moving. Congratulations and very best wishes.

[Jeff Glasser]

Beautiful. Well done, and so nice to see a jeep in different markings.

You should be very proud after all the hard work.

Jeff.

[bmh_wkh]

Words can't describe it.

You've done a spectacular job, have fun enjoying all the benefits of your hard work.

[rondo]

I have no doubt that your father is still very proud. My condolences on your loss. And great job on the jeep! Inspirational.

[hell-fire]

Hi Mike,

I have followed this thread from day 1 & watched this Jeep turn from what it was to what it is today, I am sure you have inspired many (I am one) & you have come up with many inovative ideas, the engine stand rotiserie being one which will help many others.

So well done on a great Job & have fun with the tribute you have built.