U.S Rebuild Plates

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There were many rebuilders of WWII jeeps during the latter years of WWII. For those jeeps that did not have these plates removed by souvenir hunters I am fortunate enough to show two(2) of these plates in line drawing form only. I have recorded at least four different plates, locally. Apologies for the "fuzzies" but the colours have bled over the years.

It appears that jeeps,etc with these plates arrived in Australia in mid to late 1945. They arrived either as PKD, or on their wheels. These plates are about 4 to 5 inches in length and are cast in solid brass.

Two examples of these plates are shown below:

  1. Stewart & Stephenson


    Stewart & Stephenson - Texas

  2. Allison Steel


    Allison Steel Manufacting - ARIZONA

For an overall view of these wartime jeep reconditioners/rebuilders please refer to the following Chart. Many thanks to Dan Bever (MVPA #18507) who located the bulk of the table in "Illustrated Buyer's Guide JEEP", plus the individual jeep owners that have, or know of these plates.

In Australia we have identified Pacific Builders (MBT), Bechley Company (GPW), Allison Steel (MB), and Stewart & Stevenson plates (MB).

Only one jeep, an early MB has confirmed WWII Australian Army service history. All other jeeps shown above have no Army, Navy or RAAF record.

It is suspected that many of these jeeps entered Australia in late 1945 (post war) and were used by our local Electricity Authorities in the building of what we know as the SNOWY MOUNTAIN HYDRO ELECTRIC SCHEME back in 1949-1950.

Please feel free to drop me an email if you have any comments, or if you can ADD to the Chart.

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