Possible M38A1 purchase

[jfccac]

Hi,

I'm a new member.

I'm looking at a mid fifties jeep. The older gentleman that owns it bought it at FT Drum around 30 years ago. He said he rebuilt the engine around 25 years ago. The jeep still has the original paint with no rust. The jeep is complete with seats, and all the right body pieces. He also has tons of extra parts, including lots of tires and rims, a few hoods, axles, fenders, engine block, distributors, regulators, gas tank, leaf axles, carbs and pieces of canvas.

Ive not heard it run, but the engine is not setup. Can you guys give me an idea of what its worth?

[dago_red]

If it has no rust and has good original paint, you've found a rare jeep in my book. There is something about the original patina that stands out.

My A1 has the original OD paint in good shape. It's nice to not have to worry about every little scratch.

If you pick up enough of the spare parts, you might be able to defray the cost of the jeep itself by selling off what you don't need.

If it's complete, no rust, not running.... I dunno...2000? Much will depend on how badly he wants it gone and how savvy he is to the value of it.

[jfccac]

thanx for the response.

he is asking 2500.

its very hard to get pics as its buried in a shed.

theres also a good t-case as well as other suspension parts. hes also got a couple grills and at least one more windshield frame.

its been in storage for at least 20 years.

[wesk]

To simplify this a bit.

1-Engine condition unknown & not running.

2-Running gear (axles, drive shafts, tranny, transfer, steering, brakes) condition unknown, unable to drive.

3-Body - unrestored but rust free.

About $2500.

tires If servicable, $10 to $20 each
rims Not rusted and servicable,$70 each
a few hoods $100 each
axles (If complete and free rotating) $100 each
fenders Early $150 each, late $100 each
engine block If crack and corrosion free $100
distributors If undamaged and no missing parts then Core value $40 each.
regulators Mechanical complete $20-$30 core value, Electronic complete $10 (these have no core value and no rebuild capability)
gas tank Complte without holes or corrosion $250
leaf axles (If this means leaf springs) $20 set.
carbs (Complete, not corroded $75 core.
pieces of canvas You will have to evaluate based on part number and condition.

[dago_red]

If asking price is 2500, a 2000 offer is valid.

Do all the parts come with it at that price? If so, it's a bargain. From what I've seen, Wes's price estimates are on the money for the parts. (Now, finding a buyer for some of it may be a challenge)

[jfccac]

Thanx for the replies. yes all the parts come with it.

he seems to Know his stuff. he's dismantled two other jeeps towards getting the best parts for this one.

there are also spare starters, generators, fenders, etc.

he seems pretty firm on the price...I may try to talk him down a little.

I've also already own a m35a2...so its not my first time.

thanx for the help.

[skyjeep50]

It's difficult to calculate the value of parts that may or may not be serviceable. But if you want an accurate idea of what the dealers are selling serviceable NOS or takeout parts for as retail value, not wholesale junk value, just visit their websites. For example, Midwest Military has electronic voltage regulators for $225 (not $10). Repop M38A1 gas tanks are around $430. Of course, if the parts are all takeouts they may have been taken out for a reason. But if a little clean up is all they need, you may be looking at quite a bargain with jeep + parts.

[wesk]

The general rule is 50% of new for used items.

You won't find any warranties on those transistorized regulators. The dealers are "No returns" on them. So the $10 is assuming any unit for sale that's not still in the wrapper is a used unit and most likely removed for a reason. The only purpose they will serve is parts for the experimenter.

What is the asking price on this jeep? I keep hearing comments about it but no one has posted the price here.

[jfccac]

thanx for the response.

he is asking 2500.

its very hard to get pics as its buried in a shed.

theres also a good t-case as well as other suspension parts. hes also got a couple grills and at least one more windshield frame.

its been in storage for at least 20 years.

He's asking 2500. he seems pretty firm.

He took all the other parts off of running jeeps. The parts have been sitting in a warm dry cellar for all this time.

[wesk]

Then I would jump on that deal today!