MZ-2 Questions

M715VFD405 · Post by **M715VFD405** » Wed May 22, 2013 7:07 pm

Ok I've found a MZ-2 body tub and I wanted to know what sets these apart other then the generator behind the shifters and antennae mount on the drivers side, this is going to be a back burner project since I have a 1952 M38 on the front. However I'd like to know all I can about the MZ-2 before I start on it. The data tag serial number is 3419 a D.O.D. would be nice to know if anyone has a clue please let me know. The only thing I've seen is that they started this variation in 1944 but that's about all I can find out. My plans are to use the cja2 frame I have to restore it. While I know this is not "correct" I have the frame already under the M38 and since I have the M38 frame ready for transplant the M38 to why not utilizes it? Now for the pictures. Again any info you might have will be appreciated. Here she is:

I know it's hard to read but it says:
Model MZ-2
Mobile Radio Transmitting
And Receiving Equipment
Serial 3418
-------------------------------------------------
Equipment Consist of Accessories and Following
1 CND - 10182-B Reconnaissance Car
1 Model TCS Series Radio Tran & Rec Equipt
1 66118 Antenna Assembly
-------------------------------------------------
Navy Department
Bureau Of Ships
--------------------------------------------------
Contractor
Willy's - Overland Motors Inc.
Toledo Ohio U.S.A.
Contract NX st 53300

Post by **wesk** » Wed May 22, 2013 8:55 pm

Mark Tombleson is the guy to ask. The jeep and the radio together constituted a complete system and the serial you posted is for the complete system. The jeep would have it's own standard 6 digit serial and a DOD. Unfortunately you do not seem to have the glove bax plates for the tub. What is the ACM # on the left toe board gusset?

M715VFD405 · Post by **M715VFD405** » Wed May 22, 2013 9:12 pm

ok you lost me what are you referring to? The only other numbers I've located are on the front of the firewall on the drivers side? 124391 is stamped on the rail.......

Post by **wesk** » Wed May 22, 2013 10:26 pm

The WWII willys and Ford jeeps all had three data plates mounted on the glove box door. One contained the jeep's serial number and date of delivery. I do not see them in your photo. Do you have those plates?

The serial number you gave us above, 3418, is not the jeep's serial number. It is the radio set's serial number.

If you want to learn the date of delivery for that tub you will need the glove box data plates. The number on the front of the tub down on the driver's side toeboard gusset about where the pedals come through the firewall are the ACM body number. ACM built those tubs for Willys & Ford during WWII. That number can be used to approximate the tub's date of delivery.

M715VFD405 · Post by **M715VFD405** » Thu May 23, 2013 5:32 pm

The glove box lid is MIA I'm afraid and I looked under the dash where the holes are for the peddles are and I couldn't find anything but I may be looking in the wrong spot??? and if it's stamped it might be covered by paint... Like I said the only numbers I have are the ones I've given the hood number(101993) the radio serial number (3418)and the number on the drivers side rail on the fire wall (124391) which is by the peddle opening just on the front of the tub not in it...

Post by **wesk** » Thu May 23, 2013 8:25 pm

That thing you call a rail is the driver's toeboard gusset.

M715VFD405 · Post by **M715VFD405** » Thu May 23, 2013 8:48 pm

Sorry I'm just jumping into this. I'm not sure what some things are called, I'm learning as I go just like I did with my M715. This is a whole new ball of wax for me but I love this hobby. This tub is gonna be a nightmare to restore but I know it can be done. The M38 is up first since it's all there for the most part. Wes your photo album is very impressive I plan to use it as much as I can for that build. I want to know what I can before I get in over my head though and since I'm not a mechanic in any way shape of form this should be fun

. I'm not a total failure mind you but pictures are the best teaching tool for me. The way you have yours labeled makes it easy even a dunderhead like me can figure it out. Anyway I'll stop rambling if I can get a ball park of a DOD I'd be happy with that. I mainly want it for personal reasons and I plan to repop those missing data plates as close as possible. Thanks for your help!!!

Post by **wesk** » Thu May 23, 2013 9:32 pm

Chris,

You have plenty of time. I would keep an eye open for a MB frame. They are out there. That tub would make one great rare resto on a proper frame and running gear.

M715VFD405 · Post by **M715VFD405** » Thu May 23, 2013 9:44 pm

Very true I don't have to make any decisions yet. It will prolly take me a few years to get the M38 to a point I'll want to start on this one.

M715VFD405 · Post by **M715VFD405** » Mon May 27, 2013 6:13 pm

So how do I find out the DOD from that number?

Post by **wesk** » Mon May 27, 2013 9:20 pm

Use the G503 data base when it starts working again.
http://g503.com/serial-numbers/

You reorder the columns of info so that body number is in the first column, then serial, then DOD, then model.

M715VFD405 · Post by **M715VFD405** » Mon May 27, 2013 9:35 pm

Right on Thanks Wes

Powermwt · Post by **Powermwt** » Wed May 29, 2013 12:09 pm

Hi Chris... this is Mark.

Your tub # 124391 is in a known group of MZ-2 radio jeep bodies and is in between these two radio jeeps.

MB-380901 Body number 124380

MB-380914 Body number 124435 MZ-2 data plate # 3390 DOD 10-26-44

Your MZ-2 body is unique from other MBs and almost every major panel has some change on it.

You should think carefully if you want to do this type of restoration. I would not recommend installing it on a CJ frame.

You can learn more about the MZ-2 and the other radio jeeps, MZ, MZ-1 and such on the Navy/USMC forum on G503.

Here is one thread. http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f= ... 5&start=30

The site is being worked on right now and some photos have lost their link.