M151A1 New to the fleet here in SoCal

[blisters13]

Hey All:

Just got this M151 today and was wondering if anyone would like to say what's on their mind about it. I have restored a WWII Dodge WC-43 and repainted and maintain a 1968 M35A2. I will start restoring this jeep in a few months after I take care of some loose ends and sell the WC-43. I can do the body work myself. It looks like an un-cut body, although it has been hacked up a little. I also have the correct 2-piece windshield, seat frames, and a few other of the obvious missing body pieces. The guy I bought it from seems to have lost the rear axle shafts (half-shafts?), so I need a set of those. The ID plate shows original ownership by the US Navy; the paint seems to be 24087, although I think I see some bits of haze gray by the front bumper. Am wondering if USMC M151's were owned by the Navy or had direct ownership? What's the deal with the bright green paint on the engine and radiator? EDIT: I now have the drive shafts.

 

[blisters13]

Some paint pics:
These are on the inside of the -A1 windshield

No hood numbers, original seems to be USMC forest green (I sprayed on some 24087 at top):
Guess this hood was a replacement

 

[blisters13]

saved for more additional info

 

[quickfarms]

That is a navy one

 

[cobra5]

I never seen a data plate like that one.

 

[dmetalmiki]

Nice looking M151, and a good project for restoration. Good pictures of the intended tasks.

 

[Bryan 45]

My '67 has the same stencil on the inside of the windshield, but only on the passenger side.

 

[blisters13]

Much clearer than mine!

 

[blisters13]

FLAT-TOWING TO STORAGE

Medium tow bar


Wheels turned wrong by themselves,
had to have a friend steer it to the
temporary place.

 

[joel]

I put a rubber bungee on the steering wheel to hold it straight

 

[quickfarms]

I never seen a data plate like that one.

Standard on us navy vehicles and equipment

The registration number is what the navy uses on the sides and rear of the vehicle

 

[blisters13]

I put a rubber bungee on the steering wheel to hold it straight

I was thinking the high angle of the tow bar contributed to the problem

 

[lpcoating]

Nice looking truck. Let me know if you need any body panels.

Guy
www.m151bodypanels.com

 

[Whiterabbit]

They all will turn to full lock while towing. Big heavy rubber bungee cord wrapped around lower spoke on the steering wheel to the seat helps stop that. That was standard practice when we'd flat tow 'em in the Army.
Always love driving trucks with skull n crossbones warnings!

 

[blisters13]

Here's the builder's / data plate after I spruced it up:


I cleaned it with white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (about 50% - 50%) and then sprayed it with flat black; gave it a slight curve, convex to the front, and then sanded it slowly with 600 grit emery cloth. Lastly I coated it with clear lacquer.

Soaking in vinegar:


It took 3 washes, and I think if you leave it in too long or wash too many times it will probably start pitting the surface a lot, so you have to watch it.

 

[Viper8]

Thanks for the interesting tip on restoring a data plate! I have a couple of GTBs whose data plates need lots of TLC - I'll try your process. Looks like a really nice result!!

 

[bigmike]

Nice jeep and great project. Good luck and keep the resto pics coming.

 

[blisters13]

Thanks mike!

 

[Prospector GM]

I like the M151A1 Jeep, looks like a fun project. Thanks for the hot tip on the builder/ data plate restoration.

 

[blisters13]

Prospector- I see you're in Hesperia- I work in Pearblossom. Hope to transfer down to San Bernardino within the year. I also have an M35A2 w/w that I drive around at least once a month (but not up to the high desert!).