M38 Barn Find

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Fri Dec 03, 2010 7:09 pm

MC 28127 has been found. Title states 1951. Is it? No heater hole in dash.

Engine # RMC1204 Above the 2 is stamped a 0, so there are 5 numbers, just not in sequence and it appears 1 more number awaits discovery for 6. The block appears to have 2 freeze plugs.

Mostly original in OK condition with a KEMCO hard top.

Engine runs strong with 40,667 miles on the odometer.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

TomM · Post by **TomM** » Sat Dec 04, 2010 9:02 am

Congrats on finding #21k. we look forward to seeing pictures. Yes, its a 1951.
On the RMC block - can you confirm that it has the newer style "closed" bellhousing setup? What is the block casting number?
Tom

Post by **wesk** » Sat Dec 04, 2010 9:56 am

Your photo album is ready to use. Just use the drop down boxes and follow the prompts. I'll email you a survey form for your new M38.

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Sat Dec 04, 2010 2:59 pm

Thanks guys, as soon as I can get all the dust cleaned off the engine I'll get those numbers and features. It really is a barn or shed find.

Much to my surprise I was actually driving out in the fields today. First time I have driven a flat fender military jeep in a long time. But I did not forget what fun they are to drive. Seems to be in better condition than the previous owner or I thought. The engine has a surprising amount of power and torque. Everything else seems OK too but no brakes!

Going from the title information and what the previous owner told me it appears I am only the third owner since it was sold as surplus from the West Virginia DOT in 1979-1980.

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 2:17 am

Posted a few pictures. As you can see it had not been driven in awhile.

First time I have ever found a jeep like this that actually has a good engine. Oil pressure at idle is 20 lbs. Oil pressure while driving is 40 lbs. The power and torque coming from an engine that looks like this is very surprising.

Except for the usual rust spots the interior sheet metal is damage/dent free.

Does'nt smoke or appear to have any mechanical issues in drivetrain. Steering is very tight. Pretty amazing stuff for a nearly 60 year old abandoned jeep!

Post by **wesk** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 9:32 am

The thumb nail photos don't allow a detailed view of the jeep. Most folks load 200 to 300 K file size photos.

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 12:30 pm

Hi Wes:

I can't seem to get our systems to cooperate for photographs. If I can find a work around I'll repost them.

Time to go clean up that engine!

Bull Run

Post by **wesk** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 1:32 pm

It may be that you have your camera set for the least amount of detail which results in the small file size photos.

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 1:39 am

While driving the jeep I had for a moment the sensation of driving an M151A2 which was the last "jeep" I have driven of this size (not counting my M38A1). I have read it is common for people not familiar with either vehicle to confuse the two as being the same.

It seems that the designers of the M151 must of been thinking along these lines too... any ideas on that?

Post by **wesk** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 8:17 pm

I've owned and driven MB/GPW, CJ2A, CJ3A, CJ3B, CJ5, M38, M38A1 and M151. They all have that 1/4 ton air about them where you can prop your left foot on the door sill and cruise. In that sense they are much alike.

I can also tell them apart easily.

MB/GPW = worst ride and most underpowered of the bunch. Lots of bump steer with the steering bellcrank mounted on the front axle. Weakest tranny.

CJ2A, CJ3A, M38 = Little better ride. Better tranny. Steering improved.

CJ3B = Same as 2A/3A/M38 plus a little more power and a different view with the high hood.

CJ5 and M38A1 = Much better ride. Better steering, brakes and power. Best ride of all the Willys open jeeps.

M151 = Great ride. Great steering. Better brakes. Power similar to CJ5.

Note: the heavy spring sets on the M38 and M38A1 are very noticable when comparing to the same period CJ.

Claudio · Post by **Claudio** » Tue Dec 07, 2010 6:05 pm

Hi, I suppose you've forgotten the best of all rides: the M170, with the advantage of enabling driver to rest on the stretcher...

!!!
Regards!
Claudio
Florianopolis, Brazil

keats · Post by **keats** » Tue Dec 07, 2010 11:16 pm

Actually Claudio, I think you are more correct than you let on!!! I have driven MB's, m-series, and civilian 1/4 ton jeeps and have found the M170 to be the best riding due to its wheelbase, softer springs with shackles at rear of springs , and stabilizers front and rear. Plus the drivers seat has a nice thick cushion.

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 12:49 am

Hi Claudio, a friend swears his CJ 6 is the best Jeep vehicle ever built...

And, Wes I think your right about that 1/4 ton thing it seems to be the perfect size for an off-road vehicle regardless of what the vehicle looks like.

Claudio · Post by **Claudio** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 8:58 pm

Congratulations and many thanks for your solidarity electing the 101"wheelbase jeep as the best drive!!!
Claudio

Post by **wesk** » Wed Dec 08, 2010 10:05 pm

Actually comparing the M170, CJ6 or the 72 and later longer wheel base jeeps are orange to apple comparisons. The longer wheel base alone removes a ton of chop from the ride. I've driven several M170's and CJ6's but never owned one. I have operated the longer wheelbase later Renegades which were also a world apart but I don't look at any of those as 1/4 tonners.

M38 Barn Find

M38 Barn Find

barn find