Opinions Wanted
JeffP
Senior Jeeper
- Posts
- 536
- Media
- 28
- Thanks
- 1
- Location
- Peoria, AZ
- Vehicle(s)
- '75 CJ5, 304, T18, D20, D44s w/3.73 1974 CJ5, 304, 4 spd., Dana axles 3.73 gears. 1973 CJ5, 258 I6, T18, Dana 20, Dana axles 4.27 gears. 1972 CJ5, 304, 4 Spd, Dana 20, 4.27 gears. 1976 CJ5, 304, T150. 1976 CJ5, 304, T150, J20 w/4.10 gears. 69 CJ5 Hurricane 4 cyl, 4spd all original! ‘53/‘54 M38a1 100% original but also 100% apart! Low 3 digit Vin! One of the very first m38a1s!
There is no such thing as too many Jeeps, but I’m just about of room unless I start stacking them. Besides... two projects (for friends) need to get finished before I can play with my own stuff again. But... it’s a good deal!
Having all that in mind... I know three sources to round up the following. I already have most of the missing parts to finish it... including a frame.
1954 M38a1 stripped tub but in nice shape... $200
1953-1971 set of fenders, hood and two grills. Excellent shape. $300
1954 M38a1 hood... can’t remember price but worth grabbing.
Late 50’s military 4 cyl (100% complete) Transmission , Transfer Case , both front and rear axles, complete steering, driveshafts, springs etc... $500
So... for $1,000 I’d have an excellent foundation to build a 54 M38a1. Coincidence that the tub is the same year as the titled frame.
The plus side... zero bodywork! Just strip & paint. It’s already apart! I doubt I’m missing anything but stock wheels, tires & new canvas top. After rebuilding it would essentially be 100% new. It would be really cool to have.
The down side... VERY short on real estate. And it would sit until late summer before I could start on it. Looking like 6-8 months after that to make it showroom perfect.
So... do I jump on it or not?
If I do this I brought another rare Jeep back to life. If not I’m afraid the parts will get scattered in every direction possible. I hate to see the opportunity wasted.
Attached PIC is NOT the same project but identical year & style.
Having all that in mind... I know three sources to round up the following. I already have most of the missing parts to finish it... including a frame.
1954 M38a1 stripped tub but in nice shape... $200
1953-1971 set of fenders, hood and two grills. Excellent shape. $300
1954 M38a1 hood... can’t remember price but worth grabbing.
Late 50’s military 4 cyl (100% complete) Transmission , Transfer Case , both front and rear axles, complete steering, driveshafts, springs etc... $500
So... for $1,000 I’d have an excellent foundation to build a 54 M38a1. Coincidence that the tub is the same year as the titled frame.
The plus side... zero bodywork! Just strip & paint. It’s already apart! I doubt I’m missing anything but stock wheels, tires & new canvas top. After rebuilding it would essentially be 100% new. It would be really cool to have.
The down side... VERY short on real estate. And it would sit until late summer before I could start on it. Looking like 6-8 months after that to make it showroom perfect.
So... do I jump on it or not?
If I do this I brought another rare Jeep back to life. If not I’m afraid the parts will get scattered in every direction possible. I hate to see the opportunity wasted.
Attached PIC is NOT the same project but identical year & style.
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