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Building A Mb In A Crate

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by kenb, Jan 11, 2021.

  1. Jan 11, 2021
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2019
    Messages:
    670
    Hello,

    I've got it in my head that it might be fun to build a MB from one of the MD Juan master kits. I'm aware that it would never be a collectable vehicle but it's the sort of work I enjoy doing with my dad. Also since owning a M38A1 I've wanted a flat fender Jeep too.

    What I'm trying to sort out is what else do I need besides the kit? Engine, engine accessories, transmission, transfer case, frame (available as a repro depending on who you buy the kit from), axles, instruments, lights, light switches, wiring harness is what I've thought of.

    I'm not sure how to best source the other stuff I need. I suppose a donor Jeep would be an all in one package. However I don't want to buy a Jeep with a bunch of parts I won't use. In my area we have plenty of rusted out Jeeps so finding one with an unsalvagable body is common. I see 2As for sale from time to time but almost never an MB. I'm not sure if a 2A would have most of what I need. I would be willing to make the modifications to use a T90 but besides that I don't know what's different.

    Any thoughts on how to get started are appreciated. I think this would be a fun project but I don't want to start something where the cost would spiral out of control tracking down a bunch of parts.

    Thanks,
    Ken
     
    givemethewillys and 47v6 like this.
  2. Jan 11, 2021
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2019
    Messages:
    556
    Personally, i’d go the other way. I’d get the donor jeep, tear it down, tally what works and add MD Juan parts to that.
    This is my advice after building two CJ5’s, a CJ2a, a J10 and a Jeepster Commando. Surprising what ends up working perfectly well with a bit of penetrating oil and elbow grease. I'm also a big fan of supporting KW, Walck's and Omix-Ada, to make sure they still see a reason to provide us with parts as NOS supplies start to dwindle.
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2021
    dozerjim, 3b a runnin and Ol Fogie like this.
  3. Jan 11, 2021
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

    definitely. it would be cool to be able to disassemble the jeep and put it in a crate too.
     
  4. Jan 11, 2021
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2019
    Messages:
    670
    I suppose I should get a donor vehicle before I buy anything else. I will need to research to see if I can reasonably make do with a 2A as a donor
     
  5. Jan 11, 2021
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

    no, the frame design is changed from the MB to 2A. rear shocks are changed, transmission crossmember is different, no machine gun mount.
     
  6. Jan 11, 2021
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2019
    Messages:
    556
    I don't know if you're aware of the CJ2a.com board, but there are some great bloke's and lasses over there. Here's a discussion about CJ2a/MB differences.
    CJ2A to MB Impostor Conversion
     
  7. Jan 11, 2021
    kenb

    kenb Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult

    Detroit
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2019
    Messages:
    670
    Thanks for the replies. I was unaware of the Cj2a board, I will need to spend some time reading there.
     
    Bigdaddy13 likes this.
  8. Jan 11, 2021
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2019
    Messages:
    556
    Lot's of crossover to this board. I was over there a lot (too much...lol) when I owned my 1947 CJ2A.
     
  9. Jan 13, 2022
    Mrmotorhead

    Mrmotorhead New Member

    wyoming
    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2021
    Messages:
    10
    i have got two of the cj5 body's from them and the fit and finish is horrible, don't expect anything to fit without alot of work.
     
  10. Jan 13, 2022
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2021
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    1,620
    There is also a forum mainly focused on the MB / GPW and other military vehicles.

    G503.com
     
  11. Jan 13, 2022
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    5,798
    I think this is a great idea! You will most likely need a title, so go buy a cj2a, 3a, 3b or early cj5.. Use the axles axles and what not..
     
  12. Jan 13, 2022
    timsresort

    timsresort Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    South Lake Tahoe CA
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2014
    Messages:
    1,382
    Our club, MVCC, raffled off a crate jeep a few years ago at the annual meet. I thought, how cool, but what a job (and investment) to get it going. I agree, buy a 2A, but with todays prices...whew.
     
  13. Jan 14, 2022
    andy howell

    andy howell Member

    Thomastown...
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2008
    Messages:
    115
    You NEED to Contact Brent Mullens. He has a kit to install an MB body onto a CJ2A Chassis, has a complete tutorial & all the shortcuts worked out. He even offers a service where he test fits the new tub on a chassis & guarantees it fits when you get it!
    I saw a Jeep in a Crate reproed at one of the MVA Conventions, seems like Mobile? Can't remember.
    I lost count how many $.50 in quarters I sent off on those "$50 Jeep In A Crate" adds from the back them funny books when I was a kid...still waiting for the 1st one to be delivered...:steamed:
    Mullins Jeep Parts Home | Mullins Jeep Parts
     
  14. Jan 15, 2022
    Tom in RI

    Tom in RI Member

    Rhode Island
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2008
    Messages:
    234
    Before you buy an MD Juan body tub, go over to the CJ2a page - there is a product review section and in there is a repro body section. Plenty of posts on the work ahead cutting and fitting an MDJuan tub. There is also a review of the SGI tubs from India. Those look promising and Metalshaper did a video unboxing of an SGI tub also. It sounds like SGI builds their tubs to much more accurate dimensions.
    For your plan, buy a parts jeep. It would be great to have a new chassis and tub but you need lots of other bits and brackets from a donor.
     
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