When I was a young boy around the age of eight years old, my neighbors Arnie and Arnel Carpenter whom were both WWII veterans always let me ride in their 1943 GPW while they were working in the hay field. The two brothers bought this Jeep in 1950 to use on the farm when they got out of the service. This Jeep was their main transportation in the 1950’s using it to go to work, go to the grocery store and many other places. I remember them pulling around a wooden sled so they could easily transport hay on the farm. I had also ridden around in the Jeep with them when I was a teenager coon hunting the country roads and old trails. Sadly both Arnie and Arnel have both passed on and left me the pleasure of having this wonderful 1943 GPW Jeep which we shared so many memories in. It has taken me two and a half years to restore this Jeep however it was definitely a pleasure to do so in memory of two of the best men I have ever known.
Willys Jeep Life Story – Shelby Simmons
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Congratulations for telling us this kind story and showing such gratitude for both WWII heroes! Great job on your Jeep!!
love the story and love the jeep !
What a great story,,,my Dad had a 46 CJ-2A when I was 12,,,had his guy who painted all their Redi Mix trucks,,after they fixed it up he had it painted,,learned to drive on it when I was 12,,,what a hoot. Love these old boys, trucks and all of them,,Now I should thin out all my rebuilds and let someone enjoy them.
What a great tribute to these two vets,,,and use the one we had for my coon hunting also,,Where abouts are you located…In Michigan here.
Stoney
You have a fine tribute to veterans and a wonderful childhood memory.
I too knew a vet (WW1) when I was young that taught me , along with my dad (WWII)
the essentials of right and wrong. 2 great mentors. Wish they both could of enjoyed
my restorations over the years with me. What a fitting way to honor both of these vets!
God bless you for a wonderful restoration and dedication! Dave —– New London,Ohio
What a fitting tribute. To honor your longtime friends that way is beautiful. The restoration looks fantastic! You have honored their legacy and preserved history at the same time.
Thank you for sharing your treasure.
Looks a great restoration .
Have lots of fun with it and
represent it on memorial days /
Rememberence days to honour
your friends.
Such a great and personal story Shelby! Thank you for sharing and keeping alive, and in wonderful working order, the memories of Arnie and Arnel. All the best.
Very nice. Thank you.