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10.0 Frame
A Willys type frame was used on very early vehicles, from start of production thru approx. SN 8000. The highest verified GPW w/ Willys type frame is serial number GPW 10949
Serial Number: The stamped serial number is usually located on the top of the frame rail, on the drivers side, between the shock absorber bracket and the and the engine mount bracket. Occasionally, the serial number was stamped on them otor mount bracket itself. GPW serial number stampings are bracketed by five pointed stars, for example:
Front bumper: Two types of front bumper were utilized on the GPW. The early type, used in Feb. and March 1942 was not f stamped and did not have curved ends and the only hole in the front was for the crank hole. The second type was “F” stamped on the front face (from the inside), had three holes on the front face and curved ends. The Oak bumper insert should be present inside the bumper channel.
Bumper gussets & rivets: Bumper gussets are f marked, but the markings are covered when the bumper is installed. Bumper gussets are riveted to the frame, bolts are not an acceptable substitute.
Battery tray: Early GPWs with Willys-type frames utilized a two-piece battery tray.
Brake system: Original brake master cylinders had a round brake fluid resovoir. Brake lines must be made from terne coated steel brake tubing. Brake line compression fittings should be the original type square shouldered type, S7 finished. Front axle brake tubing is fastened to the axle with two hose clamps, one on each side of the steering bellcrank. Brake hoses were originally made of ribbed rubber, with either a red or blue stripe. New replacement hoses are permitted for safety reasons.
Pintle hook: Cast iron with large “f” from start of production.* Trailer safety chain eyes were incorporated in factory production on 9/30/42.
* Ford documents indicate that stamped pintle hooks were not used on GPWs. “Pintle hook: Change order P-163 (7/19/44) is an optional change. No increase in price will be allowed. Ford departmental communication dated 10/14/44 states ‘we advise that we are supplying the forged type pintle hook on GPW units and do not contemplate using the pressed steel design’ F.M.Hovis, accounting dept.” - J.Gilmore archival research (Note that Lloyd White has seen GPWs with pressed-type hooks)
Updates to this info below this line
Regarding the battery tray on early GPWs with Willys type frame: SOME were manufactured with the standard Willys battery tray. -Jon S
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