Wiring the Dashboard

mydadsjeep · Post by **mydadsjeep** » Sun Apr 29, 2018 6:54 pm

My Father parked a M38a1 1952 hardtop jeep in our pole building about 40 years ago and he recently passed. I have been trying to get it running to see if it would be worth restoring.
The wiring behind the dashboard is really bad. Old wires, cracked, mouse eaten and badly spliced together. Amazingly enough the lights and dials work. Right now I'm currently replacing the coil to see if I get it to run. If and when I do how hard is it to replace the wires in the dash? Are there any manuals or would I just go about doing one at a time?
I'm in Butler Pa and would like to take this into jeepfest this year and honor my father. Anyone the can point me in the right direction would be great.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sun Apr 29, 2018 7:53 pm

Here’s a link to lots of posts on rewiringban M38A1.

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... de=results

And yes, in the downloads at left are all the manuals free
to download, including wiring diagrams and electrical
information.

Post by **wesk** » Sun Apr 29, 2018 11:08 pm

You didn't tell us if the jeep is still stock 24 volt electrical system with sealed connectors in the wiring harness. Let us know exactly what you have and we'll get you rolling.

Unless you are experienced at wiring cars & trucks you have a big learning curve ahead of you. I have well over 50 years wiring cars & aircraft and to rewire the M38A1 dash would take me several days. Possibly longer if fabricating the new harness from scratch.

mydadsjeep · Post by **mydadsjeep** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 9:05 am

Let me say, You guys know your CRAP. LOL It still is a 24 volt system. I will down load the diagrams. I actually have a really good mechanic working on it for me.
Another point came up yesterday. I seem to be missing a small metal clip inside the distributor. I can't take a picture. but it seems to hold the points in place. The mechanic said I could get them at a motorcycle shop but they didn't have any idea. Ill try to get a pic next time I go over. IDEAS??

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 11:44 am

Wes has hundreds of photos over in the photos albums.

The blue Air Force M38 on page 1.

Tons of parts all over this site in folks stashes.

If you identify it correctly one might just become
available for a decent price.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 11:47 am

Bottom row, middle photos:

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... php&page=4

mydadsjeep · Post by **mydadsjeep** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 12:15 pm

called a breaker plate block. The two little clips on the sides on disturber. anyone know where to get one? Peter Debella said he didn't have any

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Apr 30, 2018 1:44 pm

If no luck here try John at Midwest Military, George at
Army Jeep Parts, or Matt at QTM.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-Willys-M3 ... 2621653493