Joined: Sep 30, 2013 Posts: 70 Location: Glenburn, ME
Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 8:46 am Post subject: '52 M38 Plucked from the weeds
I picked up a '52 M38 yesterday. DoD 4/52. Appears to be converted to 12v, most of the fording stuff is gone. Motor turns freely but no spark so I'm pushing it around for now. Lots of rust but should clean up OK. Water pump boss number is "MC84560" so pretty good chance it's the original motor? Can anyone tell me if the head is correct? Were they non-ribbed like that? I have a CJ3A that I've spent the last two years rebuilding but I have a lot to learn about M38's. Any observations/input would be welcomed.
Couldn't resist it, could you Ryan? Considering where you live, Joel Gopan might know the history of that Jeep. Joe Hall, who owns Vintage Wiring of Maine in Oakland, has a beautiful M38.
The Master swithc is missing, and the hole has been covered over in the dash. The Carb isn't orignal either.
Joined: Sep 30, 2013 Posts: 70 Location: Glenburn, ME
Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:28 am Post subject:
Nope, couldn't resist. I've been visiting this one regularly and watching it slowly sink into the earth. I stopped by yesterday on a whim (in my 3A), met the owners, and ended up calling a flatbed to take the M38 home with me. I am still partly in shock.
It's not running but obviously I would like to get it to that point. For now, I only plan on doing just enough to make it roadworthy (brakes, steering, etc) and then decide from there how to proceed.
I have met "GI JOE" Gopan. Interesting fella. I know this particular M38 was acquired along with 19 or so other ones as military surplus by the University of Maine in Orono back in the '60's or '70's. It changed hands a few times but still was within a block of UMO when I picked it up yesterday.
And yes, the Solex carb is wrong, it's been converted to 12V and it's likely missing a bunch of other stuff I'm not savvy enough to notice yet. Just signed up for this site today so I'm anxious to learn.
What is the serial number on the lower right dash plate?
Is there a patent plate on the front end of the right rear wheel house?
Which service is listed in the "Responsible Agency" plate (lower left in dash group). Ordnance or USMC? _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Just goes to show ya'll that not all operators and motor pools followed rules, procedures and service data.
Another odd thing is it is late production 4/52 and still no re-inforcements. We don't have an exact date yet but it would be nice to know what the patent plate has on it for a number? _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Could be the number but wait till you get a close view. The patent plate number is etched very lightly into the plate so do not use any abrasives to get paint off. Use DOT 3 brake fluid which will lift the paint and leave the plate unharmed.
Joined: Apr 17, 2005 Posts: 891 Location: New Hampshire
Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 1:17 pm Post subject:
wesk wrote:
Just goes to show ya'll that not all operators and motor pools followed rules, procedures and service data.
Another odd thing is it is late production 4/52 and still no re-inforcements. We don't have an exact date yet but it would be nice to know what the patent plate has on it for a number?
Mine being an original USAF jeep might be the reason it does not have the reinforcements. As the USAF motor pool but probably did not get the same orders.
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