anyone know about American Made Reprop M38 Fuel tanks

pickle · Post by **pickle** » Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:39 pm

Hey guys, I am just wondering if any of you know if there was a reprop dealer in the US making M38 fuel tanks at one time? there is some suggestion that there was someone in Idaho....does anyone know much about the tanks and how long ago it was? Was there any others? I also want to know how well those tanks fit compared to the MD Juans,

I am contemplating purchase a tank I found that doesn't sound like a MD Juan, and is supposed to have a good fit. I will try to get a pic up.

I really want to invest the money in fixing my tub, but I also don't want to miss a chance on buying a tank that is a good fit.

Thanks in advance,
Mk

evanso1975 · Post by **evanso1975** » Wed Sep 19, 2012 12:39 am

I bought one off Hillbilly few months ago. It could have been a US-made repro, or it could be an early MD Juan repro. The filler neck is maybe 1/2" too long (I can live with that), but the width, height & length of the tank match an original one exactly. Plus it's never had fuel in it. Be interesting to see the photo of the one you found.

There's photos of Mad Dog's repro tank in Wes's "M38 Fuel System" album here:
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... php&page=3
As much as it pains me to say it, the repro one looks pretty close.

No guarantee that the next repro one will be as good though. Based on my experience with their body panels, MD Juan's quality control system needs tweaking.

Owen.

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Wed Sep 19, 2012 6:29 am

"Tweaking"
- that's a very nice way to put it Owen!

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Thu Sep 20, 2012 5:32 am

I bought a MD Juan M38 tank for my '51. I had to do alot of tweaking to get a original sliding screen filler extension to work. It's filler neck fit fine and the sender and filter assembly fit fine. The hold down was correct in the back. Only problem was it is 1/4 inch higher than my original tank.The seat just clears, but I also had to re-attach the backrest mount bracket which may be the reason it now clears. The metal they build them with is better than original, thicker. It will work fine. I also bought a M38A1 tank. Do not buy one!!!!!!!!!! Total disaster for me. Nothing, repeat, nothing was right. Depending on your original tanks condition, I'd clean it out and sand blast it first. If it has minor damage or rust problems, I'd fix it by soldering the holes or cutting out the area, and welding in a new patch. NOS tanks pop up from time to time, jump quick if they do. Midwest military once in a while finds them. His picking trips are a real treat to follow------wow. John

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Thu Sep 20, 2012 5:39 am

+1 on the M38a1 tanks - I bought mine from Rugged Ridge - nothing was right + it cost over $400!

pickle · Post by **pickle** » Thu Sep 20, 2012 11:28 pm

thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. I am contemplating do I purchase a tank now, or do I use the money toward sandplasting and working on the body. I would like the tank beforehand to see if there are fit issues, but I am not sure how comfortable what to buy.

I came across this tank for sale. I can see the back tab is missing.

any thoughts on this, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

evanso1975 · Post by **evanso1975** » Fri Sep 21, 2012 12:22 am

Hey, that tank looks familiar.

Note that in addition to the back tab being missing, there is no drain on the bottom. Not a problem for me, but some folks might prefer to be able to drain the tank. The fuel sender & pickup holes are clocked correctly.

Like I said in my earlier post, I don't know who made my tank. It fits my M38 really well, but if it's a Mad Dog repro then you tend to take pot luck at times. Is the vendor local to you, and will they let you lay it into your tub to check the fit?

Or, if you can provide the dimensions of the tank, I can check it against mine.

Owen.