M38 replacement tub

Ray101 · Post by **Ray101** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 7:06 am

Hi, I'm new to this forum, and I recently acquired a 1950 M38 I want to restore. I've started the disasembly process and I've found the tub is not in as good a shape as I thought. The front floor is rotted out including the lower part of the toolbox, it looks like it has been rolled on the right side and the rear fender well is mangled pretty bad along with the right side of the body and the left side which I thought was good has a couple spots rusted through. The rest of the tub has a few dings and rust that can be fixed without to much trouble, I think. So my question is has anyone have experience with a replacement tub? I've heard they have problems with not fitting properly, but would that be more than all the work I need to do on my existing tub? Thanks for any help.

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 7:11 am

complex question, depends on your skills and how confident you are with body work, keep in mind a replacement tub is $3000 plus . If you get a new production one it will be close if you end up with an older one you could have many issues. There are several manufacturers that make replacement panels, some better than others, but only one that makes a complete tub. If you are worried at all about value a patched original is considered more valuable than a new tub.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 9:18 am

Just google "Willysmjeeps replacement MD Juan tubs" This question has been asked at least 50 and probably closer to 100 times here on this site.

https://www.google.com/#q=willysmjeeps+ ... +Juan+tubs

Bottom line the jeep is more valuable with as much of it's original steel as possible. You can buy US made front floors and wheel houses and tub sides. Hang on to that original firewall and dash at all costs.

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Tue Jun 30, 2015 6:02 am

My attitude is avoid the new tub and find another M38 with a decent tub. You will pay less for it, fix yours, and have parts left over. You may find just the tub. They show up fairly often on ebay and craigslist. Watch ewillys.com. I found a frame and tub near me for 250.00!!!!!!!!! And it's original like wes mentioned. I'm just not impressed with the "New Tubs". Many problems with them. John

Ray101 · Post by **Ray101** » Tue Jun 30, 2015 6:42 am

Thanks for all the responses, I never really thought about resale value down the road. I actually have another tub, but being from Minnesota it is rusted is the same places. I've been pricing things out and it looks like I could buy most of replacement panels i need for about $600 less than the price of a replacement tub, just a lot more work.