Pre-Jeep: The Belly Flopper

6 Comments

1. BillFebruary 17, 2015 at 1:56 PM

   I'm sorry, but the description says front drive, both the photos and the mechanical drawing shows a chain driving the rear wheels from a mid located differential with axle stubs to cogs. If there is a shaft to the front axle I don't see it. This might have beat out the jeep had they put a suspension under it and normal seating and controls. Basically it would have been a VW with a water cooled power plant
2. Iowa SteveFebruary 17, 2015 at 2:13 PM

   That is nothing, I have been at Mt Rushmore museum and learned the declaration of Independence says "pursuit of life, liberty and social justice."
3. Iowa SteveFebruary 17, 2015 at 2:18 PM

   Didn't know this still existed. Restoration still has the same creases as the photo. A real emphasis on the low profile concept. was carried over some to the jeep but other than in shipping, I don't remember seeing many jeeps in the war with the windshield laid down?
4. Doug In OhioFebruary 17, 2015 at 4:20 PM

   Bill,I see the same as you in those drawings and in the pics.,a differential ahead of the rear wheels with a chain driving the rear wheels.
5. Iowa SteveFebruary 17, 2015 at 7:42 PM

   Here is the patent which shows 6 wheels? http://www.warwheels.net/images/HowieMGcarrierPATENT.pdf The information on the patent mentions "forward extending driveshaft" which some may have interpreted as front wheel drive?
6. BillFebruary 17, 2015 at 10:35 PM

   Must have been a real crazy thing to drive - now we see where the gas peddle is - between the clutch and brake. Image laying on your stomach working pedals, this bad enough, but to have them not in the same order that a driver was used to