M38 : OK, Boomer

Naugha · Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2022 7:54 pm Post subject:

Slow progress. Lots of little setbacks. Zeno's Paradox.
Had some problems with the clutch pedal assembly that required trim job on a hat channel edge and adjustments to the linkage yokes.
Should be OK.

Working on the rear wiring harness. The 'Greek' harness is color coated.
Did a match of wire colors to wire numbers but the 'tail lights' have multiple tags with funky numbers.
Ended up firing up the lights to determine function. Will test the switch later.

_________________
Don Alvarez
Retired HS Teacher
Central Florida
M38 Project

RICKG · Member Joined: Aug 31, 2010 Posts: 1744 Location: SO IDAHO

"funky numbers?" are you saying the tags on the taillight assy wired do not correspond as detailed here?
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=116
_________________
keep 'em rollin'
RICKG MC 51986 DOD 01-52, '50 CJ3a

Naugha · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2022 5:36 am Post subject:

Hi Rick.
The tail light wires have multiple metal tags. None of the numbers match what should be there. The light cans have replacement guts which may explain the quirk. It’s like someone decided to attach some tags for the ‘look’.

I could have opened up the lights and checked what goes where but attaching a battery to each wire does the ID trick.

The rear harness wiring clips that came on the jeep are rotten. Just when I stopped being surprised at prices ..... snap. About $50 for a few clips.

You can see in the pics that I have the large cannon plug & numbered wire stub-outs for the front harness side of the two plug switch.

Wes has detailed album pics showing the harness that would (I think) work with my two plug switch..... and a chart that lists everything ... including the actual lengths of each wire & wire gauge in the bundle. Hmmm. I have the components and crimp tool. Was going to just buy the front harness but rolling my own could be fun. Just picked up a multipack of electrical tape from HF. Cool

_________________
Don Alvarez
Retired HS Teacher
Central Florida
M38 Project

RonD2 · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2022 6:16 am Post subject:

Don,
Replacement (made in USA) metal wrap-around tags available here: https://www.keyesdavis.com/wrap-around-markers

I used their part number 2720-1 tag (photo below).
Part number 2701 is a close second.
Nice folks, if you call, they'll mail you free sample of each to see for yourself.

If I remember correctly the minimum buy was 350 at .14 cents each (about $50, delivered).

I have extras if you don't need that many. Let me know.

Not exactly the original font, but HF has a metal stamp punch set here: https://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-steel-letternumber-stamping-set-36-pc-63676.html
Rather be known as Zeno than Bubba... Laughing

_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

4x4M38 · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2022 7:05 am Post subject:

The additional tags may correspond to wire numbers added/changed when turn signals are installed.
_________________
Brian
1950 M38
MC11481
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album372&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Naugha · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2022 7:23 am Post subject:

Thanks to all for the info.

Don
_________________
Don Alvarez
Retired HS Teacher
Central Florida
M38 Project

RonD2 · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2022 7:25 am Post subject:

According to my notes:

Wire # - Description
460 - Turn Signal Lamp Feed, Right Front and Rear
461 - Turn Signal Lamp Feed, Left Front and Rear
467 - Light Switch to Turn Signal Switch Feed
_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

Naugha · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2022 8:04 am Post subject:

Oops. In my earlier post I mentioned some harness pics in the Wes album.

http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album184&id=M38_Volt_Reg_Harnesses_sm&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

These are for the voltage regulator, not the front light switch harness. Very nice. Very useful ... but are there any pics out there that show the other front wiring harness components in this fashion, along with chart info on the wire length/ gauge details?

The VR harness pics/chart info above is the kind of construction info I need. You know... falling off a log, connect the dots, even Don could do it info.

The pics show where the VR harness bundle branches and the chart gives all the wire spec details..... kind of brings on tears of joy..... a beautiful thing Smile

_________________
Don Alvarez
Retired HS Teacher
Central Florida
M38 Project

RonD2 · Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2022 9:26 am Post subject:

Closest I've seen searching old posts. There may be better......
http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=11072&highlight=wire+tag

The actual photo:

Full size view: http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gallery/albums/Kendall/DSC03119.jpg
Courtesy of management.
_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

RICKG · Member Joined: Aug 31, 2010 Posts: 1744 Location: SO IDAHO

I've got a jelly jar out there somewhere with random numbered tags. what numbers do you seek?
_________________
keep 'em rollin'
RICKG MC 51986 DOD 01-52, '50 CJ3a

Naugha · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2022 6:11 am Post subject:

Kendall‘s M38 harness chart is great.

Looks like the big challenge on the VR harness is finding a VR cannon plug with good pins and a few inches of good wire on each pin. I have read the threads on repairing cannon plugs but would rather not try that resto.

I think wire tag replacements will come at the end of my harness adventure.
_________________
Don Alvarez
Retired HS Teacher
Central Florida
M38 Project

wesk · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2022 9:46 am Post subject:

RonD2 · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2022 2:51 pm Post subject:

Naugha · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2022 4:54 pm Post subject:

Hi Ron.
I ended up buying a rebuilt VBC-4002UT voltage regulator. Will need to do some ID homework on the two VR cables.

I have what looks to be the original VR to generator cable. The protective metal mesh was OK but the outside covering was bad so I wrapped it in electrical tape .... not sure if these old cables are reliable .. maybe replace?

The other cable (I think) is one of the two ‘VR to firewall’ cables (A&B) shown in the Wes electrical album.

http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album184&id=M38_Volt_Reg_Harnesses_sm&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

BTW. I have the crimping tool Wes listed above/ top pic.
_________________
Don Alvarez
Retired HS Teacher
Central Florida
M38 Project

RonD2 · Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2022 5:03 pm Post subject:

Hi Don,
I believe you'll discover that the military kept the same connectors and cables for commonality between VR's.
Early concept of "plug and play".
If you give the part numbers I'll BOLO for options.

I have a "megger" (megohmeter) to test shielded cable (what you call "protective metal mesh") for insulation breakdown.
The shielding is for radio noise suppression.

I'm pretty sure the pins in a canon-style plug like the VR are solder type (not crimp).

The crimp tool is used for Douglas and Packard style connectors.
_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari


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