The grill is the signature Jeep part. If you can get an original, it will be heavier and the way they were stamped was such that a discerning eye will be able to tell an original. On the original ones I have seen, the curvatures of the stamping are much more subtle. The steel is usually much heavier. I would always endeavor for an original grill. However if you cant get one the repro's are getting pretty good.
Top price is correct. Maybe if Patton or Field Marshall Monty once rode in it, then maybe. I studied that Jeep for a bit, and I'm pretty certain that the frame is original, but the tub and fenders are reproduction. It's just too nice underneath. The frame and drive train has some dings and signs of wear, but not bad for being 81 years old.
I will speak for gm, and tell you on this forum we love all the jeep projects! They definitely don't have to be perfectly correct to have one heck of a lot of fun with them. There are so many repro parts available for that very reason. They are fun to restore, hot rod, pretty up, lift, modify, just get it running and so much more. When they look like a Jeep and they go and stop or, you are trying to get them to go and stop, their a Jeep welcome on this forum.
"Nothing being sent or bought from the US is cheap any more
From what I can gather this spedo is an original, so very reluctant to replace it"
If you should decide to use Bob's Speedometer, the unit you send him will be rebuilt. It will be your original unit unless you authorize him to do a swap with another original unit. He did the instrument cluster work on the '48 truck - it did take several tries because there was a subtle issue - but he took care of it very promptly without any additional charges or quibbling over whose fault it might have been.
Your project is great work in progress. At Military shows, let the kids sit in the Jeep, let them "drive" and blow the horn. At car shows over here in the colonies, people will put a sign on their showy cars; "Don't touch me - I'm not that kind of car".
I have put a sign on the truck; "Go ahead, ask to sit in me - I like the attention." Jeeps are meant to be enjoyed.
Thanks for your reply, I did look at this company, but its in the US and sending anything over there is ridiculously expensive and returning it isnt going to be any cheaper
I'll stick with it for a while, it doesnt eat any thing and it works, kind of
I like seeing kids in my Jeep, Dads taking pictures (its not just boys, girls like climbing in there as well) answering questions about it, on the topic of the horn, I changed mine to a decent horn, the one that was in there was a nasty copy and it was very harsh, this one is a lot sweeter
I made up some flyers to put on the hood of my Jeep, so when it was open, people could see the work and progress I made of bringing it up to this condition (this was another suggestion by my wife)
This has caught on now, I'm seeing more of them
I dont think people had seen and engine in such poor condition and still running
Flyers and plaques are almost required at the car events here. LarrBeard has a real nice setup. I agree with your Wife, excellent suggestion. Few realize what it takes to bring them back or, simply keep it running.
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