M38a1 door question

[w30bob]

Hi guys,

I see doors (canvas and frames) for the M38a1 described as "knock down, fold down and fold up". I don't understand what that means. Is there more than one type of door frame and canvas? Does the top part fold down to simulate an open window? I looked at a bunch of pics of doors on Google......but I don' see how they fold down....or up. HELP!

Thanks,
Bob

[4x4M38]

Hi Bob,
The M38 and A1 factory canvas doors with flat
steel rods came apart and folded. The folded top was carried
on one wheelhouse top and the doors on the other.
Unless there was a radio!

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _photo.php

Bent rods and torn canvas on old A1 door,
partially folded. You can see one of the hinge
points where it folds at right.

Take care,

[4x4M38]

The long horizontal rod with rounded end
is the front vertical support rod. The round end goes in
the bracket in the door opening near the cowl. The
curved piece below it is the bottom rod that follows
the shape of the side opening of the tub.

Once the canvas was attached and the door escutcheon
and latch installed it was not removeable from the frame.
Unless replaced. Then the latch and escutcheon had to be
removed.

Hope this makes sense.

[wesk]

Two types of doors for the M38 both round stock steel rod construction.

1-Standard non-folding. (Fixed)

2-Folding (Knockdown)

For the M38A1 there were 4 choices;

1-Round stock non-folding (Fixed)


M38A1 round steel stock non-folding door

2-Round stock folding (Knockdown)

3-Flat stock non-folding (Fixed)

4-Flat stock folding. (Knockdown)


M38A1 Flat steel stock frame folding


M38A1 flat steel stock folding frame

[4x4M38]

Bretto actually made some non folding frames
for his M38. He’s crafty with canvas so made his own.

Thanks for that Wes. I did not know they had non-folding
doors in service.

[wesk]

We could use more info on this topic. Especially info that would confirm which were original Willys provided and which were later military contracted spares.

[4x4M38]

Brent Mullins is selling some on eBay NOS.
Maybe give him a whistle for some packaging
info?

[w30bob]

Thanks for the info guys. One more question for you.......why does the driver's door canvas have that curved zipper above where the gas cap would be with the door closed? I don't see the same zipper on the passenger side door canvas. Why would anyone need to reach into the jeep there or would the driver need to reach out without opening the door?

Thanks,
Bob

[wesk]

would the driver need to reach out without opening the door

During inclement weather when clearing restricted areas or Post/Base Entry Gates.

[w30bob]

Ah..........that makes sense. Thanks.

By the way........most of the doors I see for sale, either NOS or used, have foggy/yellowed windows. I get that vinyl gets like that........but does anyone know how long new canvas vinyl windows stay "useable" if well cared for? I see a new set of door canvas is $300+ for a pair.........just wondering how much time I would get out of that investment.

thanks,
bob

[wesk]

I think you are asking about two different issues.

1-The foggy, dulled surface aged vinyl windows. Caused by age and exposure to the elements.

2-The crispy yellow that looks like new but appears to be the resultant discoloration of the vinyl from prolonged sealed storage.

I would suggest you review/research shelf life info for clear vinyl sheeting.
https://signbrad.com/2016/06/22/what-de ... -of-vinyl/
http://identco.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/TT727.pdf
http://www.generalformulations.com/geta ... Vinyl.aspx
https://www.sailrite.com/PDF/Crystal_Cl ... enance.pdf
https://www.sailrite.com/PDF/Crystal_Cl ... n_Tips.pdf