Tail Lights

[Scott21]

Has anyone converted their M38 blackout tail lights for use as a directional?



Scott

[BobMajor]

scott, I used two left tail lights on both the m38 & the m100. You don't have to make any mods except to the wiring. all works good Bob

[Scott21]

Bob,

Thanks. What did you use for the switch?

Scott

[wesk]

Three options for the switch.

1-Early military turn signal kit.

2-Late military turn signal kit.

3-24 volt Signal Stat kit. (These were stocked by tractor trailer truck supply houses.)

The tail lamps can also be improved by using the full size red lens.

____________________________________________________________

This is a step in jeep restoration that doesn't get covered much. The sealed 24 volt electrical systems are in some ways a big challenge. Very early on in your resto it would be a good idea to make some decisions on the electrical system.

1-Stock or modified?

2-If modified then 12 or 24 volts?

3-If modified are you wanting to add turn signals?

4-What if any additional electrical accessories do you wish to add?

5-Will you fabricate your harness or buy a repop harness or buy an aftermarket civvy harness?

6-Ignition system will be stock or modified?

7-If you go with a repop military harness do you know for sure which harness configuration applies to your serial number jeep?

8-If staying with the military harness setup are you going to invest in the harness adapter kit?

These are just a few thoughts.

[Scott21]

Wes,

I think I am going with a Repo harness from Debella with the turn signals wired in. The 38 is still 24V and staying that way.

Scott

[wesk]

You'll need to let VOM know which turn signal system you are going to use. Early military, late military, civilian and lamp arrangement IE front BO marker sockets changed to dual filament bulbs or use the BO marker as a signal only or add a second pair of front lamps. The common approach on the rear is putting a second left lamp assembly on the right side but you could also add two separate signal lamps.

Also there are several different harness arrangements for the M38 depending on it’s serial number and it’s DOD.

1-MC10001-20599 Very early with two plug light switch, separate trailer plug harness from switch to rear receptacle, short ignition lead for firewall mounted radio noise filter, accessory outlet lead at firewall and four circuit breakers.

2-MC20599-35387 Is #1 with long ignition lead.

3-MC35387-72329 Single plug light switch with the trailer receptacle getting it’s wires from a rubber junction block splice set at the left rear corner of the jeep, no accessory plug on the firewall, and no circuit breakers.

Keep in mind that the harness kit does not include the large cable between the generator & regulator, the ground straps and the battery cables.