Grandpa, tell me bout the good ole days............

[Oldpath05]

"For those that may not know, M=military version while CJ = civilian jeep." I did know that.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^^^
I knew that, also. I also remember the ads for the $50 military jeeps and always wondered if they were such a good deal, why we never saw any.

 

[ovrszd]

Here's a very good read about the history of Jeep. Even the most ardent Jeep fan will learn something reading this. Pictures for those of us that have trouble concentrating on written word.

Jeep(R) History - The Legacy of Jeep(R) Models By Year

 

[ultrarunner]

Here is a little backstory of the jeep as it came to be... there are volumes written with specific details...

Only American Bantam in Butler PA delivered a working model withing the 49 day requirement and delivered to the Army for 30 days of field testing... it took Willys 75 days well outside the 49 day requirment.

Problem is it was doubtful Bantam could deliver 75 vehicles per day and being a war contract the Bantam Blueprints where given to Willys and Ford which had large production facilities...

Bantam jeep story:

The birthplace of the jeep | Visit Butler County Pennsylvania!.

 

[JethroB]

Jeep tidbits. About 640,000 were built during WWII, Ford produced about a third. Willys and Ford later fought over the Jeep name and trademark seven slot grill.

 

[ovrszd]

In my experiences, the Ford built jeeps of the Vietnam era were very dependable and adequate. Their only flaw that I know of is they would side roll easy due to independent suspension.

Then the Army tried GM built Blazers and heavy pickup trucks. They used the GM "converted" diesels. Pretty powerless. Too much tin. Easily damaged.

Then the Army tried the GM Hummers. Very versatile vehicle that immediately got over tasked. GM struggled to catch up. In the end a very capable vehicle that served our Soldiers well. Even loaded down with Ghetto armor.

 

[JethroB]

In my experiences, the Ford built jeeps of the Vietnam era were very dependable and adequate. Their only flaw that I know of is they would side roll easy due to independent suspension.

Then the Army tried GM built Blazers and heavy pickup trucks. They used the GM "converted" diesels. Pretty powerless. Too much tin. Easily damaged.

Then the Army tried the GM Hummers. Very versatile vehicle that immediately got over tasked. GM struggled to catch up. In the end a very capable vehicle that served our Soldiers well. Even loaded down with Ghetto armor.

I saw a few Vietnam era jeeps (not Jeep brand) at a government surplus facility back in the 70s. These jeeps had been completely cut in half across the front floorboards with a torch. Was told they were not road legal in the US. State agencies, counties, volunteer fire departments (me), etc. could go there and scrounge. I remember thousands of Jerry can on pallets. Huge place.

 

[Oldpath05]

^^^^^
I knew that, also. I also remember the ads for the $50 military jeeps and always wondered if they were such a good deal, why we never saw any.

Guess what, I made a slight typo error. I dont know what it is but lots of times I wright something and I leave a word, this time is was one little word that changes the whole meaning.. "For those that may not know, M=military version while CJ = civilian jeep." I did know that. <<<<<<<<<<<<< I meant to wright/type>>>> I did NOT know that...

 

[Jstpssng]

I saw a few Vietnam era jeeps at a government surplus facility back in the 70s. These jeeps had been completely cut in half across the front floorboards with a torch. Was told they were not road legal in the US. State agencies, counties, volunteer fire departments (me), etc. could go there and scrounge. I remember thousands of Jerry can on pallets. Huge place.

Those are probably the $50 Jeeps which some of us referred to a few posts back.
My Grandfather had an old military Jeep which he hauled to his hunting spots the way people do their UTVs today. In the early '60s he upgraded to a 1960 CJ5 which he could run on the road.

 

[Creamer]

I remember when tires lasted 15K miles,gas was $0.29/gal and cars were made of steel.Good old days;I don't want them back other than gas priceing.Also my first job paid $1.25/hr. and my first new car was $3150.00.

And as a good friend of mine pointed out we would still go through $20 of gas on a Saturday night and tires were good for three weeks or so.