Fat Albert's '43 MB 217048 Project Thread

[zepher11]

Dutch, that may be the original master cylinder. I can't remember the manufacturer's name that should be cast on it at the moment, but I know they used real rubber back then, so it would hold up for a long time. Not like today's "so called" replacement rubber boots that might last a year before cracking and needing replacement.

You'll be happy when you get that compressor going. I picked mine up just over 20 years ago from a body shop that was going out of business. It is a two stage compressor pump and the motor is like totally huge and cast iron. When I brought it home, it cost me the tailgate in my pickup. I slid it out of the bed onto the tailgate which then immediately folded into a gigantic taco. It's rather heavy. I think my tank is only 60 gallons, but it has been plugging along all these years.

That rod that has the groove cut in it looks just like mine. I think I might just throw a weld on it and grind her down. Then after I botch that, I will order one. It's a battle taking these things apart some times. I had to grind a number of bolts to get them off when dismantling my GPW.

Keep after her!

[nick peters]

Hey Dutch
Your working well, on your project I think your doing the right thing by making 'morale boosters' (cleaning and painting parts)from time to time). Dutch i,ll make a suggestion When your visiting the fleamarket,looking thru craiglist,putting the word around ect ect, find your self something to create HEAT Gas bottles,and a torch. Even the little propane powered torches that plummers used. You,ll be surprised how many rusty bolts/parts can safely be removed once youve got them heated up. Believe me, the time and frustration that can be saved isnt measureable. Especially when your grinding a part away that will be expensive to replace at a later date. Anyway just a suggestion mate You asked earlier about the little piece of metal sheet between the mc mounting bolts and the frame? I dont think i saw anyone reply. Thats the remnents of the mounting 'ear' on the lower edge of the fender.
good luck .
regards Nick
ps If you do get a torch watch your fingers, and bears nose heated parts take a while to cool down

[thidisbogus]

Doing great Dutch. My clutch rod looked the same way and so did the TRS bolt. I am so thankful that part is behind me for the most part. Still have to do final adjustments on the pedals and stuff.

[Fat Albert]

It is supposed to rain here tomorrow... so I'm hoping to get some shop time in before the work starts.

Concerning the compressor. Anybody have any experience with reducing rpm's with electric motors. I found a new 6.5 horse motor at Tractor Supply for $229... I thought that was a good deal. But it runs 3450 rpm where as the one on the compressor right now runs 1800. I'm thinking that would be too much for that old compressor to take. I know you can reduce the rpm with gear boxes... but what about pulleys? Just a thought.

[Steerman]

Be careful you don't overheat when attempting to remove rusty nuts. Just heat one face of the nut. Heat then whole thing to cherry red and the entire thing might strip out. Ask me how I know this?!?!

[nick peters]

Hey Steersman
Having/getting the kit is the first part. Learning how to use them is the second Bet you wont make that first mistake again huh. Seriously I wasnt trying to say to Dutch it was the answer to everything but its worth trying heat rather than just grinding off. Like i said before it was just a suggestion
regards Nick
Ps Then ya need welding kit

[Fat Albert]

You're exactly right! I need a welder! I like new toys. Actually speaking of a welder... My father-in-law said he had an old one he'd let me have. It's old I'm sure and he said it was a flux setup... No gas. But I figure for a man with limited funds this will work just fine to begin with. Now if I can only get the time to get it and use it. We're supposed to be adding a screen porch to his house today but it's raining.

[nick peters]

Hey Dutch
Grab that welder before he changes his mind You,ll still need something to warm those stubborn nuts up, old mate
regards Nick

[Fat Albert]

Hey Nick... I'm going over there today! I really have a very cool dad-in-law. He has helped and taught me so much over the years. My dad wouldn't touch anything mechanic or building wise hardly. He'd rather pay somebody to do it. I guess the Navy mechanic gig burned him out. So until I met my future in-laws I wouldn't either. Then Joe (dad-in-law) comes along and shows me what fun it all is! Especially when I didn't have my dads money! I learned to do most things myself... and not be scared to try things. Shoot! If I was scared to try things there is no way I would have taken on this project!

And speaking of heat, I was just over on Michaels thread talking about soldering with a propane torch. I'm going to pick one of those up soon so I'll let you know how it goes for me. I still have a lot of old rusted bolts to get off yet!

[Baz Ford]

Good work Dutch, I'm only posting this so I'll get an email every time you update!

Baz

[bazza46]

Baz, if you post, then delete it, you still get emails for updates of that thread.

[Fat Albert]

Wow... Im so stupid. I didnt even realize that feature was available! That would certainly make keeping up ith everybody a LOT easier.

[Fat Albert]

I didn't get a lot accomplished this week. No wonder WORK is a four letter word! I was planning on spending a little time on the jeep this afternoon but my little 6 year old nephew came over and we spent the day playing with the dog and getting into everything else. It was a good day... Just not productive jeep wise.

Through the week I was finally able to get the master cylinder off... With a couple small pry bars and a cutting wheel for the stuck bolts. I'm going to have to drill out the bolts that are broke off in the MC and stuck... But at least it is off the frame. In cutting the MC bolts I "polished" the side of the MC with the cutting wheel. it was the only thing I could figure to do after 3 days of trying to get it off. It didn't do any damage to the MC so I'm hoping it won't hurt it's resale value. Im pretty sure it is an original after looking at some pics here on the G. The top is stamped with Wagner Locheed" and also "Made in the USA" plus other words that I can't make out or remember. I'm hoping somebody will be interested in it and it will help pay for a new repro for me.

I also removed the motor mounts. That was easy!

Then I tried to get the brake arm off. No luck. The pivot piece is flared... I'm thinking my grinder will have to be employed once more to get it off.

Sorry for not posting pictures tonight. I'm running behind and still have a lot to do before tomorrow!

[Fat Albert]

One last post... Just a cool thing. My father-in-law called about an hour ago. He was out eating and saw a WWII jeep parked outside the restaurant. He went over to look it over... It was a 43 GPW. Complete with helmet, gerry can, ax and shovel. Invasion star and hood numbers. He was really excited and had to tell me. While we were on the phone the owner came out and I was able to talk to him. It turns Out he is a member here on the G! Eroc? Erock? I can't find his thread but if you read this shoot me a pm! We live pretty close to each other!

[zepher11]

One last post... Just a cool thing. My father-in-law called about an hour ago. He was out eating and saw a WWII jeep parked outside the restaurant. He went over to look it over... It was a 43 GPW. Complete with helmet, gerry can, ax and shovel. Invasion star and hood numbers. He was really excited and had to tell me. While we were on the phone the owner came out and I was able to talk to him. It turns Out he is a member here on the G! Eroc? Erock? I can't find his thread but if you read this shoot me a pm! We live pretty close to each other!

That's cool. I think it would be great to have a G member into Jeeps and MV's near you. I don't have anyone I know that is into working on things like I am. Just to be able to call and have someone come over and assist with lifting something would be nice once in awhile. Awww, the benefits of living in the sticks. Hopefully, you will be able to hook up with them, Dutch.

Sounds like you had a few days like I had today. Take care,