Just about like any war, weather was a factor in World War Two. Tests were done with the jeep using cold weather gear. The tests took place during winter along the ALCAN (Alaska – Canada) Highway. Out of those tests several kits were produced for use in locations with extreme cold weather. The Winterization Field Kit included in part:
- Blanket, brush guard, assembly
- Blanket, hood, assembly
- Blanket, under fender, left, assembly
- Blanket, under fender, right, assembly
- Blanket, under motor, assembly
- Various spring clips
- Fasteners to attached the covers to the jeep
- Drawings showing the installation of the radiator and brush guard
- Installation instructions
- Spring, retaining for the under motor blanket etc.
While in Alaska from 1988 to 1991, I was able to put the hood and grille blankets to good use. The set that I found, someone had sewn them together so that you couldn’t open the hood with the covers attached. Wasn’t usually a problem. Boy, did these covers work well. During the harsh Alaska winters it was nothing for the temperature to dip below -45F. With the covers attached and the radiator flap closed the Jeep’s engine stayed warm but never too hot. I also had a heater installed and that kept the inside of the jeep to a tolerable condition.
Later I was able to find a WW2 heater (part WO- A-11839) designed for the Jeep. This heater mounts over the driver’s feet! Sure keeps your feet nice and warm and is pretty effective even at -45F. Of course, I was properly dressed with a Air Force issued parka, bunny pants and mukluks (boots). If the weather is less severe, don’t try to drive your jeep with tennis shoes on–your shoes will melt!