New M38A1 Owner

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Thu Mar 08, 2012 11:50 pm

Here are some build threads for you to view to give you an idea of what's involved in a frame up restoration. It depends on how far you want to take it. I would recommend doing most of the work yourself even if you have to learn some new skills.

In my mind A decent amount of work means you have to cut, grind, weld, wire wheel, sand blast and paint various parts on the Jeep and probably remove the tub to work on the underside. Not hard at all but requires tools and space.

A crazy amount of work is when you have to replace most of the tubs sheet metal.

I see those frames quite often in my area so I'd just pick up a new one if you can. The '53 and '52 frames are harder to find.

An easy restoration is when you don't have any rust and no grinding and welding is required.

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... pic&t=5211

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... pic&t=5968

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... pic&t=2436

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... pic&t=3475

Also check out bretto's build.

army_inc · Post by **army_inc** » Fri Mar 09, 2012 7:36 am

53a1 wrote: In my mind A decent amount of work means you have to cut, grind, weld, wire wheel, sand blast and paint various parts on the Jeep and probably remove the tub to work on the underside. Not hard at all but requires tools and space.

A crazy amount of work is when you have to replace most of the tubs sheet metal.

I see those frames quite often in my area so I'd just pick up a new one if you can. The '53 and '52 frames are harder to find.

Ok, that decent amount of work was what I was expecting. I was just wondering if you meant I was going to have a crazy amount of work to do. I planned on cutting, grinding, welding, wire wheeling, sandblasting, and painting various parts on the A1 so I'm glad to know I didn't get in over my head like I was starting to think.
I have a few friends that love working on cars and have the tools or access to the tools that will be needed and they said they would help me anytime. So I consider myself lucky in that aspect.
As for the frame. I'm going for the look of originallity, but it's not going to be a museum quality restoration. I'm going for a motor pool restoration I guess. I have a '54 frame that I'm going to look at during the next week and I will probably swap that frame for the one I have. Thanks for the advice.

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Sat Mar 10, 2012 9:49 am

You picked the perfect first project to jump into. Jeeps are much easier to restore than most other cars; no doors, no trim, modular, small engine, simple design ect. Also there are lots of parts to be had and if your not concerned with perfection you can rely on a huge supply of civvy parts. And to boot they are fun to drive so you can't go wrong.

army_inc · Post by **army_inc** » Sat Mar 10, 2012 5:02 pm

53a1 wrote:You picked the perfect first project to jump into. Jeeps are much easier to restore than most other cars; no doors, no trim, modular, small engine, simple design ect. Also there are lots of parts to be had and if your not concerned with perfection you can rely on a huge supply of civvy parts. And to boot they are fun to drive so you can't go wrong.

And that's exactly why I chose the MV. I already work on them so I figured I can work on this one