Adding Rear Panel Support Brackets. Takes about 2hrs to install.
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5/26/2007 I had to search for some NOS rear support brackets before I could install them. I waited until after my project was done to start looking for them. I found that Brent Mullins had them so I received them recently. In the NOS pack it comes with bolts and the brackets. The bolts were used up until mid 1943, and then the brackets were installed with welds by the factory. My GPW 45 should have the welds and not the bolts.
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5/26/2007 I searched the G for pictures of factory installed support brackets as well as followed this diagram. I found that the welds were primarily in three spots. One on the wheel well, and two on the rear panel.
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5/26/2007 I first cleared the rear seat, rear seat J hooks, and the canvas top before starting the project.
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5/26/2007 I took a magnet and held up the support bracket into place and drew a line on the wheel well and rear panel on where the welds would be placed
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5/26/2007 I did the same on the other side. I also marked each of the brackets so that I would know where to remove the paint in order to get a good weld on.
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5/26/2007 With the areas marked on where the welds were to be placed, I took a wire wheel and removed the paint in those markings. I took about 1/4in. of paint off in each of these areas.
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5/26/2007 I needed to clear the paint off the brackets as well, so I cleared the paint with the wire wheel on each of the brackets as well.
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5/26/2007 I clamped each of the brackets into place in preparation of the welding.
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5/26/2007 I didn't want to get welding splatter all over the back of the jeep, so I soaked some rags in water, and placed them around the area I would be welding. That way the general area will stay clean and the paint job around the area would not be hindered.
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5/26/2007 After completing the welding, I removed the wet rags and wiped up the area with some xeolene.
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5/26/2007 I cleaned up the welding with a little grinding of the welds to make them look a little better.
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5/26/2007 Next, I covered the area up with paper and tape in preparation of painting. I had sanded the brackets down prior to installing, so the paint should stick well to them.
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5/26/2007 After painting and removing the paper covering, it looks pretty good, and it will help support that rear panel.
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5/26/2007 Now install your rear seat and J hook to hold the seat and put the top bows back into place.
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5/26/2007 And the job is complete. Looks good and will help support the rear panel as designed. From start to finish was about 2 hrs for me.
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