M38 Newbie questions

evilamerican · Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 10:43 pm Post subject: M38 Newbie questions

Hey Guys,

I recently acquired a 1951 M38 and am wanting to do a nice restoration on it. It is in pretty good shape but of course will need quite a few things. Most are obvious but I have a few questions that have popped up early and I know nothing about.

1. It has been converted to 12 volt. I assume I should convert it back. How expensive of a chore is this and how hard is it to find all the correct stuff?

2. Fording kit is missing. I have not been able to find anyone selling it. Luckily I do have the air cleaner cap and the correct muffler but will need to find or make the rest of it. Ideas?

3. I have a 1952 CJ3a windshield frame. I see it is listed as a different part. What are the differences between this one and the frame for the M38?

Thanks for any help/info you can offer me. I will be digging through old post over the next few weeks or months but these questions are really bugging me.

Dave

RickC · Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 10:48 pm Post subject:

where are you located?

evilamerican · Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2013 10:59 pm Post subject:

evanso1975 · Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 12:01 am Post subject:

G740 · Member Joined: Jan 27, 2006 Posts: 499

Midwest Military also has them in stock along with tons of other spares.
www.midwestmilitary.net
John

skyjeep50 · Member Joined: Feb 20, 2007 Posts: 606 Location: Illinois

Converting back to 24 V - most parts fairly are easy finds - generators and mechanical voltage regulators are the two major components. They can be rebuilt and will function for years. Solid state voltage regulators are also available. Do you have the original distributor? One part that seems to be the "weak link" is the ignition coil. Take-outs can be had but at increasing prices (NOS - ?? - pretty much used up). People have commented that recently manufactured 24 V coils have been unreliable. So, your 12 V system may be more modern and thus easier to maintain but that doesn't mean a 24 V system is going to be troublesome. Depends on what your goal is for the jeep.
_________________
1951 M38

davem201m38 · Member Joined: Jan 22, 2006 Posts: 429 Location: UK

On a personal level, I like to have the 24 volt system, it's pain (see my other post) but I like having the Kudos of a functioning 24 volt system, while more and more are converted to 12 volts.
Dave.

evilamerican · Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 8:56 am Post subject:

Do I have deep pockets? I'll say! Why I can put my hand all the way in without touching ANYTHING. Especially money. Smile

I do want this Jeep to be as correct as I can make it so will be taking my time. When I locate a needed part I can afford I will try to get it. I am sure I will just have to bite the bullet and save up for some of them.

I don't know if I have the original distributor or not. The only one I have is the one in it that was being used on 12 volt. Could that be the original? How do I spot the correct one?

Thanks,

Dave

skyjeep50 · Member Joined: Feb 20, 2007 Posts: 606 Location: Illinois

evilamerican - your first stop should be the "Downloads" section of this website - there you will find all the tech, repair and parts manuals for your jeep as well as how-to articles. Read it all! Next, I would buy a copy of Ryan Miller's book "M38 Reference Manual" as described on the main page of this website. It is a tremendous resource as to what was the original configuration of the M38, right down to screw sizes. Then you can peruse the "Photo Gallery" of this website for pics, illustrated pics and diagrams of M-series vehicles. Check out Wesk's gallery for a ton of good information. You can do a search of the forums for past posts on about any topic you can think of - somebody will have asked your questions because we are all in the same boat with these antique vehicles. And if you are stumped by some problem - post your problem. Willys M Jeeps is your one-stop shop for M38 info!
_________________
1951 M38

evanso1975 · Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 2:19 pm Post subject:

oilleaker1 · Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 4:39 pm Post subject:

M37 Dodge stuff will work also, but the fan belt/pulley will have to be changed to M38. Get the books mentioned so you can see pictures of what it all looks like before you go epay shopping! Don't be scared to do business with John at Midwest Military, he sure has helped me more than once! John

evilamerican · Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 8:14 pm Post subject:

Thanks to all for the advice/comments. They really are appreciated.

Anybody know about the windshield frame?

Thanks,

Dave

wesk · Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 8:30 pm Post subject:

You can fabricate the missing parts to make the 3A windshield frame work. Just do a little research and compare the many photos of the original frames to your 3A frame.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

oilleaker1 · Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 5:01 am Post subject:

WS frame differences that I can think of are: vent hole has a different non hinged cover, 3 brackets for a steel rifle holder, no rear view mirror, more vent tubing affixed for return venting to air cleaner, different vacuum wiper motors. What's cool about the M38 is it will accept a Koenig Ironworks hardtop for a CJ3A which I think looks so much better than a arctic hard top. My "winter" version M38 will have one. Not correct, but my M38 isn't all original anyway. John

wesk · Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 9:02 am Post subject:

I have a white meyers hardtop for my M38. I sold the military arctic top. I like the look of the meyers a lot more.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php


Create an account	Home · · Forums · · Articles · · Downloads · · Photo Gallery


PHP-Nuke Copyright © 2005 by Francisco Burzi. This is free software, and you may redistribute it under the GPL. PHP-Nuke comes with absolutely no warranty, for details, see the license.