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GPA Motor 8731
Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 9:59 am
by KiwiGPA
GPA motor 8731 is here in New Zealand. I can across it in a heap of GPW engine blocks lying out in a field. I had it crack tested and it is okay although the bores are badly rust pitted and there is no crankshaft or bearing caps. It is however totally rebuildable and was a great find as our GPA 4897 currently has a GPW motor in it. I have no
how the block made its way down here and can only guess that it made its way across from Australia as spare parts at some stage.
Re: GPA Motor 8731
Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 5:33 pm
by Mithril
Hello,
As usually (yes I know ... !), I'm very interrested to have a close up picture of this stamped GPA engine number to update my serials database.
Once I will find some free time, I will restart my G504 website with all those updated data's.
I'm also interrested with some close up pictures (if any) of all painted markings you previously found on your panels & hull (U.S.A. 706986 or S on the front of the dashboard for exemple).
Regards
Re: GPA Motor 8731
Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 10:25 am
by KiwiGPA
Hi, I will get a picture of the serial number on the engine block but unfortunately my Dad didnt take many photos during the restoration project (mid to late 70s) so we dont have any photos of the US number on the hull. What did you think of the "filler hole" on the foredeck panel? and the forward mounted fuel tank in the chassis? Was this an Australian modification? Will be in touch. Cheers Johnny
Re: GPA Motor 8731
Posted: Sun May 23, 2010 3:12 pm
by Mithril
My two cents, this front fuel tank is a post war civilian modification. I think that Army used its GPA as it.
After WWII, some GPA's hull were civilian cutted to become snowplugs, to have doors or such, some others even saw their pedals and steering changed from side to side.
Re: GPA Motor 8731
Posted: Thu May 27, 2010 5:28 am
by KiwiGPA
Here is a photo of the serial number on the engine block. We have had it crack tested ready for a rebuild at some stage hence the plastic wrapping. With regard to the front mounted fuel tank, the modification was very neat and precise and the mounting of the tank in the front of the chassis looked like it had been done professionally so I thought it might have been an army modification.
http://s876.photobucket.com/albums/ab322/kiwitahi/