M38 Original vs Repro Seats

GAwillysM38 · Post by **GAwillysM38** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 2:06 pm

I'm looking for both front and rear seats for my M38 restoration and would like to know if anyone has experience with Omix Ada reproduction seats? How does the quality and specs compare to the originals. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 6:17 am

I cannot speak to these particular parts but the general consensus is to run away from any omix ada parts as fast as you can. From what we have seen over the years their parts are dangerously sub standard. Steering box components that sheared on multiple vehicles under light use, hoses and fittings not fit for use on a fish tank that sort of thing.

GAwillysM38 · Post by **GAwillysM38** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 1:51 pm

Thank you for your reply, I'll keep a look out for originals then as I want to keep my M38 as close to original quality specs as possible

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 2:11 pm

If you have the frames the seat convers by
Pizoferazzo and a couple of others are
quality.

If you need frames originals are available
in various stages of wear,but shipping can be
pretty bad

GAwillysM38 · Post by **GAwillysM38** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 9:05 pm

Thanks Brian

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 11:04 pm

Are you looking for seat frames also?

Where are you located?

GAwillysM38 · Post by **GAwillysM38** » Fri Jun 23, 2017 9:29 am

Hi Brian, Yes, I need drivers and passenger front seat frames and rear seat frame...my M38 didn't have them when I got it, I have original seat covers for the front seats to use and the info you supplied will help me when looking for rear seat covers. Now I'm on the hunt for some original seat frames on the advice to stay away from repos because of the poor quality.

G740 · Post by **G740** » Sun Jun 25, 2017 6:44 am

Midwest Military has some original seats still around.
John

GAwillysM38 · Post by **GAwillysM38** » Sun Jun 25, 2017 10:35 am

Thanks John I'll check them out

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Fri Aug 11, 2017 10:32 pm

Realize that omix ada is just a dealer; they make nothing. All the repro parts come from MD Juan in Philippines. I have found that the seats and most other parts, are of high quality; made like originals. Maybe in the past they were bad but now they are very good. I have no stake in them; my comments come from personally using their body parts and seat frames. Of course, originals are preferred, but the MDJ ones aren't bad at all.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sat Aug 12, 2017 7:04 am

That's good to know. One major issue was their M38 replacement fuel
tanks and driver seat frame. The fuel tanks were not the correct size and
the fill nozzle did not match the hole in the side. Further, the seat frame was not the correct height causing an interference with the tank.

I'm sure everyone here would appreciate feedback current Omix Ada replacement parts. Maybe you could post in the review section?

Thanks!

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Sat Aug 12, 2017 8:37 am

Omix is just one of several dealer for MD Juan body parts; they don't make anything so a review would not be of them. The best place I have found to get parts is from Ron Fitzpatrick. Price, service, and he is a nice guy too.
I have not used M38 seats; only MB and GPW seats, and they were as good as originals. I am just saying that a blanket dismissal of repro body parts is not valid in all cases. They strive to make their products better; visit G503 and their owner is always asking for ideas for improvements. I have used their MB and Cj gas tanks; they worked fine. I have not used the M38 tank.
As for the comment on steering parts, MD Juan does not make those; Probably Crown, I have never used them.

GAwillysM38 · Post by **GAwillysM38** » Sat Aug 12, 2017 2:01 pm

Thanks dpcd67 for the insight, I found original front seats for my M38, but have been doing some additional digging and what you stated seems to be the majority consensus from what I've found...MD Juan Enterprises has been producing parts since 1966, and people have been buying them, so they must be doing something right

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sat Aug 12, 2017 3:53 pm

There is a parts and supplier review section here.

Take some time and look through it.

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Sun Aug 13, 2017 8:56 am

I did just install an MDJ front floor in my M38 last month; it fit very well; and looks great.
Which vendor to get parts from?; I am only talking about body parts from MD Jaun; each vendor is different but they all carry the same parts ( if they are the ones made in the Philippines)
My favorite vendor is Ron Fitzpatrick. I know nothing about the rest of them.
As for the parts review forum; I say that any review older than a year is now invalid; they do constantly improve their parts, so those comments from 2011 are, well, old.