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At the Bantam Festival Gerald took a picture of a CJ-3A(?) with an unusual Bezel. Steve contacted me today with a similar Bezel on his CJ-3B. So far, no one has produced any history regarding these. Anyone know anything about them?
Steve’s Bezel:
Gerald’s Image:
Thanks goes to Dexter for spotting this new twist on an ongoing scam by some pond scum. The famous 1942 GPW that popped up throughout the nation now has its own youtube video. The price has shifted from $4700 to $4999.
http://reno.craigslist.org/clt/2547048909.html
httpv://www.youtube.com/user/GWilliams429#p/a/u/0/9FicxLIgu44
Here is the Ad text, which appear just before I flagged the ad as a scam.
“Rebuilt 1942 GPW Ford Military Jeep -Rebuilt Collection compact military four-wheel drive utility vehicle. 4-cyl. side valves, 134 CID (2199 cc), 60 hp (45 kW). It is an excellent choice, FLAWLESS condition, Very light use. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on my YouTube chanel: http://www.youtube.com/user/GWilliams429”
Here is an original pic found on an earlier ad that now is on the video:
I guess I should have posted this at the beginning of the Festival, but I was pleasantly distracted all weekend. So, here is a post about the three Bantam generations. As the oral testimony shared by Gerald affirms, there were three different models of vehicles built by Bantam. Here is more history about the Bantam vehicles.
The Original Bantam: Below are images of the original Bantam Bantam Reconnaissance Car. Here are some images from Life Magazine from Camp Holabird. Here is a video of Duncan’s well done original BRC Replica (which also includes a BRC-40).
The Bantam BRC-60: This is the 2nd generation BRC-60. The easiest way to identify the differences between the BRC and the BRC-60 is to look at the fenders, note the Original BRC fenders are round, and the entry point, which is a smoother slope on the BRC-40 as opposed to the bump in the original BRC.
The Bantam BRC-40: This is the 3rd generation BRC-40. The easiest way to identify the difference between the BRC-60 and the BRC-40 is the grille. Note how flat the grille is compared to the rounded grille of the BRC-60. The windshield is dramatically different, as the BRC-40’s appears much stronger. Of course, there are other differences, but those are a quick way to distinguish between the two. Here is a BRC-40 that was for sale.
I guess I shouldn’t forget the Bantam ‘Checker’: Learn more about this at Bill Spear’s website.
Finally, just to show there seems to be an exception to every rule, Gerald forwarded this image. I believe the front of this is a Bantam BRC-60, but the door area resembles the original Bantam. The windshield has a higher ‘bridge’ across the bottom; which doesn’t resemble either the BRC or the BRC-60 in the pics above. I believe this was a Russian Lend/Lease vehicle, but perhaps someone else could be more specific about it.
Once again Gerald took the time to share some pictures with us. Bob had some information about the parade. In fact, at some point Bob and Gerald managed to connect (see below pic). From both of their comments, it is safe to say the parade eclipsed the old parade record held by the Colombians. Congrats to all the participated.
Bob writes,”The word was that there were 1106 jeeps in the parade. It went on until 10:30, and there were 35,000 people lining the streets of Butler.”
Gerald writes, “After the concert and I strong storm last night. I’m done. There is always next year. I’ll be better prepared. It’s already on for August 2012. I’m sure it will be even bigger. The parade was what everyone was talking about. It was over the top. The locals lined up deep and main street was full. The official count is 1108, I think. Unofficially 1700. We got the record details will follow.”
Windyhill writes, “Great show! I stopped by the “ewillys” table and saw the brick! lol. We just got home, about a 6 hour trip. I modified my 18 trailer so I could tow two willys as one time, my 3b and my brothers stock 3A for this trip. The parade was great, loved being able to walk down the street after and be able to start at the Bantams go threw the WWII Jeeps,and then threw the 2A’s 3A, 3B’s etc by decade! Saturday we got held up with a trailer bearing so I missed most of the show and shine but we did run my brothers stock 3A and my 3B threw the playground! It rained early Saturday which made for a soggy pack up but all in all a great time and we will return!
Here is Bob’s CJ-3B
Ever see a factory set of 9.00 x 13 high floatation tires? There was a Navy 3A with an original set. Wow (btw,
I got alot of comments about the Mini Terras and rims on my Jeep.)
Check out this firepower.
Camp and footlocker
Have you ever seen these bezels? Are they stock? (Ed note: I don’t believe they are stock. I’ve seen similar ones on Phillipine vehicles that seemed aftermarket.)
Now that’s a trailer.
Random Bantam, that’s an odd statement, but true at the fest. (BRC-40)
The playground
And that’s a rap. They ran out of shirts at the parade. Everyone was bummed about that.
Later.
ps. I’m drinking lot’s of coffee today and planning for next year.
I’ve been busy all day … any updates will need to wait until later tomorrow.
Sebastain had a great day at the Festival. He posted pics in two different locations:
http://flatfenderclubofbutler.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/welcome-32/
http://flatfenderclubofbutler.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/welcome-28/
Meanwhile, Gerald has been working hard peddling eWillys. In his spare time he’s been enjoying the Festival. He starts again at 6:30am.
Gerald starting off at 6:30am Saturday:
The set-up
Gerald notes h may have just become you East Coast Rep. Little does he know that as the East Coast Rep his salary will not be much different than mine. Did I mention it is a volunteer position Gerald?
The Jeeps
Bantam BRC 40 (not the original bantam, but the third version following the BRC-60 and BRC)
Only this update tonight ….
Gerald reported in just a few minutes ago. Much fun had by all. There were jeeps everywhere. He hasn’t gotten the official parade count, but he said people were rolling in for hours. Thanks Gerald!
Gerald notes, “Things were great tonight at the BantamFest Jeep Parade. All I can say is there were hundreds………. here’s a couple shots. i will get an official count on Saturday.”
The staging lot with the Lost Biscuit (Thanks to Gerald, I’m attending virtually. Rub me for good luck!)
Registration
They were coming in for hours
Late model line ups
General shot. It was packed
Main Street in Butler
Finished off with a late night tire change from NDT’s to the Turbines with Mini Terras for Saturday.
Already met some cool people, Maine to Australia.
The Bantam Festival is about to get underway. One of the goals of the festival is to break the world record for the longest parade of Jeeps, a record currently held by a parade held in Colombia. With more than 500 jeeps already registered for the parade, it seems breaking the record is a real possibility.
Just some quick math … 500 jeeps at approx 10 ft is a mile if parked end to end. That means if there is a jeep length between them, the parade will already be 2 miles long. Other jeeps will certainly join as well.
This is a Willys Jeep that was assembled from parts and pieces in the early 1960’s by Joe Ferrero and used as a Shriner’s parade vehicle through the early 1990’s. It appears to be a DJ-3A.
They acquired the Willys needing repair. With a minor ressurection – this vehicle is functioning as a parade vehicle. Features include all the bells and whistles (literally), a squirting telephone, bottle openers, and a keg that is accessible through the side of the vehicle.
Gerald is all ready for the Bantam Festival. Note that I will be riding with him in spirit, as he will have a picture of me and Biscuit on or near his jeep. So, stop on by, say hello, and get your picture taken with my picture. 🙂
Gerald writes, “We had my Dad’s 46 (red), Brother’s 48 (blue) and my 63 (cj3b) all in the same place for the first time. My brother also has a 50 M-38 to add but here’s the 3 at the Butler Farm show with a couple other flat fenders from our club.”
UPDATE: Brian reports the Tugger is now at NetFlix. Also, it appears Tugger now has his own website.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwzFyUhO44g
