1942 Willys Jeep

[fubar XJ]

As far as the powertrain goes, where do I start with that? Tub off and disassemble what? I've never done anything of that sort.
Thanks!

Does it currently run? If not, start with standard no-start/run stuff. I'd drain and replace the gas in the tank, maybe a few times to rinse it out. Change the fuel filter so you don't suck any rust or crud into the engine. If the battery is toast, get a new one. Change the engine oil, even if it looks decent. How long was the Jeep sitting, when did it run last? Oil loses it's viscosity over time, an oil change is cheap insurance. Once you've done the fuel, oil, and battery changes, crank it over. If it won't start, do a fuel check (physically look down the carb to see if fuel is spraying in there, pull a plug after cranking it to see if it's wet) If you have fuel but still won't start, do a spark test. Pull one plug and ground it on the head, crank it over and see if the plug is sparking. If not, the coil may be shot.

I'd give it a complete tune-up too. Replace the plugs, wires, cap & rotor, points if it has them, air filter or clean it if it's an oil bath filter. Also check and/or change the fluids in the diffs, tranny, t-case. You should be able to find a million-point checklist online for all of this stuff and more as far as what to do with an old vehicle that you're trying to get running and functional.

Once again, good luck.

 

[dan89XJ]

The floor is solid.. at least until the ice melts.

I'd drive it.

 

[vikingxj]

Does it currently run? If not, start with standard no-start/run stuff. I'd drain and replace the gas in the tank, maybe a few times to rinse it out. Change the fuel filter so you don't suck any rust or crud into the engine. If the battery is toast, get a new one. Change the engine oil, even if it looks decent. How long was the Jeep sitting, when did it run last? Oil loses it's viscosity over time, an oil change is cheap insurance. Once you've done the fuel, oil, and battery changes, crank it over. If it won't start, do a fuel check (physically look down the carb to see if fuel is spraying in there, pull a plug after cranking it to see if it's wet) If you have fuel but still won't start, do a spark test. Pull one plug and ground it on the head, crank it over and see if the plug is sparking. If not, the coil may be shot.

I'd give it a complete tune-up too. Replace the plugs, wires, cap & rotor, points if it has them, air filter or clean it if it's an oil bath filter. Also check and/or change the fluids in the diffs, tranny, t-case. You should be able to find a million-point checklist online for all of this stuff and more as far as what to do with an old vehicle that you're trying to get running and functional.

Once again, good luck.

Thank you for the detailed advice. It is still running. The guy who owned it is a mechanic and took good care of the engine. I'll probably change the oil, oil filter and other fluids on it. He put a new tank into it, so that's in good shape. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

The floor is solid.. at least until the ice melts.

I'd drive it.

Oh its solid alright. The only problem is there on the floor under the passenger side. It looks a LOT worse in the photos than in person. I wouldn't have bought it based on the photos alone.

As of right now, I am needing an inner frame to hold glass and windshield wipers, but its got the original frame, just needs to be bent a bit so its more perpendicular.

I found that 4WD.com has replacement panels for Jeeps, so I might go that route and just weld the floor up. I'd still kinda like to keep is as original as possible.

As I won't be taking it offroad, I won't need a roll bar.

 

[fubar XJ]

Depending on how rusted it is, you can straighten out the winshield frame yourself. I rolled my CJ years ago and folded the windshield frame sideways several inches, as well as shattering the glass. I strapped one corner through the frame to a tree, strapped the opposite corner to a nearby tree with a come-along in between the straps. Slowly crank the come-along until slightly past where the frame looks straight, release the come-along and check it. If you're within about 1/4" or so and the sides are still straight, it will take a new piece of glass. Replace the rubber grommet seal along with the glass, use lots of heavy soapy water on both sides of the seal to get the glass to slide in and fit the assembly into the frame.

Now if you want it to look factory, source a new windshield frame. If you just want it to work and it's not too bent as is, the above procedure will get it functional.

 

[GI-John]

Are you sure that it's a '42?

AFAIK, 42's were military only, wartime vintage, different grille, hideaway headlights, etc.

Food for thought.

John

 

[IXNAYXJ]

Are you sure that it's a '42?

That's the first thing I thought when I saw this picture:

The early ones should look like this, AFAIK:

-----Matt-----

 

[vikingxj]

Yeah, after I looked again at WWII photos, I saw the difference. The owner said he put on a CJ grille because his daughter somehow bent up the original.

The only thing non WWII on this Jeep is the grille, bumper and possibly the hood. Shocks too...

I posted it up on G503.com and its not a 42, but a 43-45 issue. After I have it in hand I can look for DOD (Date of Delivery) markings and get a good sense of when it is really from.

Either way, its pretty cool. It'll need some more parts, that's for sure, but with patience, I can get it looking better and better with each paycheck.

 

[WheelinJR]

When you need replacement parts, contact me. I'll be renewing my sponsorship here in march, and I've got access to enough replacement parts to build an entire Willy's from the ground up, minus maybe the frame.

 

[vikingxj]

Jeep is coming north tomorrow! I'll be sure to post more photos! Jeremy (ODXJ) is helping me out, it'll be nice meeting some of you guys!

 

[vikingxj]

Jeep is coming north tomorrow! I'll be sure to post more photos! Jeremy (ODXJ) is helping me out, it'll be nice meeting some of you guys!

Big thanks to Jeremy for helping me out! Really nice to meet a fellow Jeeper and get the Willy's here! I will post some photos when I get some free time in the daylight...class, work and sports get in the way.

party1::compwork::sunshine:

 

[JBweld]

Your welcome! It was great to meet you.

 

[OverlandZJ]

See if there is an aluminum tag on the frame rail in front of the grill. DOD would be on a riveted plate on glovebox door, you have that?

Show us a pic of the engine compartment, does the toolbox compartments have doors or latches still on them? It's a military tub but not an early "Script".

Wondering if this is a Ford GPW or a Willy's MB.

Also, the crossmember under the grill.. is it oval or square?

 

[vikingxj]

I added more pics of the Jeep after removing the rear passenger seats, front passenger seat, sweeping out the back, removing the windshield frame etc.

What does "Script" refer to? Any idea as to how I'll be able to repair the front frame cracks? Should I remove the side fenders and "cut" the frame apart and weld in new frame pieces? That might be the best route to take I think.

http://www.g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=135717&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15

 

[Ba-Riedo]

Oi James, did I see you the other day driving your XJ on campus? I was pulling out onto High street and you were in front of me waving all funny like? I didn't realize it was you till you pulled off to go down towards the fields.:laugh:

-Alex

 

[vikingxj]

Oi James, did I see you the other day driving your XJ on campus? I was pulling out onto High street and you were in front of me waving all funny like? I didn't realize it was you till you pulled off to go down towards the fields.:laugh:

-Alex

Yep! That was me. I probably had some goofy look on my face. I knew it was you just by looking at the paint job (an lift etc et al). Your Jeep looks pretty sweet in person! I am probably going to get mine done in the spring time sometime. If you want to come over, let me know! BBQ and brew if you wanna help me!:chef:

 

[RlCHARD CRANlUM]

What does "Script" refer to?

In the early models Henry didn't wand to put anything out without his name on it, so there was a Ford logo stamped in the tub on the driver's side of the rear panel. Sorry I couldn't find a picture. In mid-1942, the government decided they didn't want Ford advertising on the GPW's so they put a stop to it. Ford still had an "F" script on just about everything though. So the script reference is either to the Ford logo stamped in the tub, or the "F" on nearly every bolt and little piece of the GPW's. I've read Willy's did something similar on the early tubs, but I've never seen one, so I'm not sure.

Good luck with your project.


Ken

 

[Ba-Riedo]

Yep! That was me. I probably had some goofy look on my face. I knew it was you just by looking at the paint job (an lift etc et al). Your Jeep looks pretty sweet in person! I am probably going to get mine done in the spring time sometime. If you want to come over, let me know! BBQ and brew if you wanna help me!:chef:

Yeah let me know whats up, hopefully next quarter I will have more free time.

-Alex

 

[vikingxj]

See if there is an aluminum tag on the frame rail in front of the grill. DOD would be on a riveted plate on glovebox door, you have that?

Show us a pic of the engine compartment, does the toolbox compartments have doors or latches still on them? It's a military tub but not an early "Script".

Wondering if this is a Ford GPW or a Willy's MB.

Also, the crossmember under the grill.. is it oval or square?

I found the aluminum tag. It says MB 432947, so I am assuming it is a Willy's and that the production number is that which I already listed? I think the crossmember is square if it was the piece that I am thinking it is.

I don't have the glovebox door, it was probably ripped out long ago.:flamemad::nono:

I replaced the spark plugs today. According to the wiring schematic I have, the guy I bought it from had it hooked up improperly. Does that damage it at all or is that OK? Is it bad if I switched them back?:scared:

 

[OverlandZJ]

OK, it's a Willy's MB and not a Ford GPW.

That number is your serial, post that at g503 and the guys will be able to give you a very close estimate of it's DOD. Also ask about recovering your registration number. It'll involve some sanding on the hood sides. This needs to be done carefully.

Cranium is right. Script stands for the early marked Jeeps that had either Ford or Willys stamped into the back rear panel. Rumor has it both companies realized early the value of owning the trademark to these rigs, so did the government and they outlawed the paractice. But Ford still snuck in their F stamped parts.

 

[vikingxj]

Thanks for the information! Interesting how Ford kept trying to "market" their products.

I just tried to start my MB up and have replaced the spark plugs and all. However, I just went out and tried to start it up and it wasn't running, but trying to.

Next thing, it wasn't doing anything but clicking and then it wouldn't even do that.

The thing clicking was the little black unit (have since found out that it is the starter relay-maybe it's toasted?) where the battery hooks up to. I didn't remember which direction the battery went, so I connected the + and the - and when it didn't start, I switched them. I imagine this was probably a dumb thing...

My battery is from my XJ, is it too strong?

Anyways, when I bought it, it worked just fine and didn't have any problems. Now it won't start even though I put more gas in and pumped the gas pedal a few times and pulled the choke, adjusted it and all.

When I first tried starting it up, the carburetor (I think that's what it is) shot out some gray smoke and "coughed" a few times while I was trying to start it earlier in the night. It ceased doing that.

What are some things I can do to troubleshoot this problem?
Thank you!