SAN JUAN, Philippines -- There was a show of force by military vehicle enthusiasts and military vehicle parts suppliers during the recent annual convention of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) at Portland, Oregon, USA. On display were a large number of vintage military vehicles such as DUKWs, mules, military Dodge trucks, half trucks and the old, reliable Jeeps.
MD Juan Enterprises, the ultimate source of Jeep restoration and replacement bodies and parts worldwide was very visible in the show through its two US distributors. Ron Fitzpatrick of Ron Fitzpatrick Jeep parts had about ten tables displaying various Jeep parts, many of them made-in-the-Philippines MD Juan products. Ron Fitzpatrick is MD Juan’s distributor for the West Coast. The East Coast distributor, Daryl Bensinger and wife Lida of D and L Bensingers were also present in the show.
The MVPA Annual Convention is the largest international military vehicle display and swap meet in the USA. Each summer, MV enthusiasts from around the world gather to view many of the finest vintage military vehicles from all eras, talk with the experts, find the right parts, attend technical seminars, join in activities, tours and events for the whole family, meet new friends who share common interests and renew old friendships.
Established in 1976, the non-profit MVPA is dedicated to providing an international organization for military vehicle enthusiasts, historians, preservationists and collectors interested in the acquisition, restoration, preservation, safe operation and public education of historic military vehicles. Today, it has over 8,000 members worldwide, including nearly 100 affiliate groups from around the world.
Daryl Bensinger notes that this year, there were more vendors of military vehicle spare parts and various militaria items compared to last year. “But what was more noticeable was the increase in brand-new reproduction parts in the usually surplus-heavy MVPA shows. Jeep enthusiasts are still a growing community but the surplus or used parts market is getting thinner. It is a good thing MD Juan is here to make sure the MV restoration hobby will go on".
Ron Fitzpatrick says that from a body tub perspective, it is the body tub and sheet metal parts that are first to rot and rust out in a WW2 Jeep or any vintage military vehicle for that matter. “However, not everyone has the technical capability to do metal work and is skilled at welding. For these Jeep enthusiasts, MD Juan tubs and parts are the best option. They have a full line of authentic Jeep tubs and parts from the WW2 Willys and Ford GPW to Civilian Jeeps from CJ2A to CJ7".
The ability to come up with a wide range of authentic Jeep bodies and parts is a result of MD Juan getting more active in the various online Jeep fora for both military and civilian Jeeps. “To be more in touch with our end users, we have recently been more involved in the various online Jeep fora worldwide. This has enabled us to hear out our customers better and has been a rich source of ideas for new products and product improvements”, says MD Juan Enterprises CEO/GM Rommel Juan.
Rommel T, Juan
General Manager
M.D. Juan Enterprises, Inc.
No. 2 Susano Road, Deparo, Novaliches, Caloocan City, Philippines 1420
Tel.no. (632) 930-8012 ; 930-7003
http://www.mdjuan.com.ph/
infor@mdjuan.com.ph;sales.mdjuan@gmail.com
