willysmjeeps.com

Long time Jeep owner, first time M38A1 owner. Just picked up this 52 M38A1. In absolute great shape! Engine, transmission and transfer case have already been rebuilt. Many other parts appear to have been reconditioned and/or rebuilt. The jeep mainly needs body/paint work and some other odds & ends to completely restore it. I did a frame-off restoration of an 85 CJ7 a few years back but the frame and tub was pristine. Didn't have to do any body work whatsoever (nor do I). If you look at the picture below, the back end is pretty rough. Does this whole panel need to be replaced or you think I can take this to a shop and have it fixed? I know nothing about body work. I planned on having someone else blast, fix, and paint it anyways. Looking forward to restoring this M38 to it's former glory.



More pictures here
http://s1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa3 ... sek/M38A1/

By the time you put the spare tire carrier there and mount the spare tire no one will be able to see the wrinkles

I have a '52 M38A1, but have never looked into a rear replacement panel. My personal opinion is replace it. If you pay someone to fix it, you will have way more in it than a new one. Where to get the replacement has me at a loss. I do however think they are a great Jeep and worth the effort. Ask our mentor Wes Knettle. He has helped me more than he knows. A great guy. Fix your Jeep up right-----you can't go wrong! John

I took a closer inspection and discovered a bunch of spotty welds. The inside of the panel where it meets the tub and has "L" brackets is more crooked than a politician. Looks like rear end collision and then someone cut the panel off, attempted to straighten it out then flux welded it on. I'm thinking just cut it out and replace it, that I can do.

Tubs, body parts, body kits and etc are fairly easy to search. There's only three makers out there. MD Juan in the Philippine Islands, Midwest military in Minnesota and Classic Enterprises in Wisconsin. Each company does not make everything but between the three they cover just about all the M38 and M38A1.
www,midwestmil.net
http://www.classicent.com
http://www.mdjuan.com.ph/index.php?page ... &Itemid=26

I suggest you go find a local MV show or Swap...
Post or PM a Wanted ad to those that may be attending.
Tower Park is next weekend in Northern, California.

I've been very fortunate at these shows here in the East Coast.

Luck may or may not find you a straight "tail".
Though to witness and experience such a collective enthusiasm for MVs will leave you in awe.

http://www.mvccnews.net/event_pages/tow ... spring.htm

That's not a tail gate. The M38A1 comes with a welded in solid rear panel. He'll have to hunt for a used tub which will be considerably more expensive than an aftermarket replacement weld in panel.

My 2 cents worth is to consider the overall appearance you would like to achieve. If the other body parts have dents or are wavy I say don't bother to fix it. Once everything is bolted back on the outside area is barely visible. However if you want a cosmetically straight body here are some ideas.

The rear panel is 1 sheet of 18 gauge with hat channels spot welded on both sides making a very difficult repair because of how rigid the construction ends up. The Willys engineers were genius at creating something from the most basic of materials and methods. The hat channels are spaced close enough making heat shrinking not very effective. Hammer and dolly work can be done but because there is no "inside" as both sides are visible Bondo use has to be minimal too. The L shaped hat channels need to be checked for availability. They are in reproduction as part of the reproduction rear panel from MD Juan but I am not sure they are available individually. It is a really tough body part to repair correctly so it looks right. But it can be done. If you want to learn body work the rear panel is a good project to learn on...

I'm kinda of leaning toward Kendall's remark. Once I mount the spare tire I probably won't be able to see it anyways...rest if of the body is fine.