M201, Willys MB and Ford GPW Differences
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Hotchkiss M201 | Willys MB | Ford GPW | ||
Reflectors
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Screen
Rests
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Springs
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Engine
Starter Switch
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Steering
Wheel
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Dash
Switches
There are also differences in the look & number of switches. On the M201, there is a large metal contact next to the screen clamp for the wiper motor circuit ( A ). Below and left is the wiper switch ( B ). The Blackout Switch ( D ) on the M201 killed the power to all driving and brake lights to black out the vehicle when needed. The light switch ( C ) was a rotary type switch. The centre picture shows a Willys MB switch array. The light switch ( C ) on this MB is also a rotary type switch. The Ford GPW switch layout is similar, but this Jeep has the Push/Pull type light switch ( C ). A) Wiper motor screen contact |
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Cowl
Pillar
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Rear
Body Panel Brace
On the 201, the rear body brace, beside the seat mounts, often has two stamped flutes which the Willys brace does not have. However not all M201's have these flutes. They seem to be more common on later built M201's. The Willys MB brace has no flutes and is not folded over on top of the locker. The Ford GPW brace has no flutes and is not folded over on top of the locker. |
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Wheels
The early Hotchkiss wheels were a two piece riveted steel unit. These were later replaced with a similar wheel with welded halves. The original Willys MB units were also riveted and had a very similar profile, but not identical. Later in production, Willys changed to split rim wheel, bolted together for easy tyre replacement. The Ford GPW also used Split rims. |
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Tyres
The tyres varied on the Jeeps too. Wartime tyres were 6.00 x 16 bargrips. The earliest M201's also used Bargrips, but later used a 6.50 x 16 brick tread pattern made by Kleber or Goodyear. |
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Wipers
& Wiper Motors
Hotchkiss fitted electric wipers operated by arms driven by a single centrally mounted motor, although I have found a single motor mounted directly to the wiper. The MB and GPW Jeeps varied from hand operated single wipers, dual hand operated wipers with a linking bar, vacuum wipers and twin electric motor wipers. |
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