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I've seen a few M38A1s for sale with absolutely pristine bodies. Like, as in the body tub looks like it just came out of a factory in Toledo yesterday! Where are they getting tubs in such pristine condition? From what I understand, the repro tubs are Brown material (not that I have the money for one) and I would image, ungalvanized and 50+ years old, there can't be that many original tubs in pristine condition.

The M38A1 had a longer career than the M38. It was surplussed out during the late 70's thru the late 80's. They produced Twice the number of A1's vs the M38. There were still brand new NOS Kaiser built tubs selling 4 years ago.

Also if you are looking at restorations that appear to have pristine tubs then it is possible they had a very good body man weld in repairs or had a nice NOS full front floor or tub to use.

My tub looks good, but has a little surface rust at some of the corners. Underneath though, it looks a bit like Frankenstein. The only real areas of concern, are the front body tub to frame mounts, the ones right inside the engine bay. which are falling apart. A few of the hat channels look rough as well.

My body LOOKS pretty good, but then I inspected the inside of my tool box on my M38a1 and I could see the fiberglass material where the PO couldn't sand very well.