Ford GP (series 1) slow build

[jack neville]

What did you do with the original body Mike?

[Mike Cecil]

Jack,

The two bodies I had, plus a spare chassis and sundry other parts, went to the Netherlands.

Mike

[Mike K]

That is looking nice

Just last week, I had a lookover a GP being restored just Nth of Melbourne . The chassis nr. is the 6th one made. The tub was rebuilt by Simon A , and it looks a million dollars . Interesting , I discovered the GP that was in Melbourne in the early/mid 70's now lives up near Tumut in NSW , its had a resto of sorts .

[Mike Cecil]

Thanks Mike. The hood and windscreen are not due back until May 2020, so nothing much will change visually between now and then, but I have lots of the less obvious still to do.

8506? Is that owned by JH? Do you have any images?

There are some really odd little differences between the earliest ones, and those built later, such as the route of the radiator overflow.

The first GP built is (8501) owned by a friend of mine, and another has 8546: both exhibit little differences. Mine, 8920, is well into the series 1 production of 1500, so is more 'standardised'.

Mike

[Mike K]

Originally Posted by Mike Cecil

8506? Is that owned by JH? Do you have any images?




Mike

Yes, the chassis has had extensive repairs , it looks excellent now, a skilled blacksmith spent hours realigning everything. Will take some pics next visit .

[Mike Cecil]

Gents,

Hood and Windshield (it is an American vehicle, after all ...) getting some TLC in Indiana. Both were in reasonable condition, but still needed some expert attention, including re-skinning the lower windshield frame panel, welding extraneous holes, removing lots of little dings, and so on.

Won't see these until next year when I drive there to pick up the GPW project (2,000 miles each way). Going to time it to coincide with the MVPA Convention in Findlay OH.

Enjoy.

Mike

[Mike Cecil]

The collection of the restored hood (bonnet) and windscreen (windshield) is on hold for obvious reasons. The trip to Indiana to collect them and the next project, a late 1942 Ford GPW, has to wait until all the restrictions are eased. Hopefully, later in the year ...

In the meantime, the Ford GP waits in the corner of the workshop, usually covered with a cotton cloth to keep the dust off. Gets a short run every so often to keep everything functional.

Mike