54.0.1 Willys MB type seat cushions and back pads
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54.0.1 Willys MB type seat cushions and back pads.
All canvas work was done at the Highland Park plant. Canvas items were made from heavy, water & mildew repellent, fireproof duck cloth.
http://www.tacticalblunder.com/g503/data/618/815_0_1_canvas.jpg
First Style:
- Start of production: January 1942
- Serial Number: GPW 1
- Seat cushions: The cushion had curled cattle hair, was rubber coated, making a two inch thick pad. There was a bottom pouch with a zipper that started at left front and went to right rear.
- Back pads: One inch thick curled cattle hair, also rubber coated. There were three canvas tabs on each side to attach the back pad to the seat frame.
Second Style:
- Start of production: About mid December 1942
- Serial Number: Around registration USA 20193970
- Seat Cushions: The cushion had tufted hair padding on top of the springs with a zippered pouch that started at the left front and went to the right rear.
- Back pads: One inch thick curled cattle hair, also rubber coated. There were three canvas tabs on each side to attach the back pad to the seat frame.
Third Style:
- Start of production: About May 1944
- Serial Number: About registration number USA 20538240
- Seat Cushions: Tufted hair padding on top of “S” shaped springs and covered on the top and sides with canvas.
- Back Pads: Same as second style.
The following is documented in a report by Ford*
The seat cushions and back pads were made at the highland Park plant. Those of the GP were built of 2” sponge rubber covered with heavy-weight, water-repellant and fire-resistant cotton duck (canvas). The thickness of the 2” cushion gave the driver ample room to handle the steering wheel.
When the GPW model was under production, a zipper was incorporated in the cushions facing to permit the storage of a blanket. This was necessary since shortly before Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7th 1941, the Government reduced the amount of rubber that could be used in the cushions, because the jeep was classed as a transport, not a combat vehicle.
After December 7th, 1941 the sponge rubber was removed altogether and rubber coated curled cattle hair, two inch thick pads were used instead. However, the rubber for coating the cattle hair was finally declared “out” by the Government and a spring-type pad was substituted using a tufted hair padding on top of the springs.
*“Contract Negotiation”, excerpt provided by Lloyd White
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