Some years ago, I had the chance to manage a great deal.
This deal was, to buy some Jeeps.
I ask my friends and a museum if they are interested to buy a Jeep too.
So it happed.
With a friend of me, I drove to the dealer, and we had the choice of several Jeeps,
M38, M38A1, M38A1C, two M170, some Dodge M37,M43, Kaiser M715 and some M151A1 and M151A2, ex former Greece Army.
They are all in very rough condition, some missing parts, but nothing that can stop a real Jeep hobbyist.
We spend one week to assemble all the seven Jeeps with all the missing parts we could find and change the tires that where not able to hold the air.
One of the seven Jeeps was still able to drive.
After the selection, we have two M38A1C, two “early”(52-53) M38A1, two “late” (54 and 63) M38A1 and one M170 Ambulance.
I also had to manage the transport back home, coincidentally this time, I know, a buddy is driving a truck, that can be very needful.
So this mission get started.
This is the “one”!
Special transport (in Germany)
After the Jeeps are distributed, it was time for a closer look to.
The first project was the one M38A1C for the little “Museum Exhibition”
But this will be another story to tell.
After that, I started with the M170 project, but once again, another long different story to tell.
Meanwhile, one of my friends is still working on his “project” and I’am willing to help, teach and support where I can.
Mixing the parts of the two “late” Jeeps, so the “best” used parts can be taken for the one project, the rest will be near Scrap.
The other “late” Jeep, I sold to the friend of my one friend, I have repurchased a few years later.
The owner see no way to have fun with it.
Another some years later, my friend told me, that he can’t go on with that project also and that he will it spend to me.
That time, I have done a lot of work to “his” Jeep.
So the Bodywork is done but needs to be finished.
The Frame was ready to roll, but without the engine and gearboxes.
So I think it over and restart the project.
Yes, it is a lot to do, it’s not an easy going.
But, for me, this means a challenge, fun and what I’am able to do.
Yes, you are right, many parts, you can buy, it’s not necessary to do this the way I have done.
But I want to save so much “old” parts, as possible.
This is what I have found in the engine, so it’s more than worth to take a look.
Obey the wear limits, something was to do, also.
New clutch
Inside the fuelpump.
Installed
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Gearbox and transfer should be done.
meanwhile some blasting,
yes, it fits the frame,
Batterybox needs to welded in
Ready for green paint,
You want it darker?
Some parts primed, some painted, back to the frame.
Again, some blasting purpose
Yes, I know, not nesessary to do that, but I will do this that way,
First coat of green for the upside of the body
--
More green parts (some for the next project)
AB-15 mounted, this will be a Radio Jeep when finnished,
All holes are primed
All holes are painted
Many parts, when disassembled,
Take a look to the inside,
New turn signal selector, old, new rewired cannon plug, ready to install,
Re-wired old trailer socket
The first wiring is done,
Berlin Brigade Turnsignals at the rear,
Need to do my own wiring, some more fuses needed here
---
New Windshield glass and seal,
Right tools, easy to work,
Headlights, go
Taillights and turnsignals, go
Right mounting,
This is, what it takes,
The "switchbox" and LS-166
Some kind of trouble, the fueltank.
More a "look-a-like" than a "fitter"
Spend some work to it.
So the fillerneck comes from an old tank,
To make a real one thats fit the body,
----
Engine is running, 36 Volts output.
Little adjusting so 28 Volts came out,
Battery hold downs must be fabricaded, to fit our european Batterys,
Selfmade Stencils under the hood
More selfmade stencils and the first Star
Hood and fenders done,
Than, I have the problem, what Unit the Jeep was assigned to.
Yes, I know that I can buy Stencil sets, which looking way's better and would be easy to use,
I have choosen
So, here it is after the long way.
Keep in mind, this is the Jeep that is shown on the first picture.
Enjoy, but do not touch (':D')
Do you know that kind of "nameplate" (only for parades)
Ready for parade or exrercise purpose with loudspeakers and the old way of Drivers name in the early 60th's.
It takes three attemps before I have the right dimensions. Not easy without a template,
This Jeep don't have a "orginal", so it isn't a replic.
But all what is done, can be seen from old pictures.
There are two of those Jeeps with loudspeakers used by the 2nd Battlegroup 6th Inf.
Yes, you are right again.
I'am "very special"
Many parts, I have saved, spending many more work.
But it was worth it.
So you know, what I'am, and you are be able to to.
Take this as a suggestion, what a scrap-Jeep can be happen in the right hands.
Sincerely yours,
Frank
