Flatfender Spotter's Guide - Willys MB Flatfender

Willys MB and Ford GPW
With the onset of WWII in sight, Willys started churning out the MB model, which stood for Military model B. Lacking sufficient production capacity, Willys agreed that Ford would produce a virtually identical model, the Ford GPW-G for government, P for an 80-inch wheelbase, and W for the Willys design. From 1941 to 1945 the major identifying body features that distinguished these vehicles from later Jeeps were the short, fold-out split windshield, headlights behind the grille, the lack of a tailgate, a glovebox on the passenger side, a spare tire and gas can carriers located on the rear, fuel filler under the driver seat, depressions in the body with brackets for an ax and a shovel on the driver side, and storage pockets in the rear corners of the wheelwells.

Identifying a semirestored WWII flattie like this one is a snap. The grille is the most prominent feature, with small headlights widely spaced behind the grille and nine slots in between. The split-glass windshield folds out and has an overall height of 22 1/2 inches. Side body depressions below the driver's doorway are for an ax and a shovel. The seat cushion lifts up to reveal the gas filler, and the tank extends below the floorboards as shown.
Identifying a semirestored WWII flattie like this one is a snap. The grille is the most pr
The basic dash for flatties contains the speedo in the center, surrounded by the ammeter, oil pressure, water temperature, and gas gauges. The two holes above the gauges on this early MB are for instrument lights, while the civvy style had only a single light. The hole to the right is for the E-brake handle, while the later M38 had the E-brake on the left side of the column. The dash has a shallow depression that the steering column is bolted into, while later models have a taller depression. Notice that this very early MB lacks a glovebox, while all Fords and later-WWII Willys have a glovebox on the passenger side.
The basic dash for flatties contains the speedo in the center, surrounded by the ammeter,
The same gauge arrangement and E-brake handle is used on 2As and 3As, but dashboards differ from earlier military models in that the glove box is gone and a single center-mounted dash light is used. The steering column is also mounted higher in the dash, and the space above the column was originally used for the column shifter of early CJ-2s (arrow). The transmission cover was raised and set back farther than on the MB, due to the use of a slightly larger T-90 transmission. Early CJ-3Bs used the standard dash design, but later ones used the large speedometer cluster of the CJ-5.
The same gauge arrangement and E-brake handle is used on 2As and 3As, but dashboards diffe

Data plates abound on the M38 dash, and a small glovebox is on the passenger side. The instrument cluster is attached to a removable plate, and the emergency brake handle is located to the left of the steering wheel. The steering column is at the top of the recess, which is lower than on a civilian flattie but higher than on the WWII model. The entire center floorboard section is bolted in place, while all other flatties have integral floorboards.
Data plates abound on the M38 dash, and a small glovebox is on the passenger side. The ins
Two data plates are affixed to the passenger-side firewall on both the CJ-2A and -3A (arrow), while the CJ-3B has only one, usually on the driver side. A common engine conversion was the F-head four-cylinder from the later CJ-3B and CJ-5 Jeeps, as it was nearly a bolt-in and provided a few extra horses, even though they were both 134ci displacement. The stock F-head carb sat higher on the engine and required a hole to be cut in the hood. But a small Holley carb could be fitted (as shown) with a different air cleaner arrangement that left the classic lines of the flat hood intact.
Two data plates are affixed to the passenger-side firewall on both the CJ-2A and -3A (arro
While none of the WWII Jeeps has a tailgate, many attempts have been made to install one, and in this Jeep it was welded back in place. Notice the remnants of the Willys logo (arrow) typical of very early production MBs. Ford also embossed its logo in script on the rear, but the military decided to eliminate any advertising and requested that a gas can carrier be installed in the area. Script Ford and Willys Jeeps are quite rare. The taillight was originally recessed into the body on a bracket, but this is commonly converted to the style shown.
While none of the WWII Jeeps has a tailgate, many attempts have been made to install one,

131 9803 Flatfender Spotters Guide Jeep Cj2a Side Shot

This well-used CJ-2A (with the hood cut out to clear the later F-head carburetor) motors up a hill. The small oval holes near the floorboards are side drains, which WWII models didn't have. These side drains were on all the later flatfenders. The embossed Willys name is clearly visible on the well-worn hood.

This well-used CJ-2A (with the hood cut out to clear the later F-head carburetor) motors u

CJ-2A
Just prior to the war's end, Willys produced prototype civilian models targeted at the agricultural industry. The CJ-2A (Civilian Jeep 2A) was introduced in late 1945 and made until 1949. The nonessential military equipment was removed from these Jeeps and other equipment was improved or modified. Although the silhouette remained similar, larger headlights were mounted in front of the seven-slot grille, the split fold-out windshield was taller, a tailgate was added, the glovebox was eliminated, the fuel filler was external, and the spare tire was moved to the passenger side near the rear. Some very early models were actually called CJ-2s (without the A), and featured a column-shift transmission, parking lights behind the grille à la the MB, and body side depressions for no particular reason whatsoever.

131 9803 Flatfender Spotters Guide Jeep Cj3a Front Shot

A one-piece windshield formed from rectangular tubing was a hallmark of the CJ-3A. The earlier round tubing frame and split windshield of the MB and CJ-2A were interchangeable, but the CJ-2A windshield was taller and provided better visibility.

A one-piece windshield formed from rectangular tubing was a hallmark of the CJ-3A. The ear

CJ-3A
The CJ-3A was introduced in 1948, before production of the CJ-2A ceased, with a host of changes that separated it from earlier Jeeps. The windshield was changed from the split-glass fold-out style to a single pane with a one-piece frame. The grille had different headlight bezels and parking lights, the spare tire remained on the passenger side, and the chassis frame was slightly modified. Other than some mechanical improvements, the 2A and 3A are very similar.

It's Hip to Be Flat
Ten Things Never to Do to a Flatfender:
1. Install a small-block Chevy
2. Install a small-block Ford
3. Add fender flares
4. Use gaudy paint
5. Chrome the grille
6. Diamond-plate corners
7. Swap in an automatic transmission
8. Install high-back buckets
9. Use the windshield on the trail(unless no one can see you)
10. Install late CJ-5 parking lights in a flatfender grille

With the introduction of the tailgate on the CJ-2A, the spare tire was moved to the passenger side and a bracket was added behind the body to strengthen the side panel. Lots of factory options were available, including this aluminum hard top and these nifty little side steps. For agricultural work, plows and other implements were offered to increase the vehicle's operational value.
With the introduction of the tailgate on the CJ-2A, the spare tire was moved to the passen
On the rear corners of CJ-2A tubs are small tubes; these are used for the factory soft top bows when the top is up. When the bows are stored, they fit into two sheetmetal pockets welded to the passenger side, one near the rear and one close to the driver's elbow on the outside of the body. On the CJ-2A, -3A, -3B, and DJ-3A, the tailgate has slotted hinges so it can be removed. Chains hold the gate closed and support it in the open position. Notice the externally mounted taillight on the driver side only, as only one was required.
On the rear corners of CJ-2A tubs are small tubes; these are used for the factory soft top
As with the WWII design, the gas can carrier and spare tire on the M38 are mounted on the rear. A tailgate is used, although it is always bolted shut instead of chained, since chains would rattle and make noise. The tailgate does not have Willys stamped in the center, and it also has extra reinforcement ribs for the spare tire mounting rack. This nonstock rear crossmember is similar to the original, as it features lifting hooks and a pintle hook in the center.
As with the WWII design, the gas can carrier and spare tire on the M38 are mounted on the

A standard-size gas filler was fitted on the CJ-2A with an exterior fill, eliminating the need to lift the seat cushion as in the MB. This location and fill design lasted in the CJ series until 1972, when the government banned passenger-compartment fuel tanks. Although gas would leak past a worn-out gas cap on side hills, the location was handy for visual verification of the fuel level and a short stick could be inserted if the gas gauge was broken.
A standard-size gas filler was fitted on the CJ-2A with an exterior fill, eliminating the
The side fill on an M38 is similar to the civilian flatties, but the opening is large enough to stick your hand into. The extension shown pulls out of the tank to facilitate refueling from a jerrycan without a spout. Unlike the lifting handles on the sides and corners of the MB, the large grab handle around the filler is more for protecting the cap than for lifting.
The side fill on an M38 is similar to the civilian flatties, but the opening is large enou
The introduction of the CJ-2A brought a grille design that carried through to the last CJ-7 in 1986. The larger, 6-inch round headlights were closer together than on the MB and the grille only had seven slots. The parking lights shown here are a typical aftermarket addition that replaces the small original style, and the headlight bezels were originally stainless steel, not painted. The CJ-3A had a similar grille, with slightly different parking lights and smaller, rounder headlight bezels. The CJ-3B grille was taller and embossed with Willys.
The introduction of the CJ-2A brought a grille design that carried through to the last CJ-

Brushguards over the headlights typify an M38 grille, and the headlight bezel is more square than the civilian style. The grille is hinged onto the frame and can pivot forward and be removed. The parking lights are actually blackout marker lights and are recessed behind the grille. The early Warn 8074 winch fits nicely between the stock grille and bumper with minimal modifications.
Brushguards over the headlights typify an M38 grille, and the headlight bezel is more squa
Other than the grille, the CJ2-A's other significant feature was the 2 1/2-inch taller windshield frame, which was due to the increased width of steel between the cowl and the bottom of the glass as compared to the MB. This area also allowed the Willys name (shown here on the backside) to be embossed on the frame, as it was on both sides of the hood and in the center of the tailgate. The lever shown here is part of the mechanism used to keep the fold-out part of the windshield closed and is a rare item.
Other than the grille, the CJ2-A's other significant feature was the 2 1/2-inch taller win
Military M38 models feature a CJ-3A-style one-piece windshield; however, the center vent is bolted shut and not movable as it is on the 3A. The cowl has a lid for the battery box, and the hood has a cutout for a snorkle option. Like the MB, the hood is devoid of the Willys name.
Military M38 models feature a CJ-3A-style one-piece windshield; however, the center vent i

Chassis frames of MBs and CJ-2As have the front bumper attached by upper and lower gussets. This allows the bumper to take a beating while the frame remains intact. Very little, if any, boxing is evident on the front of the frame, except for the Ford variety, so cracks and bends often appear after years of service. The front crossmember is a round tube on all civilian and military Willys, while the Ford models used an inverted U-channel. The center tab in front of the crossmember is for the extra grille mounting point of the WWII model. On Willys, the frame number is on an aluminum tag riveted to the left side inner frame rail near the gussets, while Fords had the number stamped on top of the frame rail behind the left motor mount bracket. Body data plates are affixed to the glovebox door on the passenger side.
Chassis frames of MBs and CJ-2As have the front bumper attached by upper and lower gussets
CJ-3A and -3B frames eliminated the earlier gussetted bumper design and had the frame horns enlarged to fit the standard bumper. The round crossmember was retained, but the grille of the 2A and 3A doesn't bolt to it in the center. Boxing of the frame is limited to areas behind the crossmember, but savvy owners usually add some reinforcement up front to prevent damage. The later M38 frame was gusseted in this area and proved much more substantial.
CJ-3A and -3B frames eliminated the earlier gussetted bumper design and had the frame horn
Another tip on frame ID is how the transmission crossmember is mounted. Two tabs drop down to enclose the U-channel ends of the crossmember on WWII models and the CJ-2A. This photo shows a drop-down extension fitted to relieve driveline angles, but the basic two-side-bolt, one-center-bolt design is retained. The CJ-3A and later models use a similar crossmember, but it is bolted flush and flat at the frame with two bolts per side pointing straight up. As with almost any Jeep, the later crossmember can be retrofitted to earlier versions by drilling some holes in the frame.
Another tip on frame ID is how the transmission crossmember is mounted. Two tabs drop down