New guy

Monsterdave · Post by **Monsterdave** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 2:08 am

Hey guys, I'm brand spanking new to the world of Willy's. I've wanted a MB or GPW for as long as I can remember. Spent 5 years in the Marine Corps, got out 3 years ago and now I have a good steady paying job and my own house with a garage that I can store it in.

Basically I know nothing, but I'm willing and want to learn. I'm trying to find a MB or GPW in Southern California but they seem to be impossible to find. I'm not looking for anything fully restored, just something running, not a daily driver, but something for the weekends to keep local. I've tried craigslist and ebay with zero luck.

Anyone in So. Cal or know of anyone in So. Cal? Thanks for any help.

jeepers52 · Post by **jeepers52** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:58 am

Keep looking! They do come up. Some can get very $$$$. The WWII Jeeps are in high demand. I was looking at a 44 GPW in Tucson just last week the Guy wanted $3,000 for it and it was really rough, lots of Bubba mods, did not run, and rusted in way to many places. If you are willing to go to the newer Jeeps the M38A1 is a great Jeep and they will get hard to find soon.

Six years ago I started looking for a GPW or MB, and ended up with an M38. I love it and now they are getting hard to find. I am not disappointed with my Jeep at all. They all have a bit of history in them. AND they are all the real deal, no plastic.

Good luck and thank you for your service to this great country.

linx310 · Post by **linx310** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 6:41 pm

Yea for what people want for a GPWs and MBs you can get a decent running M38A1.

Though in the past year or so it seems like the M38A1s are starting to become popular because they are cheaper to get into.

Not to mention they are better jeep. I always have to mentioned that to the WW2 jeep guys

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:57 pm

Get an A1.

If you look at all the psychos and prices on the G why would you want to get caught up in that. I've seen A1s that need restoration for as little as 500 bucks. You also have a better chance of finding a good engine. Plus your marriage will last longer.

Monsterdave · Post by **Monsterdave** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 1:26 am

53a1 wrote:Get an A1.

If you look at all the psychos and prices on the G why would you want to get caught up in that. I've seen A1s that need restoration for as little as 500 bucks. You also have a better chance of finding a good engine. Plus your marriage will last longer.

Ha! I'm 26 and single, so that last part is definitely not a problem.

I'm just very into the MB/GPW look. But still, I can't find anything in southern california, just did a quick search for M38.

jam51m38cdn · Post by **jam51m38cdn** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 6:56 am

Don`t forget what JEEP stands for , Just Empty Every Pocket Once you have restored one you`ll understand that completely !!

Boze · Post by **Boze** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 8:10 am

MonsterDave,

Do your research. Go to shows, check out the g503 and steel soldiers and Military Vehicles magazine. Talk to owners. But some books written about the Jeep and other vehicles. This is not a decision to rush into. In the end, you will want the Jeep you want, not someone else's idea of what you should have. All models have their problems and their attractions - and their detractors and their fans. It's sort of like dating - when you find the right one, you will know. Good luck, Marine.

Deino · Post by **Deino** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:12 am

One option you have if you can't find a jeep you like close by is having one shipped to you. It's a risky option, because chances are you won't actually see the jeep before it's at your home, and something could always go wrong during the trip. It will also limit your budget more, depending on how far the vehicle needs to be moved. However, I chose this option and everything turned out great. Fortunately the seller was honest and truck driver was a responsible person.

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 8:58 pm

Monsterdave,

If you are single and looking try to find a grease monkey biker chick. Normal girls are incapable of understanding about these things and can slow a restoration or bring it to a halt. A biker chick might speed up the resto by helping turn wrenches.

jam51m38cdn · Post by **jam51m38cdn** » Tue Apr 13, 2010 9:07 pm

Nice original MB on the cj3a page for sale in PA. Go to cj3a and click on links then willys tech then free buy sell swap board. Looks like it`s mostly all there

madmike · Post by **madmike** » Wed Apr 14, 2010 10:54 am

You might also consider checking out the West Coasy Willys Club. Although they are a national org. they have more members on the west coast and they of course, have a listing of vehicles and parts for sale. Not as many military vehicles in the group but there are a few and the members may know of a good gpw out there for you. Clubs are he best resouce to find the best vehicles. Members will prefer to sell to fellow club members, at a better price, rather than to someone who is going to resell just for a profit. And buying something located 2,000 miles is veeeery risky. I only did it once and will never do it again. They are never as good as represented.

If interested, WCW has a web site at westcoastwillys.com and/or email them at info@westcoastwillys.com

You found the right site for tech help when you find your Jeep. These guys are great. Also the Camp Delta meet is next week outside of Stockton, Ca. It's all week and lots of vehicles for sale. I'm going.