Ford GP (series 1) slow build

[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

[Wayne Hingley]

Looks great Mike. Its an unfortunate interruption to collecting the final parts, but Im sure you will find an opportunity to travel out to Indiana soon.

[Mike Cecil]

The restored windshield frame and hood have finally arrived from Indiana, and I've fitted them to the GP. Also fitted the Burco fittings for the canopy and erected the canopy in place. It has been folded up under the passenger seat since arriving from Beachwood Canvas. Having had my head hammered by the flapping canvas of a Willys MA hood during a rainy trip in Normandy a few years ago, I can see why the MB/GPW hood was much improved over the canopies that equipped the prototypes! I think the GP canopy will live most of its life under the seat, but for now, it remains erected, the whole vehicle looking pretty good.

The side doors have stud fittings that needed three hands to install, and I only have two clumsy ones, so I made a tool from a G clamp to splay the centre stud while holding the inside face flat and tight against the sheet metal. Seems to work well, so that is the 'in progress' job at the moment.

The Wusty Welic Ford GPW project is just visible in the background.

Mike

[Wayne Hingley]

Very nice Mike! Great work on this unique vehicle.