'52 M38 Plucked from the weeds

Ryan_M · Post by **Ryan_M** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 8:46 am

I picked up a '52 M38 yesterday. DoD 4/52. Appears to be converted to 12v, most of the fording stuff is gone. Motor turns freely but no spark so I'm pushing it around for now. Lots of rust but should clean up OK. Water pump boss number is "MC84560" so pretty good chance it's the original motor? Can anyone tell me if the head is correct? Were they non-ribbed like that? I have a CJ3A that I've spent the last two years rebuilding but I have a lot to learn about M38's. Any observations/input would be welcomed.

Balvar24 · Post by **Balvar24** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:02 am

Nice! I'd get it road-able and drive it like it is.

Rick_L · Post by **Rick_L** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:08 am

Couldn't resist it, could you Ryan? Considering where you live, Joel Gopan might know the history of that Jeep. Joe Hall, who owns Vintage Wiring of Maine in Oakland, has a beautiful M38.

The Master swithc is missing, and the hole has been covered over in the dash. The Carb isn't orignal either.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:22 am

Nice looking 3A.

That looks like a WWII head. What's the casting number just ahead of the thermostat housing?

Front of an M38 head. Note tapped hole for bypass hose.

This is the casting number for a M38 head but it is not a M38 head since the water pump bypass port is not drilled and tapped at the front.

M38 head

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:25 am

Ryan looks pretty good for a New England jeep. Could make a real nice trail jeep. You have about 8 months to get it ready to bring to NH

Ryan_M · Post by **Ryan_M** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:28 am

Nope, couldn't resist. I've been visiting this one regularly and watching it slowly sink into the earth. I stopped by yesterday on a whim (in my 3A), met the owners, and ended up calling a flatbed to take the M38 home with me. I am still partly in shock.

It's not running but obviously I would like to get it to that point. For now, I only plan on doing just enough to make it roadworthy (brakes, steering, etc) and then decide from there how to proceed.

I have met "GI JOE" Gopan. Interesting fella. I know this particular M38 was acquired along with 19 or so other ones as military surplus by the University of Maine in Orono back in the '60's or '70's. It changed hands a few times but still was within a block of UMO when I picked it up yesterday.

And yes, the Solex carb is wrong, it's been converted to 12V and it's likely missing a bunch of other stuff I'm not savvy enough to notice yet. Just signed up for this site today so I'm anxious to learn.

Ryan_M · Post by **Ryan_M** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:33 am

Wes - Thanks for the info. Casting number ahead of thermo housing is "689660FC W-3", I think. Does that help pinpoint what it is?

Bill - LOL yes I was thinking the same thing about NH. Only 8 months...I better get to work.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:50 am

WWII. Look closer, that number is 639660C

http://ww2jeeps.com/htm/heads.htm

What is the serial number on the lower right dash plate?

Is there a patent plate on the front end of the right rear wheel house?

Which service is listed in the "Responsible Agency" plate (lower left in dash group). Ordnance or USMC?

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 10:22 am

Just whatever you do dont make it as nice as the 3a

Rick_L · Post by **Rick_L** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 10:44 am

Kinda ironic, isn't it, that the M38 with a hardtop doesn't have the reinforcing patches applied to the back corners.

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 11:07 am

I noticed that as well. My m38 also had a hard top on it and did not have the reinforcement added.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 11:32 am

Just goes to show ya'll that not all operators and motor pools followed rules, procedures and service data.

Another odd thing is it is late production 4/52 and still no re-inforcements. We don't have an exact date yet but it would be nice to know what the patent plate has on it for a number?

Ryan_M · Post by **Ryan_M** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 11:42 am

The serial number is tough to read. Does 62101 sound right? And yes, the head is marked 639660C, not what I had previously posted.

I'll check on the other stuff tonight when I get home. I'm only looking at pics here at work.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 11:51 am

Could be the number but wait till you get a close view. The patent plate number is etched very lightly into the plate so do not use any abrasives to get paint off. Use DOT 3 brake fluid which will lift the paint and leave the plate unharmed.

Plate locations.

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 1:17 pm

wesk wrote:Just goes to show ya'll that not all operators and motor pools followed rules, procedures and service data.

Another odd thing is it is late production 4/52 and still no re-inforcements. We don't have an exact date yet but it would be nice to know what the patent plate has on it for a number?

Mine being an original USAF jeep might be the reason it does not have the reinforcements. As the USAF motor pool but probably did not get the same orders.