You’re probably a history buff if you own a vintage Jeep. When car show displays and weekend cruises don’t interest you, consider showing off your ride through historical reenactments. These events inspire vintage Jeep owners to seek greater levels of authenticity in their vehicles and introduce them to other history buffs and gearheads. If you’re new to the scene and want to get in on the ground floor, here are the essentials needed for a WWII reenactment.
Historical Accuracy in Your Jeep
You might already have this one down, but making a Jeep period-appropriate without sacrificing handling and performance is a challenge for many reenactors. Throw yourself into the past by visiting the library and various historical sites to study up on details like paint colors, insignias, and decals. You can find stencils and reproductions online and through reenactment and history clubs.
Special note: Jeeps used during the Big One were either Willys MBs or the Ford GPWs. You could modify later Jeep models to resemble these vehicles, but if authenticity is your goal, start with the original issues!
Uniforms and Gear
Your Jeep may look exactly like the one the dogfaces drove during WWII, but if you’re dressed in 21st-century clothes, the effect will be lost. Pull together an authentic uniform by visiting thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, and army surplus stores. Reproduction uniforms are widely available at costume stores and online.
Start with the basics. US Infantries were issued M1 helmets, wool trousers, field jackets, web belts, pouches, canteens, and combat boots. Decorate them with reproductions of insignias and other accoutrements. Binoculars, maps, compasses, knives, and other tools also make your getup more realistic. Reenactments often forbid real weapons, so gather some replicas.
Camping and Living History Setups
Once you get your stuff together, look up regional reenactment societies and events. Some may take place over several days and require camping gear. Balance comfort with realism by using period-appropriate camping gear that nonetheless makes the experience more pleasurable than painful (unless you’re going for a hardcore, non-farb experience).
Mess kits and military rations are available online, though they may not perfectly mimic the food, flavor, and cooking experiences of the past. Some reenactors produce period-accurate recipes and meals, so that’s worth researching.
Awareness of Event Regulations and Safety
Every event should have a list of rules and requirements for participants and visitors. Look them up and familiarize yourself with them before the event to prevent issues that might inhibit your enjoyment and safety. As mentioned, real weapons are often forbidden, so leave functional firearms at home. Keep your gear in good condition, keep your site neat and orderly, and keep a first aid kit and sunscreen handy. (Fact: the US military was an early adopter of sunscreen for soldiers stationed in the Pacific!)
Those are the essentials needed for a WWII reenactment. Find a group today, and look forward to many years of historical fun. And be sure your Jeep is ready for duty. We offer Willys Jeep parts for sale as well as other historically accurate parts to help your vehicle pass muster!