Identifying our '51 M38 Restoration

redvettemike · Post by **redvettemike** » Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:12 am

We are going to get a '51 Jeep back into running condition. When I learn how to post photos I'll put some on here. This vehicle has been in the same family since in the 50's. The original owner gave it to his son/daughter on his death. In his Will he specified that it always had to be kept under cover and those siblings have been true to the Will. The Jeep is in pretty good shape. Data plates are gone. It has a big engine powered winch. I'm not sure yet if this was original or not. Some of the original military stenciling is still on the Jeep.

One question: who is the best vendor to get parts for on these vehicles? For example the seats are going to need new cushions and new covers. Who best to get such from? Thanks for any advice. I'll post some photos as we go along with this restoration. Thanks, Mike Martin, Madison, ms

MarkR1951M38 · Post by **MarkR1951M38** » Wed Jun 13, 2018 7:44 am

I get a majority of my parts from Kaiserwillys.com since Mike there gives me a 10% discount on all parts. Midwest Miltary and Peter Debella's and a few others are also good sources. Sometimes shopping around will get you better deals.

Here's a couple I use....

http://www.kaiserwillys.com/
https://midwestmilitary.com/
http://g503.com/
http://midwestjeepwillys.com/m38-parts.html
http://www.debellajeepparts.com/

Post by **wesk** » Wed Jun 13, 2018 8:49 am

For example the seats are going to need new cushions and new covers. Who best to get such from?

There are three horse's mouth suppliers/fabricators:

http://www.odcloth.com/products.html

http://www.newlifecanvas.com/

https://www.beachwoodcanvas.com/

Many other vendors offer the products of these three with a markup.

redvettemike · Post by **redvettemike** » Wed Jun 13, 2018 2:57 pm

The serial number on this Jeep is MC55893. The data plate behind the pass seat was still attached. There were a number of parts in the back of the Jeep. I'll post some photos when my wife teaches me how to post same on this site. The winch is from Koenig Iron Works, Houston, TX. That's probably aftermarket. Right?

Post by **wesk** » Wed Jun 13, 2018 11:15 pm

The correct military winches were the Ramsey 50 (3500 Lbs) and the 50R (5000 Lbs). The PTO was the Ramsey 105.

Ramsey 50 (3500 Lbs)

Ramsey 50R v(5000 Lbs)

Ramsey 105 PTO

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Sat Jun 16, 2018 11:13 am

Ron Fitzpatrick jeep parts is, by far, the best place to get parts. He is better, faster, and cheaper, and is a nice guy too.

redvettemike · Post by **redvettemike** » Sun Jun 17, 2018 12:39 pm

Here are some photos, test (we added two more)[/url]

Post by **wesk** » Sun Jun 17, 2018 9:22 pm

Mike,
I loaded your three photos for you. I put a quick tutorial photo set in my album you can use as a guide on how to do it.
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

Here's a quickie assessment of those accessories you mention earlier:

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sun Jun 17, 2018 10:09 pm

Hey! Looks like you have two of the three rifle rack brackets!

Looks like a nice project. Congrats!

redvettemike · Post by **redvettemike** » Mon Jun 18, 2018 6:33 am

4x4M38 wrote:Hey! Looks like you have two of the three rifle rack brackets!

Looks like a nice project. Congrats!

I know very little. Where are those brakets?

mdainsd · Post by **mdainsd** » Mon Jun 18, 2018 7:35 am

on the lower portion of the windshield, on the inside.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Jun 18, 2018 7:51 am

One is bolted to the right of the windshield vent that on the M38
is bolted shut.

The other is a triangular shaped piece bolted to the left side
of the windshield frame.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Jun 18, 2018 7:55 am

Here’s a nice little treatise by Bretto:

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... k+brackets

redvettemike · Post by **redvettemike** » Tue Jun 19, 2018 7:57 am

The number on the engine reads:

MC87044

Should it read the same as the vehicle number MC55893)?

Tks

kenperkins · Post by **kenperkins** » Tue Jun 19, 2018 8:57 am

no, a lot of engines went to gen sets and other purposes