[MV] 1943 Ford GPW For Sale

Lee Ethridge (leeethridge@ibm.net)
Wed, 5 Nov 1997 16:55:12 -0600

Following is a description of my father-in-law's '43 GPW, which he is trying
to sell. I'm still working on getting the details right, so if any of you
see any obvious flaws in the description, please e-mail me. In particular,
I'd appreciate more information on the engine number of this Jeep (Which
number is it? What's the superscript all about?). I'm also wondering why
there's a star or asterisk after the serial number.
If anyone would like to see photos of the Jeep, I can e-mail them to you.
And, of course, if you're interested in buying it, please contact Floyd
Teague at the number below, or e-mail me.

Here's the description:
1943 Ford GPW
$12,000
Serial Number: GPW95234*
Location: East Texas, near Marshall
Contact: Floyd Teague- 903-687-2185

Quick Overview:
Fully restored, looks great, runs like new, all visible bolts and most other
parts have script F. Almost all parts, with a few noted exceptions are parts
originally manufactured for the Ford GPW.

History:
During World War II, the engine was replaced with a rebuilt one. The
replacement motor bears the number 7468 on the engine block. Additional
numbers on top of the block near the water pump read 03A005. The "005" is in
superscript.

There were two tags on the engine block. One read:
"Rebuilt by Don Neller Motors,
Oakland, California (3-3-43)
Job order #35110"

The other tag on the engine block read:
"Ordnance service command
base shop Topeka, Kansas
Date 7-25-44 Engine #7468"

In addition to engine replacement, the radiator is thought to have been
repaired during World War II. This repair is evident, but the radiator is
sound. For the sake of authenticity, the repair was not altered, and the
radiator was not replaced.

The original hood numbers were partially legible. The first three digits
(020) and last letter (S) were clear. Possibilities for the complete number
include: 020443-S, 020448-S, 020453-S, 020458-S, 020943-S, 020948-S,
020953-S, and 020958-S.

This Jeep was first sold to a WWII veteran at the end of WWII by the
Texarkana, Texas military ordnance depot. This first post-war owner used the
Jeep very little, and stored it in a barn most of the time. Unfortunately,
some body damage was sustained during this period; the left rear of the Jeep
was damaged. Slight wrinkles in this area can still be seen. Since the
restorer was striving for originality and authenticity, the original sheet
metal was straightened rather than being cut away and replaced, or covered
with body filler. No body filler of any kind is present on any part of this
vehicle. The body sheet metal is almost entirely original.

In the late seventies, my father-in-law bought the Jeep from the first
private owner and restored it to original condition with his daughter (my
wife). The Jeep remained in his possession, and I'm trying to help him sell
it.

The restoration included removing the body and running gear from the frame,
overhauling the engine, cleaning and inspecting all drivetrain components,
repairing or replacing worn or damaged components, painting and reassembly.
The paint used was acquired from Brent Mullins in Bryan, TX, around 1978.
Brent still runs a parts business in Bryan. We were told it was the correct
color and formula for this vehicle.

Unusual or interesting original or N.O.S. parts found on this Jeep:
body, windshield glass, pintle hook, blackout lights, top hardware (but no
canvas top), tire pump, engine crank, first aid box (missing some contents),
side safety straps, jack, lug wrench, oil can with holder, spark plugs with
rubber rain shields, horn, hose clamps, carburetor, fuel pump, water pump,
shock absorbers, spare tire lock and key (as was included on early GPWs),
under-hood decals. Many visible bolts and parts have the script F.

Missing parts:
canvas top, rifle holder, original style battery

Non-original parts:
The manual windshield wipers have been replaced with vacuum powered wipers.
[I believe the vacuum wipers were N.O.S. types that were sometimes used on
this Jeep during WWII.] Wiper blades and arms are modern, but painted olive
drab. All wiring is modern plastic-insulated type, but is sheath-covered to
look original. Exhaust system is typical of later models for practicality.
Gas tank is a modern replica. Spark plug wires may be the wrong color.

Spare parts included:
[N.O.S. as I've used the term here, refers to parts made by the original
manufacturer and never used.] These are parts collected over a 50-year
period by Floyd Teague. All parts have been stored indoors since
acquisition. Year of acquisition varies from about 1948 to about 1980.
Condition varies from original parts in the original boxes, to dirty used
broken parts.

3 starters with Bendix drives, used, good condition
Some extra starter springs and a complete starter Bendix
2 40 amp generators, used
4 35 amp generators, used
1 original 40 amp voltage regulator for Ford GPW
Lots of later model Jeep voltage regulators for 35 amps. (Works with 35 amp,
6 volt generators)
2 early model small style distributors
1 distributor similar to the one installed on this Jeep, in bad condition,
but rebuildable
1 original Autolite distributor cap
8 6 volt coils
6 Trico vacuum wiper motors, used, good condition
1 later model Jeep fuel pump with vacuum pump for operating vacuum wipers,
never used (N.O.S.?)
1 factory rebuilt complete steering gearbox
1 steering column, used, good condition
1 steering bell crank, N.O.S.
2 drag links and tie rods
Several 6 volt remote starter switches, not original, good condition
Lots of 6 volt light bulbs
2 original blackout tail lights, N.O.S.
1 original rear stop light, N.O.S.
5 head lights, 4 are new and in boxes, 1 is used
5 6 volt large standard size headlights used on later Jeeps and 6 volt cars
All hardware necessary to make a canvas top for GPW, including canvas,
snaps, straps, etc...
4 original spring shackles, used
1 engine head gasket set, N.O.S. by Ford GPW
About 12 cap screws, assorted sizes, with script F.
1 Willys transmission and transfer case, used, good condition, greasy and
dirty
1 Ford GPW transmission and transfer case, used, bad gears in transmission,
greasy and dirty
1 original front axle differential housing assembly with back plates and
spindle housing and arms, but no spindles, hubs, drums, or axles.
2 differential ring gear and pinion sets, 1 with differential case and
bearing, ratios unknown
2 front differential cases, used, good condition, no other associated parts
4 bell housings
1 clutch and pressure plate
1 flywheel ring gear
1 torque reaction spring for left front spring, complete original. (This
Jeep did not come with one. It makes for a rough ride.)
1 set of springs, used, rusty and dirty
2 non-key ignition switches for all WWII Jeeps except very early and pre-war
models. (This Jeep has keyed ignition and keyed spare tire with original
lock.)
1 set of original wiring, control box, and electrical connectors for
mounting radio under passenger seat
1 set of original seat canvas, bad condition, used for patterns for making
new seat covers.
1 pint (approx.) olive drab paint. Same as used on this Jeep. Thought to be
authentic color and formula.
1 engine, probably for Willys, probably rebuildable. (This engine was
purchased by my father-in-law in 1948. It has a good block that probably
doesn't need to be rebored. The pistons are probably in good condition. Also
includes, crank, pan, camshaft and gears, timing chain (plus a new timing
chain), head. No oil pump or water pump, no valves, no chain cover. Valve
seats are good. Engine turns freely, but is greasy and dirty. Has been
stored inside since 1948.

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