Joined: Jan 16, 2015 Posts: 6 Location: Goldsboro North Carolina
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 6:30 pm Post subject: rare M38 "Heinz" Model refurbishment project
New to this site but look forward to talkin with everyone. Got a Bubba-Built "Heinz" (57 varieties) jeep to be refurbished into a local driver. If you ever heard the old Johnny Cash song "One piece at a time"--This is it. Seems it started out life as a M38 but now powered by a Willys F 161--M38a1 grille--cj2a hood and windshield etc. Funny thing--it runs!!--anyway--sellin off the wrong stuff and been pickin up correct parts. Need info on the luminous gauges for the panel. Any help is appreciated--Thanks!!!!--Also--anybody have anyfeedback on the new electronic distributors vs the standard points type?--would try the points-free one if it has proven reliable.
Joined: May 30, 2014 Posts: 3447 Location: Texas Hill Country
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 9:04 pm Post subject:
Hello Vince,
I believe the only luminous item in the dash was the speedometer.
The M38 gauges including the speedo had slots just behind the
bezel in the side which let in light from two panel mounted lights
with red lenses. They are readily available. Hard to visualize
as they were covered by half moon jobbies that kept light from
shining into the passenger compartment.
As long as you are sticking with 24 volts you will have no problem
replacing all of these. If you are going to 12 volts very few period
12 volt gauges have those windows. I did find a mechanical
oil pressure switch with them, but it is not original equipment
for an M38.
A buddy has a CJ5 that he put electronic ignition in and has never
regretted it. It all depends on what you are wanting with your
ride .
Welcome aboard Vince. Looks like you have a very Heinz 57 varieties jeep. Did they move the radiator forward or knock the firewall back to fit the inline 6?
Just a quick reminder that this is a "Follow my project" page and when you have a specific technical question try posting it on the tech page where responses will be greater and info learned or shared will be greater.
Nearby folks will more readily avail themselves to you for help if you fill in your signature line with your first name, make/year/model jeep and location. This way whenever you post we will immediately know who you are, what you drive and where you are.
If you'll click on the search function Icon at the top of the page you can get a quick review of your question as asked in the past:
ie electronic ignition: then "Use all terms" then select Technical board and hit search and you get this wealth of info:
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?name=Forums&file=search&mode=results
All the older gauges have radium in the dial faces, not just the speedo. It's an industrial level exposure issue for shops that handle thousands of them. You can scrape the face off into your cereal bowl and you would need to worry more about the chemicals in the paint then the radium! _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Joined: Jan 16, 2015 Posts: 6 Location: Goldsboro North Carolina
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 6:05 am Post subject:
Wes, The firewall was cut out to fit the 161 engine, A box of sort was built in the passenger compartment to replace the floor panels. Excellent work but you really have to be about 4' 5" tall to drive it comfortably. The barn door hinge accelerator pedal is unique. As soon as I figure out how to post pics, you can better understand what was done.
Brian, complete wiring system was changed out with a 12v CJ setup a long time ago so I am going to carry on with that. Have a complete new wiring harness for a CJ3B. Powering the 24v gauges with a 12-24v step up feeding a terminal strip and tapping gauges off of that. I appreciate the heads up on how to post on the site. Will work on getting it all straight.
Joined: May 30, 2014 Posts: 3447 Location: Texas Hill Country
Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2015 8:21 am Post subject:
Vince,
Go to the Member's Photo pages and look up Wes. He is on the first page.
Probably hundreds of photos of the M38. Look under electrical and lighting and you'll find a lot of photos and information on the gauges and electrical.
Also, if you want to search do not use the Search Articles window to the left here.
Go to the Search above. It works a lot better.
Wes, thanks for the info on the gauges. I cleaned up my takeoff speedo that I need glass and a pointer for, held it under a light for a while then put it in a dark closet. No go. I guess we are at the half life of that stuff!
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