Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 2:42 pm Post subject: 24volt -v- 12volt
Ok looks like I am going into restoration mode with my M38A1... I am going to replace the tub with a rounded fender tub like the one that is currently on it but now I am wondering about the 24v system. Since I am tearing this thing down to the frame to redo it what it the advantages of a 24 volt system versus a 12 volt system? I figure since I am going to spend the money I may as well do it right... right?
I would deffinately keep it 24volt. I only know of 3 24 volt M38s (not A1s) in my part of Western Europe (There will be more but not many) It's well worth the effort. $&% with 12 volt you might as well call it a cj (joke folks).
Sourcing military 12 volt gauges is a pain this side of the pond (don't know about your side) so keeping the dash original looking would be hard I guess. Also for shear bloody rubustness you can't beat those sealed gennys and two fan belts.
Keep it 24 volt, people how know will admire your work a lot more for it. Joe public would never be able to tell though.
All the best,
Dave
Voltage increases were steps up to better things. 6 to 12 to 24 and soon to come 42 volts. Think for a moment here. How many guys with old 12 volt jeeps are converting to 6 volt? The same applies to guys with 24 volts. If you want a jeep that starts easily in cold weather then stay with the more modern system. The system it came with. 24 volts.
The military waterproof wiring is not that difficult to master. All the info you need to maintain the 24 volt system is on this web site. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Joined: Jun 14, 2006 Posts: 226 Location: Wijnegem Belgium Europe
Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 9:04 am Post subject:
I also keep the 24 volt system on my M38, if all parts are OK you have a very solid system, even with weak batteries it wil start ! I drove a half year with two old 12 batteries, never had any problem !
My son is restoring a 1942 GPW, in the past rebuild on 12 volt as radiojeep with a big 12 volt generator, we also let it stay on 12 volt.
The higher the voltage how more stable the system is !
Erik _________________ 1942 GPW 71336 my son's jeep restored now
1951 M38 MC11891
1953 VW beetle (genuine german Käfer )
1957 fantastic wife
Joined: Aug 23, 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Oakridge, Oregon
Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 10:39 am Post subject:
After restoring a couple of 6 volt MBs, I have found working with the M38a1 24 volt system to like a picnic in the woods. Properly grounded, the MB 6 volt works fine and I would never change a thing... however, working on the 24 volt a1, I don't get the spins standing on my head under the dash..love the Douglas connectors and the numbers tags right on the wires _________________ '43 MB
'53 USMC M38a1
'52 USMC M100
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The same applies to guys with 24 volts. If you want a jeep that starts easily in cold weather then stay with the more modern system. The system it came with. 24 volts.
