Mb/gpw Body On Cj3a

Will a mb/gpw body fit on a cj3a frame? will rear shock location be a problem?
any other problems?

 

Absolutely yes.

 

Absolutely yes, it will fit, or absolutely yes, there will be problems? Or both?

 

Been many years since I had a GPW. That said….
Expect the body mount locations to be different
because of the deep military fuel tank.

All 80” Jeeps (read flatfender) can use the same frames.
That said all 80” wheelbase frames have subtle typically minor differences.
Those subtle differences will effect direct fit for certain components.
The frames are
MB military
GPW military
M38 military
CJ2A civilian (2 versions, 1949 or pre 1949)
Cj3A civilian
Cj3B civilian (3 slight different versions of this frame dependent on vintage)
Frames built 1949 onward are much stronger design than previous.
Of all these I prefer the CJ3A and early 3B frames.
These frame are identical.

 

I am working on a project which involves this very thing. I am mounting a MB body onto a late 48 CJ2A frame which is the same as the CJ3A frame other than the driver side engine stand.

Rear shock mounts will not be any problem. The CJ shocks are mounted at an angle that avoids the body.

As Ken (Oldtime) mentioned the CJ frames have body mounts that will interfere with the fuel tank sump on an MB body. There are two mounts, 2nd and 3rd from front, which will need to be removed. These can be moved to the inside of the frame by welding in plates, or as many do, they can simply be omitted. I prefer moving them to the inside of the frame rail.

 

Again ,Oldpappy has really great knowledge.
I thank him for his help

 

The front shocks are in a different position on the 3A frame the early jeeps the shocks were straight up and down in the 3A chassis they angled forward. The two body mounts have already been mentioned and the Tranny cross member will have to be adjusted for the shorter transmission if you are using a T-84 in either case you will have to use the 3A crossmember for the tranny as it mounts completely different then the MB GPW 2A does. The 3A frame will not have the lower radiator mounts on the cross member. Thats all I got.

 

If you are instead using a T90 transmission, if you put spacers of 3/4" - 1" to lower the crossmember this will allow for the taller transmission. I have to disagree about the 3A frame not having the lower radiator mounts, I don't think they went to a side mount radiator until later versions.

 

I believe CJ3 side mount radiators begins on 1951.
Yes the bottom mounting provision on the frame was omitted soon thereafter.

 

old pappy
i have a question for you
I have a cj3-a in need body replacement
trying to fiqure out mb/gpw or m-38
what would be the easiest and cost savings

 

its a 1951 cj3-a frame

 

Six of one half dozen of the other. Same work involved with any of them.

I don't know how the prices vary between the various reproduction tubs, but MB, M-38 (not M38A1), CJ3A (if available) or CJ2A reproduction tubs will fit your frame. Don't fall for the "Repli-Tub" sales pitch, those are are the same MD Juan tubs you can get elsewhere with some holes drilled in it. I have my own drill.

When putting a reproduction body on a 70 year old frame expect to have to make some adjustments. I suggest starting at the front, bolting on the grill and fenders, bolt the tub to the fenders and then align the tub to the frame.

 

Old pappy
Can i pm u

 

I responded to you PM. What is your question?