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MB GPW Top Maintenance Tips for the WWII Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps

Many hobbiests deal with the same issues or problems with their restores. Here are some of the top tips that hobbiests have sent in.


This article applies to both Willys MB and Ford GPW WWII Military Jeeps 


1. TIP #1 Jumpy Speedometer
Reports of speedometer needles jumping around. These can be traced to a loosened speedometer cable where it connects to the transfer case.
Tighten the connection and the needle stops jumping.

-Army Motors April 1945 p10

2. TIP #2 Manual Wipers moving while driving
If your manual wipers move around in the wind while driving, then remove the center bolt and replace it with a 1/4in x 1 3/4in long with a SLOT 1/4in wide x 1/8in deep.
Now lift the wiper tie-rod into the slot. No more movement. Pop it out of the slot if you need to use them

-Army Motors May 1945 p55

3. TIP #3 Pesky Fuel Pump bolt
Once you install the front Fuel Pump bolt it is very difficult to reach this bolt with a wrench. There just is no room to get your wrench in there and turn.

Prior to installing this bolt, cut a slot into the bolt so that you can use a screwdriver to easily remove it.

-Army Motors May 1945 p57

4. TIP #4 Spark Plug Caps
The rubber spark plug insulator caps deteriorates with age and causes the lower part to crack.
To lengthen the life of the caps put a small flat washer on the top and bottom of the cap.
Press the edges of the crack together and tighten up the plug wire against the washers.

Army Motors June 1944 p84

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