Which way for bumpperettes?

Feb, 1942 - GPW1 thru end of first contract, April, 1942 - GPW15000 NO EBAY or COMMERCIAL SALES.
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Chuck Lutz
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by Chuck Lutz » Sun Oct 03, 2010 1:50 pm

I believe that photo shows a hood number 20187xxx on the jeep pulling a clod-buster (rake) with a couple sections of pipe on it for weight and a high-wing monoplane in the background...Farley shows that same photo but I did not see any caption with it. I think an assumption has been made about this photo and that the bumperettes are upside down as either a result of them being reversed (if the jeep was delivered on it's wheels and not crated) after acceptance for this very type of service....or.....if the jeep was crated, then they were either installed wrong or changed at a later date.

Of course a Ford factory photo showing the jeeps coming down the line with the bumperettes on "upside" down would then mean they were put on that way on purpose....and perhaps the gov't requested some be delivered in this manner....or if Tom W. finds some documentation regarding they be installed in this way.....
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by OldGPW » Sun Oct 03, 2010 6:32 pm

I know the photo you're talking about, haven't looked at it in a long time (so I may be wrong) but I always got the impression it was assigned to the USAAF.

Didn't the bumperette have a marking starting with "M"? Can't remember :oops: If so it indicates a maintenance company, might explain the photo.
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by Chuck Lutz » Sun Oct 03, 2010 7:22 pm

It has the bmperettes on upside down and a 201.......hood number and a 6"star on the left side near the rear grabhandle and a 12"star under the grabhandle and what looks like a 3" star on the LR bumperette....It has a combination canvas top with plywood sides/door on it.

No way to tell who it was assigned to as far as I can see, but with the plane in the background, it might be a USAAF jeep and USAAF garden beside the plane.
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by OldGPW » Mon Oct 04, 2010 8:28 am

Thanks for the description, I was wrong on the bumperette marking, but I did remember another similar photo that is almost the same which makes me wonder if they were taken around the same time, again an early second contract GPW pulling something with a vague caption claiming to be working on a vegetable garden in their off time in England.

The features are, upside down bumperettes with a Service of Supply marking. Hood number in white paint, 6 inch star in usual position near rear grab handle, rear panel with no gerry can fitted has 6 inch star with USA and 20121215 underneath covering part of the script.
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by jeepfinger » Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:38 pm

Hi All,
OldGPW, that is the photo that I am on about. I have seen 5 photos of script GPW's with there bumperettes upside down. I have noted there USA reg numbers they are,
USA 20120033 June 1942
USA 20121215 June 1942
USA 20122944 June 1942
USA 20136013 July 1942
USA 20187??? Nov 1942 the photo that Chuck spotted.

As you can see the first 4 GPW's are very close in numbers. I have seen a MB USA 20212131, July 1942 with them also.
Chuck, you are dead right by saying about a photo from the Ford factory, but sadly most photos are front or side on. I hope that Tom may put some light on this subject.
Dave
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by OldGPW » Mon Oct 04, 2010 2:21 pm

Oops, I was so busy trying to recall details of the photo Chuck was talking about I forgot about the details in your post :oops:

I would think there would be only two things that could help to explain the issue and the photos, if the drawing for the bumperettes actually says "This side up" or if the shipping information is found that lists these particular hood numbers as being crated or not.
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by Chuck Lutz » Mon Oct 04, 2010 2:45 pm

I am of the opinion that the bumperettes have no explainable reason why they are shaped as they are and actually are functionally better when mounted flat side UP...but might hold mud in that position. Having said that, I think that they have been installed that way...not by the factory and not by the uncrating/assembly team, but by the users in the field who realized what great steps they make to get in and out of the back and since they function in either position as bumpers the same....why not as long as the non-coms and officers don't say anything....

You can used them as steps easier in the UPSIDE down position as they sit lower when mounted that way....as far as ORDERING them from the factory that way goes.....crated jeeps would come with them unmounted....on-wheels jeeps would probably need a contract or a special order to get them installed that way on the line and that seems a bit far to go when only four bolts keep the users from flipping them over..

So for me....a field mod only....
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by OldGPW » Mon Oct 04, 2010 4:36 pm

If they were shaped like that someone must have had a reason for it, it may have been a totally useless reason but it was designed like that for a purpose.

I have been told the same by WW2-KW vets, but it would make the most sense on base, and you don't see many guys in photos of otherwise overcrowded GPWs on the rear bumperettes in field photos.
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by jeepfinger » Thu Oct 07, 2010 12:12 pm

I guess that we will never know, unless some data on this so called contract turns up. I will go with you both here and say, why where they shaped that way :?: Yes they are better the WRONG way up, but not right. Not yet anyway :roll:
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by wingnut1 » Fri Oct 08, 2010 1:26 pm

Hi. why then if it makes no difference , why did all the m series jeeps have the bumpperetts that way.
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by jeepfinger » Sun Oct 10, 2010 9:58 am

Hi Wingnut,
I have got this feeling that you are a bit obsessed with a M series Jeep :roll: what type off Jeep is that, as you have posted before about this type of Jeep :lol: Only joking Bernard, see you Tuesday.
Dave
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by jeepfinger » Sat Apr 22, 2017 2:44 pm

Hi all,

Sorry to drag this thread up again :o I think i'm a bit anal about it :lol:

On another thread about SOS FE in the Tool forum, a video was mentioned. I had a look at the video, and guess what? a Ford GPW with the bumpperettes upside down :o Seen at 3.56.
This was another early Script, just like the other ones mentioned. Could this contract mentioned before correct? Looks like it's got 436 miles on the clock :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcZqlrmxlO4

Dave
Last edited by jeepfinger on Sun Apr 23, 2017 12:40 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by Joe Gopan » Sat Apr 22, 2017 5:47 pm

Regarding the M-Series (M-38/M-38A1) Jeeps having the bumperettes installed upside down compared to G-503 method. The M-Series Jeeps have 7.00 X 16 tires of a much greater diameter making it necessary to flip the bumperettes in order for the 7.00 X 16 Spare Tire to clear the bumperette.
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by jeepfinger » Sun Apr 23, 2017 12:42 am

Hi Joel,

Thanks for the reply regarding the M series Jeeps. I'm sure that will please Wingnut/Bernard :D
Dave
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Re: Which way for bumpperettes?

Post by Joe Gopan » Sun Apr 23, 2017 10:30 am

Will try to post pics of M-38A1 Spare and Bumperette clearance later on.
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