[MV] repro tubs again

JRONEY@elotouch.com
Wed, 24 Mar 1999 11:30:37 -0800

A few months ago, someone was asking what the significant difference=
s =

between original body tubs, and reproduction ones.
=

At this point, I believe I can give an informed analysis of the =

differences between the body that is currently marketed by Archer =

Brothers in Hayward, CA, and the original. I couldn't do it before,=
=

because I didn't have a good original tub to compare it to, so I =

couldn't say what was different. Now I think I can.
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I purchased a brand new replacement tub from Archer Brothers in late=
=

1997. It came well protected in a large wooden crate. I purchased =

the complete kit, including windshield frame, hood, both fenders, =

grille, tub, and tailgate.
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The application was a 1952 Willys M38. The reproduction tub was =

imported from the Philippines, and had the customs forms on the crat=
e =

to prove it. I didn't take notice of the manufacturer at that time.=

=

I'll go through the parts from front to back, and note what I saw as=
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different.
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1. Grille: The repro grille is not drilled for the headlight bucket=
s. =

The large hole for the buckets is the wrong size and would require =

enlarging to fit the bucket. The nut plates for the lower hinges ar=
e =

not there, nor is the spot welded nut plate retainer. The fender =

attachment bolt nut plates were not installed.
2. Left Fender: The item fit nicely, and appears correct. The holes=
=

are not drilled for the B/O driving light, nor is there a provision =

for the hood latch. The reinforcing brace looks correct, and the =

fender-body holes matched. The original holes for the horn and unde=
r =

hood accessories are not there.
3. Right Fender: Once again, the fit was good, but there are no =

provisions for the hood latch, slave bracket, or fording equipment. =
=

One section of the tub-fender is purposefully cut away, leaving only=
2 =

bolts for attaching.
4. Windshield Frame: The frame appears dimensionally correct, but th=
e =

workmanship is poor. On mine, the right side pivot bracket is thick=
er =

than the left, and binds when the pivot bolt is tightened. The wipe=
r =

motor attaching holes were drilled a little crooked on the left side=
=2E =

There is no provision for the left hand bracket that supports the =

rifle rack.
5. Tailgate: Looks pretty good, but no holes for attaching Jerry can=
=2E =

Also, the quick detach hinge seems like it should have been rotated =
on =

one side, but no big deal.
6. Tub: Oh my!
=B7 The dash has no provision for the screws to attach the instrumen=
t =

cluster.
=B7 The Instrument panel is not even close, and the mounting holes a=
re =

spaced wrong.
=B7 The e-brake cane support did not align with the hole.
=B7 The dash support brace is wrong.
=B7 There are no holes for the nomenclature plate.
=B7 There are no holes for the column support.
=B7 The floorboard bolts are really bad =BC-20 imports.
=B7 The windshield hinge plates are more like CJ that M38.
=B7 The glove box door has no strike.
=B7 The toolbox latch was different.
=B7 The gas tank strap brackets are in the wrong place.
=B7 There are no holes drilled for the body mounts
=B7 The top brackets did not have nut-plates.
=B7 The rear seat brackets were riveted crooked.
=B7 The taillight holes were spaced wrong.
=B7 There were no nut plates for the front fenders.
=B7 There were no front seat bracket holes.
=B7 The windshield clamp brackets slots were too short.
=B7 The thumbscrews for the battery box cover were crude.
=

I will say that I am pleased with the final result, but I did use a =

Willys grille. All in all, it worked out, but it took some careful =

measuring. The final result looks pretty good, so I'll post picture=
s =

if there is sufficient interest.
=

James Roney
Fremont, CA
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