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Thread: Willys Jeep historical research sources?

  1. #1
    cjc_td5's Avatar
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    Willys Jeep historical research sources?

    We have had a 1942 Willys MB Jeep in the family for over 30 years. Does anyone know of possible sources where the history of the vehicle could be determined? US or allied forces, location(s) etc?
    Cheers,
    Chris.
    Chris


    2014 D4 TDV6
    1954 86"
    1963 2A Forward Control (getting the full treatment, Isuzu 4JH1, MYY5T, LT230, Toyota Axles, extended cab ++)
    1980 Stage 1 v8 (gone)

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    Sorry, I can't help with your request but I'm very jealous.

    I grew up in a Jeep driving family, albeit late 60's and 70's models.

    MB's are super Willys Jeep historical research sources?

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    Have you tried the Military Jeep Club Queensland?

    I'm sure they would have records that would help.

    Cheers,

    TimJ.
    Snowy - 2010 Range Rover Vogue
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    Find the chassis number and engine number.
    Both can tell you the production date of the chassis and engine.
    Ford and willys both had slight changes during production of the WW2 jeep.
    Plus there was slight variations of both Ford and Willys components.
    The design of the rear tool box locks and covers will tell you rough production date of the body etc.
    If the jeep was fitted with a radio suppression box under the dashboard will tell you if late or earlier production.
    During and after the war jeeps were rebuilt and ford bodies could be dropped on to a Willys chassis or Ford motor in a Willys chassis etc.
    Most jeeps are a bitza of war time parts and now post war reproduction parts.
    The Australian War Mermorial has a series of Australian army rego numbers books with chassis and engine number with disposal dates and some times from what state and unit.
    They can be checked out on line, but Hundreds and Hundreds of jeeps are listed and it takes much time to go though it all.
    The books only cover the Australian army and not navy, RAAF, american forces or post war imports in the 1950s and 1960s etc.
    My 75 year old mum still drives a WW2 jeep which has been in the family for more than 30 years on full time rego.
    It is a 1948 Willys flat motor , but with the higher compression and gear camshaft drive. .....so no timing chain rattle, with a Ford chassis, late production body.........cannot remember who made the body.
    These days getting the news paper on the weekend in the Jeep always turns heads...........people like the convertible rag top and the lack of doors and seat belts etc with left hand drive.
    Easy to drive, park and nippy around town without even going into the off road side of things

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    I have the chassis number and the delivery date is Feb 1942 from the data plate on the glove box lid. It is an early body with Willys stamped into the rear body below the jerry can holder.

    Chris


    2014 D4 TDV6
    1954 86"
    1963 2A Forward Control (getting the full treatment, Isuzu 4JH1, MYY5T, LT230, Toyota Axles, extended cab ++)
    1980 Stage 1 v8 (gone)

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    Army vehicle registration books | The Australian War Memorial


    The above should get you started.........as I said alot of work to go though it all.
    I have alot of time for the War time jeep.
    I,love showing people the head lights that swing back over the engine bay, or the quick release fan belt for deep creek crossings.
    People are usually impressed when I show them the wheel brace not only fits the wheel nuts, but can torque up the head bolts, undo the petrol and oil filters, adjust the head lights and lots of other stuff.
    The Americans won WW2 though mass production and better, easier to service equiptment.

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    Quote Originally Posted by 101 Ron View Post
    Army vehicle registration books | The Australian War Memorial


    The above should get you started.........as I said alot of work to go though it all.
    I have alot of time for the War time jeep.
    I,love showing people the head lights that swing back over the engine bay, or the quick release fan belt for deep creek crossings.
    People are usually impressed when I show them the wheel brace not only fits the wheel nuts, but can torque up the head bolts, undo the petrol and oil filters, adjust the head lights and lots of other stuff.
    The Americans won WW2 though mass production and better, easier to service equiptment.
    Cheers Ron.
    I'll have a look through the AWM books ASAP.
    Chris
    Chris


    2014 D4 TDV6
    1954 86"
    1963 2A Forward Control (getting the full treatment, Isuzu 4JH1, MYY5T, LT230, Toyota Axles, extended cab ++)
    1980 Stage 1 v8 (gone)

  8. #8
    cjc_td5's Avatar
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    Wow, found it in the AWM records!
    147826, half way down.
    Now to decifer the red written info...
    Chris


    2014 D4 TDV6
    1954 86"
    1963 2A Forward Control (getting the full treatment, Isuzu 4JH1, MYY5T, LT230, Toyota Axles, extended cab ++)
    1980 Stage 1 v8 (gone)

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    Quote Originally Posted by cjc_td5 View Post
    Does anyone know of possible sources where the history of the vehicle could be determined?
    Not a collector myself so can't help you directly but I have some mates involved in restoring WWII vehicles. If you get on to people in the organisation listed below I'm pretty sure they could point you in the right direction.

    AMVCS – Australian Ex-Military Vehicle Collectors Society Inc.
    2011 D4 3.0 SDV6
    1999 D2 V8, in heaven
    1984 RRC, in hell

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    Quote Originally Posted by cjc_td5 View Post
    Wow, found it in the AWM records!
    147826, half way down.
    Now to decifer the red written info...
    Well to the left it says 'Dominion Motors', who were a Jeep dealer in Brisbane (apparently).

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