Questions about M38A1 parts

[ARGarrison]

First, I'm all new to this, so forgive me if I sound like a fool. I've been tasked to do research and find some spare parts for a 1954 M38A1 the Grissom Air Museum (Peru, IN) is restoring. The body work is getting far enough along we are getting close to painting. However we are in need of both a window panel for the windscreen and a reveiw mirror (both mirror and the arm) for the driver's side.

First question, Are the window panels useable for either right or left? Meaning there is nothing different than either flipping them between sides of the windscreen.

2nd, How hard is it to find window glass? Can I just go to a auto glass store and say we need a window panel for a M38A1 Jeep or is it a special item?

3rd, Where should we being to look for a rear veiw mirrior? Anybody have a good sugestion?

Thank you for any and all help.
Andrew Garrison

[acengraver]

Any auto glass company can furnish you with the new glass but they will probably need a pattern. The glass is interchangeable side to side so you can take the one you have and use it as your pattern. That's what I did. You will also most likely need a new gasket and locking strip for the glass so you will probably have to remove the old windshield anyway. You can get the gasket, locking strip and the mirror parts from a number of parts suppliers such as:
www.midwestmil.com
www.debellajeepparts.com
www.armyjeepparts.com
Good luck!

[wesk]

Do yourself a favor. Disconnect the vacuum line from the windshield assembly. Unlatch the windshield and tilt it forward about 45 degrees. Lift it off the hinges and take it to the Auto-glass shop. They will have all you need to get the glass installed there and it will be a lot cheaper and you won't have to risk breaking new glass when you try to install it.

You can get a mirrow from the list above.

[Zane]

I highly recommend Wes's suggestion, the glass company that installed my glass in my 51 willys pickup cracked 3 pieces before they got it installed right. Had to come out 3 times and the 3rd time they had about 6 panes pre cut anticipating a break, if this was me doing it i would have had to pay for all 5 pieces but since they did it they had to eat their loss.

[ARGarrison]

Thanks for the advice.