New Project M38A1 grampa's toy

[travisgm]

I was given a new project for my anniversary from my wife.
Her grandfather bought an M38A1 in 73 because he had loved to drive military jeeps so much while he was serving for Canada during WW2.
This project spent mnost of it's time in the bush hauling firewood or as a toy to go through the trails.
It has had a few odd modifications, but for the most part everything is there and solid.
It also came with a spare Rebuilt on the crate engine. Used transmission and transfercase. Steering linkages, axles and a box of odd parts that I haven't gotten in to yet.
All for $500 (family discount).
I'm sure I'll have a zillion questions, a lot will be answers from the downloads on here (already answered a bunch, thanks a ton).
I hope these pics work, first time using photobucket so wish me luck!






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[wesk]

You do have your work cut out for you.

[captw]

Hi Travis...I agree with Wes...just one thing though...Grandpa wouldn't have been able to get the jeep that you have in '73, 'cause it's a '71 and still would've been in service for quite a few more years, like until '83, '84...FYI...Wilf

[travisgm]

What is it that tagged it as a 71?
Handy to know when ordering parts, thanks.

The story may be messed up by the time it got to me. Passed through a couple people first.

I cleaned out the interior and was amazed that the floor is still super solid, even with the carpet/dirt and leaves holding moisture on it for years.

The wood doors are gone. I did notice that the windsheild defrost vent on the passenger side is storing a huge bee's nest the buldged out a dent and it also shows a lot of rust/rot. Is the dash a piece that can be purchased or do I need to find a friend with a break to fab one up?

Forgot to mention, when I went to pick it up it runs like a top, with the exception that either the fuel pump is shot or a line is rotten, I had to squirt the gas in to the carb but it did start up fast and ran smooth.. until it needed another squirt..
Drove it up on the trailer with no issues at all.

Spare D44 rear too.

[captw]

Travis, I'm dating your jeep by two things, 1) your pic of the data plates identifying it as a M38A1CDN3, which was built in Toledo for the CDN military, '70/'71, and 2) a pic of yours showing the rear axle, which is a one piece axle shaft, factory produced for the CDN military only with this run...where are you located?...Wilf

[travisgm]

Brighton Ontario.
Not a real long drive away..

[captw]

Travis...send me an email, if you will...I'd like to come and have a look at it, if I may...Wilf

[travisgm]

Will do,
It's not home right yet, it's at my in-law's farm. Probably be a month or so before I can get it home and in the garage. I'd love to have you give it a "once over" and lead me in the right direction.

[captw]

no problem...just click on the email box in my profile...Wilf

[travisgm]

I have gotten the beast home and removed a lot of the "extras" like the custom roll bar and plywood doors, out door carpet and a shop-vac of dirt, leaves and such.
I'm starting to notice that there are some modifications that are a bit hard to over look.
I have some expected rust issues, in the area I thought would have it. I also have a tailgate that shouldn't be there.
There are dent's, holes, and rivitted panels hiding what I figure is more rust and holes.

I'm considering a replacement tub but see that they all require "Altrerations" to be an M38A1. Looks like they have a rear panel that needs to be welded in.
I'm curious how many other things will need modifications on a replication tub.
Are the mounting holes already there for the m38A1 specific equipment?
The frame and drivetrain look to be in great shape, hood and grill too. Fenders are a little "sore"

[wesk]

Save the original tub. I have used tubs in a lot worse shape. Also delay any decision on tub until you have removed it and had it blasted.

Two good reasons for staying with the original tub.

1-When you drive into a service station and gas up and a bystander says, "Nice A1 what years is it?" You can look him straight in the eye and say with all honesty, "Its an original 1971 M38A1CDN3!"

2-A reproduction tub from MD Juan will entail a ton of work, fits will not be very good and a lot of compromises will need to be made. When I say fits I mean the tub to the frame and all the parts and changes to the tub.

Every inch of tub skin can be found here in North America.