M38 Windshield Hybrid ? Modified?

[ColKilgore2860]

I recently aquired a 1952 M38. Apparently, it went from a military base, to a buyer, and then to me. I have stripped most of the jeep, and it looks like it is 95% + original. The windshield is a split windshield, which seems uncommon. I thought I would pop the glass out, order new rubber, strip, paint, and re-assemble. When I started to look at the rubber gasket glass to w/s frame, I realized that it was an unusual setup. It IS an M38 windshield frame. The split windows are curved, unlike the M38A1 split windshield shape. In looking at the Google, there was a similarity to the curved glass that is on the windshield frames with the slot in between glass for a 106mm cannon, but there is not a 5" space between the panes.
Wes Knettle picked up on this a while back, and seemed to think that a middle frame-piece was spot-welded in place to frame the 2 pieces of glass. I now see what he saw. I am now trying to decide whether I should work around the weird glass for now, because I don't see anyway of ordering new rubber gaskets. Or maybe I have not looked hard enough. Anybody have any ideas? Thanks! PS I will post pihotos, if and when I figure out how.[/img]

[wesk]

I believe I mentioned this before but I'll post it here. Split M38 windshields are not all that uncommon. The only real modification is the glass is cut in half and put right in the original frame and seal but a center vertical seal strip is added. It was an Army cost saving measure that started with M38's assigned to Europe.










This M38 was purchased in Europe at an auction in the 70's by an American GI who brought it back to the states with him. This is the same installation of the two piece windshield that is covered in the TB 9-2830-55 Conversion of 1 pc M38 windshield to 2 pc .

[wesk]

Adam, The easiest way to load photos to your posts is to open an album on our members albums page. You do not have to use this album but if you use any other web site loaded photo program your files you wish to add to your post must be public and accessible by our web site.

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[ColKilgore2860]

Three question:
I am wondering what I should buy for the replacement windshield rubber?


And if I break one of the windows, are they a standard size? I doubt it.

If the army says "cut the glass" then is it not safety glass?

[wesk]

I am wondering what I should buy for the replacement windshield rubber?

The outer all the way around seal is still used. Note the part number of the weatherstrip 7375396 and filler strip 7375316 in the TB (Tech Bulletin) match the original part numbers in your M38 parts manual ORD 9 SNL G-740.

And if I break one of the windows, are they a standard size? I doubt it.

They will be whatever the two halves measure after being cut to allow for the center seal strip. This is when you must do the math and measure.

If the army says "cut the glass" then is it not safety glass?

Yes, it is still "Safety Plate Glass" When cutting safety plate you must scribe the cut line on both sides.

If you break one half of your windshield just take the other half to your Glass & Mirror shop and have them cut you a piece from flat stock that matches the good half. They will also have weatherstripping in bulk that will fit your glass.

[jam51m38cdn]

I had glass cut for mine years ago from a local glass shop from flat glass. The biggest thing is this, notice that the top radius and the bottom radius is different and if you put it in upside down you will break the glass. My glass shop forgot that I told him about that and cut the top and bottom the same radius, he got to recut a new one

[4x4M38]

Wow, thanks for that!!!