Joined: Mar 05, 2008 Posts: 78 Location: Berlin Germany
Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2019 7:46 am Post subject: Berlin Brigade M38A1 is back to life
Another one is back to life.
Some years ago, I had the chance to manage a great deal.
This deal was, to buy some Jeeps.
I ask my friends and a museum if they are interested to buy a Jeep too.
So it happed.
With a friend of me, I drove to the dealer, and we had the choice of several Jeeps,
M38, M38A1, M38A1C, two M170, some Dodge M37,M43, Kaiser M715 and some M151A1 and M151A2, ex former Greece Army.
They are all in very rough condition, some missing parts, but nothing that can stop a real Jeep hobbyist.
We spend one week to assemble all the seven Jeeps with all the missing parts we could find and change the tires that where not able to hold the air.
One of the seven Jeeps was still able to drive.
After the selection, we have two M38A1C, two “early”(52-53) M38A1, two “late” (54 and 63) M38A1 and one M170 Ambulance.
I also had to manage the transport back home, coincidentally this time, I know, a buddy is driving a truck, that can be very needful.
So this mission get started.
This is the “one”!
Special transport (in Germany)
After the Jeeps are distributed, it was time for a closer look to.
The first project was the one M38A1C for the little “Museum Exhibition”
But this will be another story to tell.
After that, I started with the M170 project, but once again, another long different story to tell.
Meanwhile, one of my friends is still working on his “project” and I’am willing to help, teach and support where I can.
Mixing the parts of the two “late” Jeeps, so the “best” used parts can be taken for the one project, the rest will be near Scrap.
The other “late” Jeep, I sold to the friend of my one friend, I have repurchased a few years later.
The owner see no way to have fun with it.
Another some years later, my friend told me, that he can’t go on with that project also and that he will it spend to me.
That time, I have done a lot of work to “his” Jeep.
So the Bodywork is done but needs to be finished.
The Frame was ready to roll, but without the engine and gearboxes.
So I think it over and restart the project.
Yes, it is a lot to do, it’s not an easy going.
But, for me, this means a challenge, fun and what I’am able to do.
Yes, you are right, many parts, you can buy, it’s not necessary to do this the way I have done.
But I want to save so much “old” parts, as possible.
This is what I have found in the engine, so it’s more than worth to take a look.
Obey the wear limits, something was to do, also.
New clutch
Inside the fuelpump.
Installed
-----
Gearbox and transfer should be done.
meanwhile some blasting,
yes, it fits the frame,
Batterybox needs to welded in
Ready for green paint,
You want it darker?
Some parts primed, some painted, back to the frame.
Again, some blasting purpose
Yes, I know, not nesessary to do that, but I will do this that way,
First coat of green for the upside of the body
--
More green parts (some for the next project)
AB-15 mounted, this will be a Radio Jeep when finnished,
All holes are primed
All holes are painted
Many parts, when disassembled,
Take a look to the inside,
New turn signal selector, old, new rewired cannon plug, ready to install,
Re-wired old trailer socket
The first wiring is done,
Berlin Brigade Turnsignals at the rear,
Need to do my own wiring, some more fuses needed here
---
New Windshield glass and seal,
Right tools, easy to work,
Headlights, go
Taillights and turnsignals, go
Right mounting,
This is, what it takes,
The "switchbox" and LS-166
Some kind of trouble, the fueltank.
More a "look-a-like" than a "fitter"
Spend some work to it.
So the fillerneck comes from an old tank,
To make a real one thats fit the body,
----
Engine is running, 36 Volts output.
Little adjusting so 28 Volts came out,
Battery hold downs must be fabricaded, to fit our european Batterys,
Selfmade Stencils under the hood
More selfmade stencils and the first Star
Hood and fenders done,
Than, I have the problem, what Unit the Jeep was assigned to.
Yes, I know that I can buy Stencil sets, which looking way's better and would be easy to use,
I have choosen
So, here it is after the long way.
Keep in mind, this is the Jeep that is shown on the first picture.
Enjoy, but do not touch ('')
Do you know that kind of "nameplate" (only for parades)
Ready for parade or exrercise purpose with loudspeakers and the old way of Drivers name in the early 60th's.
It takes three attemps before I have the right dimensions. Not easy without a template,
This Jeep don't have a "orginal", so it isn't a replic.
But all what is done, can be seen from old pictures.
There are two of those Jeeps with loudspeakers used by the 2nd Battlegroup 6th Inf.
Yes, you are right again.
I'am "very special"
Many parts, I have saved, spending many more work.
But it was worth it.
So you know, what I'am, and you are be able to to.
Take this as a suggestion, what a scrap-Jeep can be happen in the right hands.
Sincerely yours,
Frank
Last edited by BBDE on Sat Feb 08, 2020 5:54 am; edited 2 times in total
Tremendous effort with a very nice outcome. Congratulations on a job very well done! _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Joined: Mar 05, 2008 Posts: 78 Location: Berlin Germany
Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2019 8:51 am Post subject:
Hi Brian,
thank you, and "good eye".
yes, the wiper motor at the passenger site had to turn 180°, and there had an "early" Motor to be at the driver' site.
But I have some wipermotor's, they have accumuladed in my parts collection, so I have taken these two motor's.
After cleaning, a little grease inside and with new self made gaskets, they are in working condition.
I have the "real one's" NOS also, but this time only as reserve, or the next project.
I never claimed, that I have done a "Factory" rebuild, so there some parts are different from the delivery condition.
But it's works and fit's,
and that not so bad.
Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 111 Location: Bentonville, AR
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 7:48 am Post subject:
Great job!! Very interesting to see all the additional markings, such as under the hood & the yellow marking at the front of the hood - I haven't seen many of those, but most of the A1s I've seen in my part of the country are usually earlier models & have also been extensively used for other purposes post-military, so the original markings & paint are usually gone or damaged.
Keep us posted on the other jeeps - would love to see more of the M170! _________________ Galen
1947 CJ2
1953 M38A1
Joined: Mar 05, 2008 Posts: 78 Location: Berlin Germany
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 9:51 am Post subject:
Hello Galen,
you are welcome.
As a citizen of Berlin and so, as a former "Westberliner", I have a special interest about the U.S. Army Berlin Brigade.
The first car I bought in my life, was my first Willys M38 at age of 17.
I have had contact to some members of the Berlin Brigade,
studied many photos and documents about vehicles, uniforms and equippment that was used from 1945-1994.
My special intrest was the the period of the Airlift/ Berlin Blockade,
and of corse, the time from 1958-1962. when the cold war was a little hotter.
Checkpoint Charly and the "Tank confrontation".
The markings vary between domestic use and oversea's use in Europ.
The Berlin Brigade Jeeps are a little more special.
The under the hood markings differ also.
the one motorpool add some more infos, another one do less.
The "Anti Freeze" marking, you can see here:
http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/2267/4319ba699ec4e0ee_large.jpg
Some other markings like the "ORD. Inspection" at some other pictures.
The correct marking for a "Berlin Brigade Jeep in 1961" on the driver's side had to be:
PRESSURIZED
OPEN
SLOWLY
instead of the:
MAX SAFE FUEL......
Nobuddy if perfect.
The glovebox door had to have no "Good Driver" decal,
there had to be the stencil " DRAIN PLUG IN GLOVE BOX, INSTALL BEFORE FORDING"
I also had to make the stars on the rear sides "bigger".
But in 1961, you can see Jeeps with both together in one line.
This is the advantage of a "Motorpool" restauration instead of a "Factory" resto.
Many unit commander's allow minor deviations from the regulations.
So this is the more interesting theme about it.
Not one Jeep looks like the other.
I will looking for the pics from the progress of my M170 Ambulance.
But I will take some time to do this.
Joined: Nov 19, 2011 Posts: 5 Location: Brest, Brittany, France
Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2020 8:19 am Post subject: Berliner M38 Honor Guard
Hello,
For my next M38 project, I would like to get inspiration from the special upgraded MP M38 with chromed parts used at the Berliner Brigade for parade purpose.
I spotted some vintage pictures of a few M38 that were in service in Berlin in the early fifty's.
In order to envisage reproduction of this vehicle, many questions are open :
- first, paint seams to be glossy black, at least for MP truck on the first picture, right?
- chromed parts can be identified for front of the truck, but what about rear accessories ? I assume hook, tail lamp and reflectors at least ?
- I assume top is standard OD canvas ?
- are the white seat covers replacing original OD, or just removable covers for parade purpose ?
- are any of those trucks still "alive" and in original condition ?
Well, you understood, information, documentation and more pictures (especially period colored pictures) would be highly welcome.
Thank you _________________ Feb 52' M38 (former MAP Pakistan) / July 52' CJ3A (former belgian army) / Sep 73' VIASA CJ3B (stock diesel) / 55' Lutherwerke MBT
Joined: Mar 05, 2008 Posts: 78 Location: Berlin Germany
Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2020 1:39 am Post subject:
The third M38 isn't a Military police unit.
That Jeep belongs to the "Honor Guard" 6th Inf.
The paint is a dark glossy OD, not black.
Tops are not used, because these vehicles were used for parade and inspection purposes only.
So, the white seat covers replacing the original OD covers permanent.
The "general" or "commanding Officer" is standing in the back and had two white painted frames to hold on to, so a canvas top was not possible to put on.
The Tires were normal non NDT Bar grip, similar to the Good Year "Hi miler" tires.
The rims have had chrome rings on them.
A holding frame for the "Generals" rank was attached to the right front.
Chrome on the back are the pintle, tail light covers and the left reflector, the right one was covered by the MP or honor Guard sign attached to the spare wheel.
One attachable side step was used for easier entry.
After the M38 was out of service, the M38A1 was used of course from the MP and the 6th inf.
Differently to the M38, the M38A1 have the top Bow on it, painted white.
At the end of use of the M38A1's, the "provost marshal's" MP M38A1's were used for regulary duty's, Border patrol etc, with all the chrome on it, and with OD canvas.
The two M38A1's from the 3rd BG 6th Inf. had OD seat covers.
Then the M151 came in, and after the MUTT was out of service, the Berlin Brigade hold the two of Provorst Marshall's "chrome" M151A1's in service, untill the deactivation of the Berlin Brigade in 1994 at Mc. Nair Bks.
The MP Jeeps were stationed at Andrews Bks.
Sincerely,
salutations et rester en bonne santé
Frank
Joined: Nov 19, 2011 Posts: 5 Location: Brest, Brittany, France
Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2020 9:26 am Post subject:
Hi Frank,
thanks a lot for your reply. Somewhere I knew you would have something to share on this subject.
Here some pictures I found that confirm what you said
Well, the MB with chrome accessories looks pretty dark. The glossy M38 beside the original OD as well. Do you have more pictures or documentation on the subject please ? private email under member list if too big for forum storage.
Any color picture that would help determine the color of the 50" glossy MP cars?
On the Honor Guard pic, the M38 top bow is there but seems to be wraped in a white cover. Could be the same on the MP ?
Is there any chrom part on the dash ?
Side miror seems to be chrome as well ?
Alles gut ebenfalls
Regards
Olivier _________________ Feb 52' M38 (former MAP Pakistan) / July 52' CJ3A (former belgian army) / Sep 73' VIASA CJ3B (stock diesel) / 55' Lutherwerke MBT
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