M38 Arctic Top

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 9:36 am

Picked up an M38 Arctic Top by Metro Engineering & Mfg. Co. Detroit, Michigan.

Data Tag says DA-20-089, ORD-6308-FF, ORD-PT-7720468
Has original windshield and doors. In good condition. Anyone recognize this one? One of the less common versions.
Not sure if I am going to keep it if anyone is interested. Still looking for A1 Arctic Top.

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 12:40 pm

It is starting to look like this top might be a post WWll Arctic Top for the MB not the M38.

Any opinions on this Wes? I'll post some pictures when I get a chance.

Thanks!

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 5:53 pm

Perhaps the thread you started below can best answer your quest ?

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... ngineering

can you post pics?

I have a metro top. they were orig made for early MB's/GPW's or civvy CJ2A's then later re-configured for fitment on the M38A1 with Plywood doors.

if you retain the back 1/2 of your top/ you can fab parts to fit it towards the front half on your A1..

below photo borrowed from (Allen) member "Jonesal" site; for whom I attribute my knowledge on this top as he has extensively researched the tops evolution with his M38A1 restoration.

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... ght=#11714

this is the second part to complete fitment onto your M38A1.

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 7:36 pm

I bought this top over year ago sight unseen and since then had only 2 bad pictures to use for reference. I don't recommend this method. It was found in a building filled with WWll truck parts but no one knew what vehicle it fit.

Ben Dover on the G503 identified it as a Post WWll but pre-Korea Arctic Top for the MB/GPW. It is about 4" to long to fit the M38A1. I guess even among Arctic Tops it is pretty obscure. I will post some pictures as soon as I can.
Thanks to everyone for your help

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 8:07 pm

similar style top mounted on a cj2a ?

and on that sold recently on "G503"

http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=170644

BullRun · Post by **BullRun** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 8:36 pm

It appears to be identical to the one sold recently on the G503 that you mentioned except mine is still assembled. The windshield on mine is different from the one pictured above on the CJ2A. Mine has the clunky cast aluminum braces you can see at the ends of the windshield frame on the G503 pictures.

My doors are original with original sliding windows.

Do you still have those parts available for this type of top?

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Sun Sep 26, 2010 8:48 pm

I Still have parts leftover from my top build.

though what I have to sell is for the MB/GPW top version components, I have a few parts of channels and some cast / stamped brackets I may off load.
PM me if you wish of your needs and quest.. will try to help out as best I can.

here are the parts I have for sale that are specific to the MB/GPW version.

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... pic&t=4038

MODIFIED · Post by **MODIFIED** » Thu Oct 07, 2010 12:17 pm

BullRun wrote: My doors are original with original sliding windows.

Do you still have those parts available for this type of top?

I sent you a PM>.. did you receive?

Post by **wesk** » Fri Feb 21, 2025 10:44 am

It's an M38 Hartop enclosure kit. It was an early design for post WWII jeeps MB & M38:

Here's a later issue: