What’s Next

Next up on the agenda before the snow starts flying:

– New Combat Rims and Tires

– New Back Seat

– Correcting the Exhaust

– New Roof Bow and Canvas Top

Almost Finished!

With Autumn upon us without warning, the urgency to get Mud Whistle wrapped up has increased. So much so that I while we have made great strides in the restoration, the blog has not been updated. So now after like 2 months, here are some pics of what we have accomplished. Some of the updates are:

– Corrected Bridging Plate

– New Black Out Headlight

– New Blackout Taillights

– Rear Differential in Convoy Paint with Spotlight and Switch

– Trailer Lights Plug

– Wing Marker Lights

– Air Recognition Markings, Completed Camo, Detail Paint

– Windshield Painted and Glass Installed

– Windshield Hold Down Latches Installed

– Gun Clips (Everywhere)

– Ammo Box racks on the Wings

– Pegasus Plaques

– Airborne Mod to Steering Wheel

– Towing Bar and Footman Loops with Straps

– Jerry Can Racks mounted between and behind seats

I know I have forgotten something… whatever, have a look!

Painting – in Progress

This weekend my friend Sean and I started painting the “Mickey Mouse” Camo. We got this much done before becoming heat casualties. 

Also of note is the new and freshly painted (until we ran out of green) Windscreen!

New Sten Guns

Skip and I have both acquired new Sten Mk V’s for our WWII reenacting unit, and we are currently working out the finer points and details of the impression. Here is a pic of the completed Stens.

New Front Bumper

It took some forceful coaxing and bloodshed, but last night I attached the shorter, towing re-enforced, and freshly camouflaged (courtesy of Skip) new front bumper. Also included are the front towing hitch, pick blade and handle, GS shovel, and spare wheel grille mount.

Recce Style

Although we don’t plan on kitting out the Jeep as a reconnaissance vehicle, it was common practice for Recce Jeeps to have the spare wheel mounted on the grille, which looks very cool. For fun, I dropped our spare behind the front bumper, threw some petrol cans in the back and took a few pics.

A Good Sorting Out…

Once the Jeep was delivered to my house I set to sorting her out. Many of the incorrect parts and accessories were removed, as were the features not present on an Airborne Jeep. Additionally the American markings were covered and some correct accessories were added. You can already see a drastic difference between the Jeep as we bought it, and how it appears now.

Items Removed – Windscreen, Side Handles, Corner Handles, Trailer Hitch

Items Added – Correct Towing Pintle Hook, 3/2 Bridge Plate

On Northward!

On 6 June, 2009 my wife Mikelanne, and I ventured to God’s country in Northern Wisconsin to “check out” this 1942 Willys Slat Grill Jeep I found for sale on-line. Having only just entered the world of Jeepistry, and being more interested in World War II Militaria than Jeeps in general, I was flying somewhat blind. But, with my brother guiding me from Florida via cell phone I proceeded to inspect the Jeep to the best of my ability, describing attributes and features to Skip for verification.

Upon taking the Jeep for a spin I did learn that it is a strong running and mechanically sound beast. Also, after getting my “sea legs” and not being so scared of being chucked out of the thing, I learned it was quite fun to drive.

After negotiating the purchase price and arranging for the Jeep’s transport back to Southern Wisconsin, my wife and I were on our way home. This translates to a 3 hour car ride’s worth of my incessant prattle about how brilliant this Jeep is, and all the ways it is going to improve our lives.

She was very supportive, albeit mightily bored.

Below are photos taken that day of the Jeep in it’s as-purchased condition.