REINFORCMENT REAR PANEL - EARLY SET - FOR FORD GPW & WILLYS MB

Rear Panel to Wheelarch Reinforcement Set - Early Type

Triangular reinforcement plates (gussets) - Set of 2 pieces

★ Correct reproduction for restoration of early Willys MB and Ford GPW jeeps from the 1941-early 1943 period, before the factory introduction of rear panel reinforcements.

Application

This reinforcement set is specifically developed for early Ford GPW and Willys MB jeeps produced before February 1943. From 8 February 1943 onwards, the reinforcement plates between the rear panel and wheelarches were fitted as standard at the factory. For earlier vehicles, these plates were often added in the field as a field modification to prevent cracks and structural weakness in the rear panel.

Installation notes

The reinforcement plates are fitted between the underside of the rear panel and the outside of the wheelarches. Fitting requires drilling and bolting or welding, depending on the chosen fixing method. Originally, these reinforcements were often fitted as a field modification using bolted connections. For optimum strength, the plates can also be welded. Ensure correct positioning before final fixing.

Compatibility

These early-type reinforcement plates are suitable for Ford GPW and Willys MB jeeps with bodies built before 8 February 1943. Later vehicles (from February 1943 onwards) already had these reinforcements fitted at the factory and do not require this reproduction set, unless the original reinforcements are missing or damaged. Not suitable for composite bodies (ACM Type 2) which were used from January 1944 onwards.

Historical context

The reinforcement plates between rear panel and wheelarch were officially introduced in factory production of the Willys MB and Ford GPW on 8 February 1943. Before this date, early jeeps regularly showed cracks and structural weakness in the rear panel, especially around the wheelarches. These reinforcements were therefore often applied as a field modification by army units.