How to Restore a WWII Jeep
World War II-era Jeeps are classic pieces of wartime machinery and very desirable collectibles. During the war two identical versions of the Jeep were manufactured, one by Ford and the other by Willys. This beloved SUV went on to become the CJ, then the YJ, and later the Wrangler Jeeps, which have been sold as civilian vehicles ever since. Restoring a WWII-era Jeep is a process of locating the essential pieces one by one and creating a working vehicle from the ground up. Luckily the Internet has made this process simpler, with several online Jeep-parts outlets where the components you need can be found.
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Instructions
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Research your particular Jeep model, using one of the online Jeep historical sites (see Resources). Here you will find information about the origins of your vehicle, its role in the battles of the 20th century, images of the Jeep as it should look and helpful links to book titles, manuals, parts dealers and auctions. This information could prove invaluable during the restoration process.
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Purchase the repair manual specific to your Jeep. Order the repair manual online from a bookseller or Jeep specialist (see Resources). The manual will provide you with step-by-step directions on how to change or repair all parts and systems on your Jeep. Manuals like this were used during the war to keep Jeeps on the go and will do the same for you.
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Search the online Jeep parts warehouses for any components that are beyond repair or restoration on your Jeep (see Resources). Shop around and compare prices to get the best deal, and don't be afraid to bargain if you think a price is high. Order your minor parts --- and, if necessary, major parts --- in this way.
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Search for and attend a government surplus auction (see Resources). Here you will find obsolete military vehicles of varying degrees of quality and age. Some are relatively unused, and others have served for a lifetime. Buying a parts vehicle in this way can save you money and time that you would otherwise spend buying each part individually. On occasion you will find a vehicle in better shape than the one you are restoring, and this may change your entire plan.
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Rebuild your Jeep from the mechanical heart outwards. Making sure everything works mechanically and then moving on to the cosmetic and nonessentials is the simplest and most efficient way to restore any vehicle.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep a log of the parts you change during the restoration process and record the numbers of the old and the new. This log can serve as a reference should you wish to sell the vehicle, or a guide should you need further parts in the future.
Order your Jeep parts in as few shipments as possible to save on the cost of delivery.
Make sure to use only the parts intended for your year and model Jeep. Even slight variations will require special fitting and may cause larger issues down the line.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Voiture Jeep image by foxytoul from Fotolia.com
