Build Thread 1952 M38A1 build

[Maverick1701]

I bought my M38A1 about 2 years ago out of a local farmers field. It started life in the Army before being sold to our local volunteer fire dpt (still has faded MFD markings) who used it as a brush rig (along with its twin which is now missing). Sometime in the 80s it was sold to the farmer who used it until the late 90s when he parked it in the field.

I have been working off/on for the past two years. About 2 months ago I decided to really start cranking on it. My goal is to have it on the road ASAP with May 1st being my self-imposed deadline.

Earlier this evening I finished cutting out the old wiring harness and installed my new wiring harness.
All I have remaining is my new tail-lights (they are on the way via snail-mail).

Here is a rough list of what has been done so far (I'm sure I am forgetting a few things)

-2 new batteries (24v system)
-removed home-made "roll-bar"
-restored my data plates
-got motor running & did compression test (I also drove around in the field next to my house)
-patched pin-hole leak in fuel tank
-new water pump
-new belts
-flushed radiator & cooling system multiple times
-replaced drivers/pass seat bottom & back canvas
-wheels/tubes/tires (7.00X16 NDTs on stock repro m38a1 wheels)
-installed top bow & bow storage brackets
-new front bumper
-full new wiring harness
-replaced entire brake system
-front/rear pinion seals
-front/rear diff gaskets & fluid
-replaced all fluids (motor, Transmission , x-fer case) & filters
-new steering wheel (old one was VERY tired)

There are only a few things left on the "must do before vehicle is road-worthy again" list:
-install tail-lights when they arrive
-replace broken leaf spring pack on drivers/rear (I will probably do both rears to avoid having an uneven vehicle)
-maybe do a carb rebuild (it ran well enough last year but I have a rebuild kit on the way just to get it done)
-remove PTO installed by PO (koenig 21) and re-install handbrake

I am slowly making a mental list of things I would like to do eventually...but aren't required for safe operation of the vehicle. So far this list includes:
-military canvas top (I am going to run a cj style bikini top in the mean time...or just go topless)
-electric winch (not sure if I want to spend extra $$ for a 24v winch or install some kind of extra 12v battery on its own 12v system)
-maybe install a 12v fuse-block for some 12v accessories (ham radio for example)

That's about it guys. I'm not planning on doing anything crazy. I prefer a nice, stock jeep as opposed to some modded out rig which barely resembles a jeep...so the plan is to keep it pretty much stock. Let me know if you have any Qs or advice. I'll include some pictures of the build process. Enjoy.

 

[shum8]

-restored my data plates

Man, those cleaned amazingly well!!! Very nice!

.......or just go topless)

I tried that a couple times - but the neighbors complained so much I just put my shirt back on.....

 

[gert]

I tried that a couple times - but the neighbors complained so much I just put my shirt back on.....

lol OMG

 

[gert]

Man thats still a good looking Jeep, I grew up in Memphis TN pretty neat to see Memphis written on a Jeep. I have wanted to drive thru Memphis TX for giggles when we were going camping in Cap Rock Canyon last year.

 

[mstar]

Good for you to keep it mostly original.My second cj was a m38a1 back in the '70s. Lot of features different then civilian jeep.Heavy duty comes to mind. That 24 v will give a kick with a little water added.The thing I see the most on the military F-head is the armored spark plug wires are missing.
Plans for OD paint ? great project. mike

 

[shum8]

Would also be kinda cool to put it back into Fire Dept. clothing.....


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[sponge]

Great project! Can't wait to see you turn it around.