Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
- whatthecrunchyo
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Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
I bought my first Jeep on January 29, 2017 from a man in Arlington, Texas. He stated that this Jeep was his grandfather's that he inherited from him when he died in 2013. The Jeep came from California with him when he moved to Arlington. He stated that his grandfather was a Marine on Iwo Jima, and purchased this Jeep shortly after exiting the service. After it's military service, I am now the second owner.
I am not sure if I plan on restoring it or preserving it...only time can tell. I am creating this thread to chronicle the Jeep's life as I restore it mechanically. I am 29 years old and have never had a car project before, other than handy work I have done on my own vehicles. I know this will be a slow project, and a learning project, but I am greatly looking forward to it! I plan on being completely meticulous with this Jeep, not cutting any corners, and consulting with the "experts" before I do anything crazy. Enjoy!
Jordan
Here are the original photos that I took when my 1SG and I drove up from Fort Hood to pick it up in Arlington.
I am not sure if I plan on restoring it or preserving it...only time can tell. I am creating this thread to chronicle the Jeep's life as I restore it mechanically. I am 29 years old and have never had a car project before, other than handy work I have done on my own vehicles. I know this will be a slow project, and a learning project, but I am greatly looking forward to it! I plan on being completely meticulous with this Jeep, not cutting any corners, and consulting with the "experts" before I do anything crazy. Enjoy!
Jordan
Here are the original photos that I took when my 1SG and I drove up from Fort Hood to pick it up in Arlington.
Last edited by whatthecrunchyo on Fri Feb 03, 2017 1:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1944 Willys MB 305597 (2-15-44)
- whatthecrunchyo
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
In the first week, my goal was to give it a good baseline for normal driving. I started tinkering a bit.
-Replaced the oil with 5Qs of Rotella's 15W-40.
-Replaced the oil filter with a Wix 51100.
-Replaced the spark plugs with Autolite's Copper 295s.
-Removed the tow bar and brackets, and replaced the bumper bolts with some non-authentic temporary holdovers.
-Removed a wood bubba mod that was in the front windshield to hold a hunting rifle.
-Vacuumed the body out.
Here are the photos as she sits on February 3, 2017. I am about to leave for a 30 day training exercise in the Mojave, but upon my return I plan to bleed the brakes and adjust them because they are very stiff right now.
-Replaced the oil with 5Qs of Rotella's 15W-40.
-Replaced the oil filter with a Wix 51100.
-Replaced the spark plugs with Autolite's Copper 295s.
-Removed the tow bar and brackets, and replaced the bumper bolts with some non-authentic temporary holdovers.
-Removed a wood bubba mod that was in the front windshield to hold a hunting rifle.
-Vacuumed the body out.
Here are the photos as she sits on February 3, 2017. I am about to leave for a 30 day training exercise in the Mojave, but upon my return I plan to bleed the brakes and adjust them because they are very stiff right now.
1944 Willys MB 305597 (2-15-44)
- Frank
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
WOW!!! Very Nice and rustfree jeep!
Willys MB`s
Ford GPW`s
CJ2A
CJ-7
Wrangler JL Rubicon
Bantam T-1`s
Willys MBT`s
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follow me on Instagram #jeepfabrikken
Ford GPW`s
CJ2A
CJ-7
Wrangler JL Rubicon
Bantam T-1`s
Willys MBT`s
Canadien 10cwt trailer
follow me on Instagram #jeepfabrikken
- GP1942
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
no rust there !!!!!!! it is brand new
Great find.................
M-38 1952 with trailer
GP 8707
GP 8847
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
Try some acetone and extra fine steel wool and see if any of that yellow paint comes off.
LtCol USMC R
1954 M38A1
1941 GP 9270 DOD 4-6-41
1942 MB 121796, DOD 2-23-42, USMC 37141
1954 M38A1
1941 GP 9270 DOD 4-6-41
1942 MB 121796, DOD 2-23-42, USMC 37141
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
Outstanding! Great jeep, great find. Shouldn't be too hard to get the yellow paint off.
1943 MB 213301 DOD 2-22-43
- whatthecrunchyo
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
Thanks everyone! Does anyone have advice on stripping the yellow? I read that paint stripper and paint thinner mixed together might be a good option?
I applied a bit of grease lightning to the engine bay this afternoon. She was dirty!
I applied a bit of grease lightning to the engine bay this afternoon. She was dirty!
Last edited by whatthecrunchyo on Fri Feb 03, 2017 9:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
1944 Willys MB 305597 (2-15-44)
- macaddict23
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
I agree with Jay-Dub. Try a hot pressure wash. Heck, even a razor blade and start chipping away that yellow paint. Your Jeep will be worth more, will have more character if you don't take it apart and restore.
"Originality . . . It just needs to be what it is."
- Mark Tombleson
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
I see a lot of gray underneath the yellow.
Just might see if a power wash strips off some of that yellow, but maybe not.
Humor me an see if there are any numbers above and below the side grab bars.
Your jeep looks a lot like mine did... layers of post war paint, yellow, gray and what appears to be forest green on the running gear and frame... some underneath the body.
Just might see if a power wash strips off some of that yellow, but maybe not.
Humor me an see if there are any numbers above and below the side grab bars.
Your jeep looks a lot like mine did... layers of post war paint, yellow, gray and what appears to be forest green on the running gear and frame... some underneath the body.
MB-NAVY-MZ-1 352625 - 07/20/44 (DOD est.)
U.S.N. 133818
2nd place Restored Class 2008 Portland Convention
MVPA Hall of Fame - 2013
U.S.N. 133818
2nd place Restored Class 2008 Portland Convention
MVPA Hall of Fame - 2013
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
Mark I was thinking the same thing. It appears to have holes on the front frame for possible ram horns and between each bumperette for lifting shackles.
LtCol USMC R
1954 M38A1
1941 GP 9270 DOD 4-6-41
1942 MB 121796, DOD 2-23-42, USMC 37141
1954 M38A1
1941 GP 9270 DOD 4-6-41
1942 MB 121796, DOD 2-23-42, USMC 37141
- whatthecrunchyo
- Sergeant Major of the Gee
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
I used the blow drier and a scraper to find out what layers of paint are on the Jeep. From top layer to bottom layer, it is yellow, black, shipboard gray, military green. When I get back home from my training exercise in mid March, I will see if I can strip off some more.
Jordan
Jordan
1944 Willys MB 305597 (2-15-44)
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
I noticed those as well.2/14Marine wrote:Mark I was thinking the same thing. It appears to have holes on the front frame for possible ram horns and between each bumperette for lifting shackles.
Seth
******
1944 MB 349858, 20620361
1942 MBT 10968 viewtopic.php?f=18&t=149552
1942 MBT 15799, USA 0217497 viewtopic.php?f=18&t=225199
MVPA # 8587
Com / Inst. SMEL
CFII - ASEL
KI5LYB
Collecting Willys Engine Info. Please send me Engine #, Casting Date & Machining Date if known
******
1944 MB 349858, 20620361
1942 MBT 10968 viewtopic.php?f=18&t=149552
1942 MBT 15799, USA 0217497 viewtopic.php?f=18&t=225199
MVPA # 8587
Com / Inst. SMEL
CFII - ASEL
KI5LYB
Collecting Willys Engine Info. Please send me Engine #, Casting Date & Machining Date if known
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
A great new set of pics.Good job on the mechanical's being brought along...305597 in good hands,
Ralph
- whatthecrunchyo
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
Uncovered some remnants of stenciling! I am 98% confident that it says USN above the number. I am not confident if this is the original hood or not.
1944 Willys MB 305597 (2-15-44)
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Re: Jordan's 1944 Willys MB 305597
Hi Jordan,
Very nice and solid jeep. Thanks for sharing pictures and the story you've told.
Your beauty have a true story, - with all those original markings and paint.
There are a major of restored WWII jeeps all over the world. But this kind of survivor that you've got here, will be valued "as is".
So please follow the advice from Dexter/Macaddict and the others, and preserve her as best as you can. The engine and drive train will certainly need some maintenance. Many rubber-seals will have to be replaced after all these years.
Good luck with her
Einar
Very nice and solid jeep. Thanks for sharing pictures and the story you've told.
Your beauty have a true story, - with all those original markings and paint.
There are a major of restored WWII jeeps all over the world. But this kind of survivor that you've got here, will be valued "as is".
So please follow the advice from Dexter/Macaddict and the others, and preserve her as best as you can. The engine and drive train will certainly need some maintenance. Many rubber-seals will have to be replaced after all these years.
Good luck with her
Einar
Willys MB 1944
WIllys MB 1945
Willys MBT 1943
Bantam T3 1943
(preserved and unrestored)
WIllys MB 1945
Willys MBT 1943
Bantam T3 1943
(preserved and unrestored)
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