1943 MB 209528 project "Louise"

If you have an unrestored WWII jeep, we would like to see pictures, and hear your comments. NO EBAY or COMMERCIAL SALES.
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D_Conrad
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1943 MB 209528 project "Louise"

Post by D_Conrad » Thu May 19, 2016 12:53 pm

Ever since I was a little kid my dream vehicle has been a WWII jeep. I recently purchased a MB in pretty rough shape. My hope is to restore the jeep back to the original military condition. It will be a very long process due to limited budget but I am very excited to start. As this is my first jeep I would greatly appreciate any advice you guys may have. I believe the jeep is a 1943 based on the tag on the frame. However, the frame has been welded in the front and I'm not sure if the tag is original to the rest if the jeep. Are there other locations I can find the SN? I will post many pics as soon as I get home this evening. Thank you all in advance for your help!

Edit 3-31-2019:
Decided a while ago that I would name my jeep Louise after my wife's middle name. I love her middle name and thought it sounded very correct for the period.
Last edited by D_Conrad on Sun Mar 31, 2019 6:40 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Daniel

1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by D_Conrad » Thu May 19, 2016 12:57 pm

I forgot to add the original data plate that is mounted on the glove box is missing as well
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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by D_Conrad » Thu May 19, 2016 4:14 pm

Photos! Some yahoo replaced the floor with sheet metal and moved the fuel tank to the back. Found another number on the block. Any ideas?
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Daniel

1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
viewtopic.php?t=273387

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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by D_Conrad » Thu May 19, 2016 4:18 pm

The rest.
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Loosely placed the pieces back together.
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Daniel

1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
viewtopic.php?t=273387

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Lester Senn
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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by Lester Senn » Thu May 19, 2016 5:45 pm

First welcome to the G. Using The Standardised War-Time Jeep Vol 2 by John Farley it shows that your MB209528 was built in Feb 1943. Using the serial number list here on the G there are 2 MB,s listed that are close to yours in number. One is only six away from yours at MB209534 and the other is MB209604. Both list build dates of Feb 8 1943 so there is a very good chance that is when yours was built. Also the engine numbers are MB 222524 and MB 222775 again very close to your number that appears to be MB 222330. There should be a body tub number on the bracket that is between the frame and the sloped part of the firewall on the drivers side. This is usually called a toeboard gusset. The 2 jeeps above have body numbers of 107814 and 110771 ,yours should be close to this range. There are others here who know more than me whom I,m sure will chime in also. But my opinion is you have a good start. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions here.
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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by D_Conrad » Thu May 19, 2016 6:01 pm

I was thinking it was a 43. The jeep is titled as a 45. Is it normal To be titled a different year?
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Lester Senn
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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by Lester Senn » Thu May 19, 2016 7:29 pm

Very normal that the years don't match. Postwar surplus a lot of times the DMV just took a stab at the year because ,basically, they all looked alike. My Jan 43 MB is licensed as a 42. Was registered that way for 50 years in Ohio and when I bought it and brought it to Iowa it wasn't worth the trouble to change it. Especially when I kept telling the DMV ladies that it did not have doors for 45 minutes when they kept asking how many doors it had. After that I was glad to leave with a title even if the year is off.
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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by D_Conrad » Fri May 20, 2016 9:51 am

Figures.. So after looking closely at the jeep yesterday I discovered that Bubba added a whole layer of sheet metal to the outside of the body. The drivers side also has sheet metal o the inside. I plan on removing all of it. From what i can tell the original body is relatively rust free. May be surface rust between the layers but I will post photos as I work.
Daniel

1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
viewtopic.php?t=273387

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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by D_Conrad » Sat May 21, 2016 10:13 am

Put a light coat of paint on the grille and most if the left fender to prevent rust due to them being bare metal. I also was able to remove some of Bubba's sheet metal.
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After. I discovered some rust holes above the lower support. I will take photos as I remove more sheet metal.
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Daniel

1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
viewtopic.php?t=273387

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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by lenagirl1 » Sat May 21, 2016 10:15 am

i also have a 43 but mine is a gpw .basicaly the same .i just started to tear into it and have ordered most of the expensive stuff just so u have it before u start getting tired of working all those long hour,u know u have all the expensive parts out of the way.i have it down the frame and have cleaned it and the axles and the springs.i am getting closer to finishing the cleaning of the frame and front axle.if u keep[img][img][img][img][/img][/img][/img][/img] on this and other forums u wont get board.thes guys keep me pumped up and wanting to see it through just dont rush it.good luck with your restoration.i have tried to post pics but cant seem to get it right .always tells me my pics are too large .

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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by D_Conrad » Sat May 21, 2016 10:19 am

lenagirl1 wrote:i also have a 43 but mine is a gpw .basicaly the same .i just started to tear into it and have ordered most of the expensive stuff just so u have it before u start getting tired of working all those long hour,u know u have all the expensive parts out of the way.i have it down the frame and have cleaned it and the axles and the springs.i am getting closer to finishing the cleaning of the frame and front axle.if u keep[img][img][img][img][/img][/img][/img][/img] on this and other forums u wont get board.thes guys keep me pumped up and wanting to see it through just dont rush it.good luck with your restoration.i have tried to post pics but cant seem to get it right .always tells me my pics are too large .
I am very excited. I haven't been able to purchase parts for it at this point just due to a tight budget. But I have been trying to take care of some of the little stuff taken care of. As for the pictures, I had to download an app to resize them before I could post them.
Daniel

1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
viewtopic.php?t=273387

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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by TopKick » Sat May 21, 2016 11:57 am

I would completely disassemble it, and start restoring everything present from the frame up. You may not be able to afford parts, but if you have basic tools, emery cloth, a wire wheel, a drill, primer, and paint you can accomplish much. Take your time, and do it right. Look at it as a long range project to complete. When you start to get burn out, go do something else, and come back to it. There are plenty of videos here on G503, you tube, and on the internet in the event you do not know how to do something. Remember it's a hobby to enjoy and be rewarded with an Outstanding end result. Best of luck to you. 8)
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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by Ralph » Sat May 21, 2016 12:18 pm

Your frame and engine numbers show a high chance of being mated originally.With a little luck-when you find the toe gusset number-you'll have 3 for 3.Too bad about the glove box data plate,it of course should match the frame tag...
Yours seems average or better,mostly there,fair metal,no tailgate cut,a complete windshield,etc.Enough to keep you busy awhile,take many pics,throw away nothing,bag n tag all of it...Topkick gave you good advice-
There are several of us with MBs close to yours,in one stage or another,we will help if we can.Mine is 95%,been at it at my own pace for 7 yrs.Good luck.
Ralph

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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by D_Conrad » Sat May 21, 2016 1:31 pm

Found the toe gusset number! Using these three numbers can I accurately get the DOD and the other info that is on the glove box data plate so I can have a repop made? And thank you all for the advice. I found a decent amount of rust is on the lower end of the body under the layer of sheet metal on the outside. Still plan on removing it all to expose the original body and repaired the rust spots as needed.
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Daniel

1943 Willys MB (slow restoration in progress)
viewtopic.php?t=273387

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Re: 1943? MB project

Post by Beers » Sat May 21, 2016 8:52 pm

D_Conrad, with an ACM1 serial # of 109677, I'd say that you very likely have an original tub as well. Congrats on what looks to be a matched set.

You certainly should be able to narrow your DoD down to within a few days, just looking at the info here, it should be at or very close to Feb 8th, 1943. There are a couple of forum members who collect serial # data on Willys who may be able to give you the best estimate. Welcome to the Gee! :)
1943 MB 213301 DOD 2-22-43


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