M38 Top storage staps

rbhodges · Post by **rbhodges** » Sat Mar 12, 2022 5:41 pm

Hi this is my first post here on this forum. My jeep is a 47 CJ2a with a 5_? M38 tub. I've decided leave the CJ2a parts as is, and restore the M38 tub as M38.
So. here is my problem. My custom made top to fit a CJ2a windshield and M38 tub and top bows fits and looks great. I've got all of the top bow mounting and storage brackets and straps figured out.
I need help with the straps that hold the top to the rear fender when not in use. Any photos or diagrams of how the straps are used would help.
Thanks Rick

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Sat Mar 12, 2022 8:14 pm

Hi Rick,
Not sure this helps, but as far as I can tell, there's no illustrations showing top stowage in the M38 manuals or the M38 Reference Guide.
The Operators Manual TM9-8012 (Jan. 1956) doesn't refer to stowing canvas at all.

The earlier TM9-804 (Sept. 1950) on page 182, paragraph 236 has a note that says no illustrations are provided for folding or stowing the canvas. It goes on to say that the side curtains and door canvas are folded and stowed over the left rear wheel housing, and the top is folded and stowed over the right rear wheel housing.

The ORD9 SNL on page 308 lists 4 straps, top stowage (1-inch wide by 49-inches long) WO-675205 for this purpose. I believe that 2 are used on each wheelhouse, one for each of the footman loops that are on top of each wheelhouse.

Some of our member photo albums might have photos. And hopefully the members that own top canvas will reply to your post.

I'm still saving up nickels and dimes for my top canvas. It's super expensive for what it is. If I ever do get one, when not installed it's going to be home under lock and key rather than strapped to the wheelhouses.

Welcome, and good luck!

rbhodges · Post by **rbhodges** » Sat Mar 12, 2022 9:17 pm

Thanks for the response I've looked at all of the original manuals I can find and no help. It looks as though both straps by way of the loops Seun into their ends are meant to be held captive by footman loops. However, I have not seen any photos or diagrams that show that. For now, I'll work with the parts that I know are right and run with it.
Rick

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Sat Mar 12, 2022 10:27 pm

Hi Rick,
Just did a search and found this post that you might find helpful: http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php? ... canvas+top

Post by **wesk** » Sun Mar 13, 2022 2:00 am

Actually the M38 operator's handbook TM 9-8012 shows the top storage in figure 3 page 9 and discusses the top removal and stowage in Section 264 "Canvas Top, Doors and Side Curtains" on page 309 Par. a(5). That illustration in the linked thread that Ron gave you is a blowup and chopped illustration I put together years ago.

As for the TM 9-804 it does have an illustration but it is smaller than the one in TM 9-8012.

You can find most of the answers you are looking for in my photo album, it is the second one in "Member's Albums: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

Then look at my sub-album "Canvas Tops": http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

TM 9-8012 page 7

TM 9-8012 page 8

TM 9-8012 page 9

TM 9-804 page 4

TM 9-804 page 5

kenperkins · Post by **kenperkins** » Sun Mar 13, 2022 1:24 pm

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _photo.php

this picture is out of Wes' album m38 body...you can see the 4 locations for the straps...the loop in the strap goes to the outboard footman loops

rbhodges · Post by **rbhodges** » Sun Mar 13, 2022 6:32 pm

Thanks for all the input. I think between manual photos and pics of other members jeeps I've got something that looks right and works as it should. thanks for the help
Rick