M38 : OK, Boomer

[RICKG]

To improve my attitude I decided to reattach some parts .....
Hmmm, leg bone connected to thigh bone, right?
Better check the manuals & albums.



Yeah, the locking hubs are not 'motorpool' but they look kinda cool.

Hey I've got a set of those allstates!

[Naugha]

The thing about bodywork & paint (more stuff I have never done) is the obsession factor.
"Well, that looks nice so let's get it a little smoother / better / more better."

Hours later you are chasing another little imperfection.











It's a just war jeep. **** Please...... somebody stop me.

[Xamon]

Uhm... no. We are here to fuel and enable your obsession.
Seriously looks really nice, like some generals personal show room level jeep.

[Naugha]

There are several small bumps and rolls left that let you know it’s the real deal. The body started out ‘not that bad’ as these things go. Keep telling myself that any month now there will be another big reassembly push then ..... crickets, chirp, chirp.

I should pack a cooler, drive out to the ‘land’, live in the ‘barn’ for a week or three and work on the M38. Seventy year old retired folks can do such things.

The wife could come and clean up, maybe do some fence repair.

[Mjp83]

Nice work Don! I just carried my engine to the rebuilder, and ordered all new internals for it. Body work will go slow, as parts are back ordered. Your tub looks awesome!
Martin
52 M38

[CoastieReid]

looks great!

I have a problem with perfection. Down the rabbit hole of "must be perfect" and that is how i ended up in state of blown apart jeep i am in now. I knew better but did it anyway. I knew- get it running and driving... then do the body and paint. well- as you see in my thread i just blew it apart and did it all at once.

Engine is at the machine shop= i had the builder buy the parts for it. They were excited to see the L134 come in. All they get to do now are honda engines and old clapped out cylinder head jobs.

[Naugha]

Thanks April. Your M38 is an inspiration.

Three months ago the shop told me my engine would be ready soon.
Today I found out the mechanic working on my engine is out sick... COVID.
At least this gives me time to work on the other things and buy stuff $$

Don

[Naugha]

We will not speak of the unfortunate project delays that happened over the last several months.

Last week I finally got the engine back.
Today I went to the barn and installed that bad boy.



PITA, but finally got things to line up.
One little problem. The bell dowel bolts I have were for the early plate.

So I will begin an Easter Egg hunt for:

3/8 x 24 NF 3 x 3 3/8" Dowel Bolts (2)
8328311

[RonD2]

So I will begin an Easter Egg hunt for: 3/8 x 24 NF, 3 x 3 3/8" Dowel Bolts (2) 8328311

Pretty sure I got mine from MWM with a phone call. They were take-off's but looked like NOS. Good luck!

[RICKG]

Nice work Don!

[Naugha]

More done today.



MetalShaper can tell you details about the heat riser







This is what happens when you watch too many G503/MB videos.

[Naugha]

Today at the barn.





So much for tag ‘n bag.



Radiator mounts.



Manifold cone washers



Radiator support rods. OOPS/ Forgot the washer

[4x4M38]

This is where Ryan’s book is invaluable.

Don’t forget to paint that timing cover before you can’t!

[RonD2]

Hi Don,
Looks great! Motivating!

Just curious --- did your fan center up vertically in the radiator shroud with just one rubber pad on the mounts?

The washers on my radiator mount studs are large extra-heavy thick and cover the entire hole. Not sure if they're original or not.

[Naugha]

Will go back to the barn tomorrow and double check the above points.

I have been printing out and following manual diagrams & part specs for each section reassembly but sometimes miss stuff. Ryan’s book puts you on the right path. Albums, threads and videos are the other big support resources.