GPW Frames

B17Rhomar · Post by **B17Rhomar** » Mon Mar 09, 2015 5:18 am

Is there a definitive thread that someone can refer me to discussing the frames- details, manufacturers, etc.,of the script Fords' frames? I'm starting the restoration of my GPW, script, 16,xxx s/n, original plates 5-13-1942, USA number is present on the hood and traces on the rear( star also). It was a gun mount jeep, has the floor holes and frame gussets present(crudely welded). No BO drive light or evidence of having one. And, it's front ends of it's frame are finished at a 90 degrees (not angled). Love to learn more about the frame for starters.
Thanks!
Paul Chilek, Pa.

Chuck Lutz · Post by **Chuck Lutz** » Mon Mar 09, 2015 12:23 pm

Paul....is the FRAME stamping the same as the data plate?
"GPW<->16xxx"

Is it a "MB style" Midland frame (round front crossmember)
or...
Is it a "Ford style" Murray frame (inverted "U" front crossmember)

B17Rhomar · Post by **B17Rhomar** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 7:18 am

Hi Chuck, My frame stamping matches the data plate. And, it has an inverted stamped front crossmember.

Paul

1942ford · Post by **1942ford** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 11:28 pm

Hi Paul,

If you have an inverted U-shaped front crossmember & not a welded tube, your GPW has a Ford 'Murray' frame...The other ways to quickly tell if you have a 'Murray' frame (ie: standard Ford) are:

Riveted box-profile cross-section, with large round holes (one almost teardrop shaped nr the middle) all along the sides of the frame (between the axle 'humps')...Willys frame is C-shaped in cross-section...

No 'A' cross-brace section (L-R) between the rear shock-mounts and foot of the towing bracket support...

Intricate 'pressed' shock-mounts with large 'F' stamps on sides - Willys have simple welded flat-plates instead...

Virtually 'square' gun-mount with large 'F'stamp on top - Willys is very 'round' in comparison...

Thats about it mate - I hope that helps!

Regards - Guy.

B17Rhomar · Post by **B17Rhomar** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:11 am

Thanks again! I looked at my frame s/n and is is 19xxx range, not 16xxx. The numbers are a kind of odd script, stamped into the riveted engine bearer. I love the small details that you pointed out. It makes the restoration so much more interesting. I want to restore my GPW correctly, if you're going to do it, do it right.
One thing- I cannot discern a script "F" stamping on the front crossmember. It has moderate surface rust, but, I can't make out anything. Did all the GPW's have this stamp, or were some GPW frames not so stamped?
Paul

gearhead · Post by **gearhead** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 6:43 am

If you have not, post a photo of the frame number so Tom Woldbolt can give some build info and add it to his data base.

Ed S

Chuck Lutz · Post by **Chuck Lutz** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:34 am

Can you confirm the data plate is in the 16,xxx range and the frame is in the 19,xxx range?

Tom W. will need a photo of the frame stamping which is probably a Louisville assembly....and a photo of the data plate which will indicate if it was from Louisville or not....

You need to post the ENTIRE serial number on data plate and frame...

If the data plate was stamped "16123" and the frame was stamped "19123" then I think you are reading one of them incorrectly. If they are stamped "16123" and "19729" then they probably were put together in a rebuild program.

Again....Tom will know if the data plate and frame stampings are both from the same factory, because if they aren't then they were not assembled together at the same factory in the first place.

PHOTOS!

Please!

1942ford · Post by **1942ford** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:55 am

B17Rhomar wrote:Thanks again! I looked at my frame s/n and is is 19xxx range, not 16xxx. The numbers are a kind of odd script, stamped into the riveted engine bearer. I love the small details that you pointed out. It makes the restoration so much more interesting. I want to restore my GPW correctly, if you're going to do it, do it right.
One thing- I cannot discern a script "F" stamping on the front crossmember. It has moderate surface rust, but, I can't make out anything. Did all the GPW's have this stamp, or were some GPW frames not so stamped?
Paul

Hi again Paul,

From my own experience, the large 'F' script on the front crossmember is usually found more or less dead-centre on the upper surface, seen behind the grill...

Get some rubbing-down paper on it sir!!!

Guy.

gearhead · Post by **gearhead** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 11:24 am

Where in PA are you located?

Ed S

42fordmarty · Post by **42fordmarty** » Sun Mar 29, 2015 6:37 pm

I have a question about my jeep. It is a script ford jeep with a willys frame. It has a round front crossmember but is marked gpw on frame. The data plates state dod 3 42 there is no specific day just march of 42. Is that normal? Other question is data plate says serial number is 3134 and the frame says 313 naybe I just can't see the 4 but I can see the stars on both sides. Does someone have an opinion on this. For some reason it says file is too big if I try to upload a photo but I can probu ly pm it to you

Vic ALLAN · Post by **Vic ALLAN** » Tue Apr 28, 2015 4:56 am

Yes it is true that very early GPW did use Willys frames. Some one else here on the forum will surely give some dates.
Cheers
Vic

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