VIN number on 1944 Ford GPW

[724wd]

I just bought a '44 GPW for my daughter and i to play with (rebuild) from a guy  in idaho.  Title in hand.  Got her home and while the VIN matches, it's a willy's, not a ford.  VIN plate clearly says Willy's Overland.  Do i play dumb when i go to the DMV or try to straighten this out?   

[T Pearce]

Slip in the Bubba toofs and smile. Write the check and leave.

[Skillet]

I'll go the other way and say the time to fix is now, not when you're trying to sell it or transfer to your daughter down the road, or leave her a problem to deal with.
 

[T Pearce]

Vin matches..... should be easy enough, maybe you can return the teeth?

[HawkCreek]

It's worth a try but my experience with the DMV is that they aren't real interested in fixing their paperwork when it comes to VIN numbers.

[DeerHarvester]

You will have to take it to the WSP for a $60 vin inspection. DMV will provide you with the form.

[timberghost72]

From what I understand (which is little) is the Willy's were designated MB (early ones MA) and the Fords were designated GPW. Interesting that the vin plate says Willy's. Either way these are pretty cool. Any pictures?

Here is a good article on the two.  http://olive-drab.com/od_mvg_www_jeeps_mbgpw.php

[724wd]

I'll get more pics tomorrow.  Raining today! 

[timberghost72]

 

That should be alot of fun for your and your daughter.

[724wd]

from the ad i bought it from (which is still up    who does that?)

Been researching a bunch!  i think we'll stick pretty stock for the moment, but i did look up a disc brake conversion using over the counter parts that sounds good.  that will lead to a new pedal and master cylinder, and if i can round up 11 inch drums for the rear, but i want this thing to stop.  steering is also on the list, and i'll have to see if the engine is viable.  otherwise a GM 4 cyl might be in the works. 

All the original parts are in the back seat.  headlights, fender, gauges, etc.  daughter was STOKED!   

[b23]

Cool deal!  Looks like it will certainly be a pretty good sized project but it'll be without a doubt a worth while project.  Especially, if it gets your daughter involved with you on the rebuilding part.  I only have a daughter and my biggest fear is one day I'll no longer hold the same value or usefulness, that I have now, while shes still young and needs/likes me. 

Long time ago I had a 71 CJ5 with a Buick V6 I retro modded.  I was lucky, as the stock brakes were pretty good but the no power steering thing sucked when I was up wheelin so it got a power steering upgrade with a nice tilt wheel steering column out of a Nova.  It made back country driving 100% better.  One that old, doing a brake upgrade would be wise but if you plan on driving it much off road where you'll be going slow around tight spots, I'd highly recommend putting power steering on it as well.