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Jeep GPW & Willys MB Stamp Guide: WWII Military Vehicle Restoration Reference

🔧 Restorer's Quick Reference: This guide covers where Ford GPW and Willys MB WWII Jeeps were stamped — engine, frame, body — plus every RestoStamps GPW and Willys MB stamp set needed for a correct military restoration.

Why Correct Stampings Matter on WWII Jeep Restorations

The Ford GPW and Willys MB are among the most passionately restored military vehicles in the world. WWII Jeep restoration is a precise discipline — restorers and judges at events like MVPA shows and French WWII commemorations examine stampings on the frame rails, engine block, body tub, and small components with exacting attention. The Ford GPW and Willys MB used different stamp fonts and formats, and mixing parts or stamps from the two models is a restoration error that is immediately visible to knowledgeable judges and collectors.

Both the GPW (Ford-produced) and MB (Willys-produced) carry serial numbers stamped in multiple locations. This guide covers the correct stamp sets for each location and each producer.

Frame and Engine Serial Number Locations

On both the GPW and MB, the primary serial number was stamped into the left frame rail, near the rear of the vehicle. A matching number was also stamped on the engine block — on the machined pad on the left side of the block, just above the water pump. Body stampings were applied to the tub during assembly.

📋 GPW vs. MB: Key Identification Differences
Ford GPW: F-prefix serial numbers, Ford-specific letterforms, "GPW" cast into many parts
Willys MB: MB-prefix serial numbers, Willys-specific character style, "MB" stampings throughout
These two systems are NOT interchangeable — restoration requires era- and producer-matched stamps.

Ford GPW Stamp Sets

The Ford GPW uses Ford-contracted stamp fonts for the frame and engine numbers, with a "GPW" body stamp system for the body tub components. The star stamp used on the GPW engine is the same style as the period Ford truck star stamp.

Willys MB Stamp Sets

The Willys MB uses a different frame and engine stamp system from the GPW, with Willys-specific number formats and letter styles. A correct MB restoration requires MB-matched stamps throughout.

  • Willys MB Stamps — From $375 — The complete stamp set for Willys MB frame, engine, and body stampings.

Military Acceptance Stamps

Both the GPW and MB carried Department of Defense acceptance stamps — the "eagle with 3 stars" stamp applied by military inspectors during production. These stamps appear on various components throughout the vehicle and are an important part of a correct restoration.

Power Wagon and Other Military Platforms

For restorers working on related military vehicles, we also carry the star stamp for the Dodge Power Wagon engine:

Stamping Tips for WWII Jeep Restoration

  • Match the producer. Never mix GPW and MB stamp sets — the fonts are different and judges will notice immediately.
  • Frame rail stamping requires support. The frame rail must be supported from underneath when stamping to prevent distortion.
  • Use a stamp holder for body stampings. Our Stamp Holder ($56) ensures consistent character height and spacing across the body tub panels.

🪖 Ready to Restore Your WWII Jeep?

Browse our complete GPW and Willys MB stamp collection, or contact us with your specific serial number range or restoration question.

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Sources & References

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