What year and model do I have?

[jeeptrix]

I just joined the forum after picking up what I think is a 1953 Willys. At least that is what it says on the title.
After looking on the forum the Jeep looks more like a 1955 CJ5 .
Here are three photos. Can anyone help me determine what I just bought?
The vin number on the title is: 60172
The thing has been doctored up with a Chevy V8-don't know what size, some kind of 3 or 4 stick Transmission and an aftermarket fuel tank where the rear seat used to be.
I plan on restoring it but need help.

 

[Tin Medic]

Welcome to the madness. Any interior pics?

 

[73CJ]

Should be a VIN plate somewhere on the fire wall. That can tell you a lot.

And :ww: from Minnesota

 

[mtnwhlr]

:ww: from Colorado

 

[jeeptrix]

Should be a VIN plate somewhere on the fire wall. That can tell you a lot.

And :ww: from Minnesota

I haven't been able to see any VIN on the firewall. The only VIN I have is on the title.

Is there a source on the web to look up VIN numbers?

 

[jeeptrix]

Welcome to the madness. Any interior pics?

I will try to post some interior pics tomorrow. Just took out the seats today and am working on the old carpet. I did find what I think was the original color in the compartment under the passenger seat, Army green.

This thing is pretty rough.

 

[72rtchallenger]

body tub doesn't appear to be a pre 54 of any jeep it looks 54 or much later but not enough to see for sure

 

[Tin Medic]

I would put it around 1957 with that serial number. Before 1962 jeeps had serial numbers not vin numbers.

 

[jeeptrix]

I have posted a few interior pics. I hope this helps identify the year and model of this Jeep.

From what I have learned the title says 1953, the body style says 1955 or later and the serial number on the title says 1957. I haven't been able to find the stamped serial number as yet.

And just what is this four stick Transmission ?

On the right side is an indentation that appears is for a snorkel. Is this true?

On the left side by the windshield there is a space on the hood that appears is for a mirror yet there isn't one on the left. Any ideas?

Does anyone have photos of a restored vehicle that may help me in my restoration?

 

[Petescj]

Not sure what year but you have a Military M38A-1.

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f102/military-models-13142/

 

[Petescj]

Thats a pretty sweet piece of Americana if you do decide to restore it. It should have a T-90 3 speed Transmission with the Dana 18 Transfer Case . The dana 18 is a twin stick design. The shifter on the right is for high and low range. The one on the left engages or disengages the front axle.

The spot on the cowl is for a drivers side mirror. The Military models did have waterproofing or "fording" capabilities but I cant remember off the top of my head what the circular indentation was for. Id recommend some military Jeep sites... but Id like to see you build it here.

 

[jeeptrix]

Thats a pretty sweet piece of Americana if you do decide to restore it. It should have a T-90 3 speed Transmission with the Dana 18 Transfer Case . The dana 18 is a twin stick design. The shifter on the right is for high and low range. The one on the left engages or disengages the front axle.

The spot on the cowl is for a drivers side mirror. The Military models did have waterproofing or "fording" capabilities but I cant remember off the top of my head what the circular indentation was for. Id recommend some military Jeep sites... but Id like to see you build it here.

Thanks for the info and the link to the photos. It certainly looks like the photos. Now just to narrow down the year.

I understand the Transmission lever and the twin stick Dana 18 but what it the fourth stick that is broken off?

I do intend to completely restore it back to original except for the engine. It has a small block Chevy V8 that runs so I am keeping it. As soon as I strip down the that prior owners put on I will take it to a shop for a frame up restoration.

 

[Petescj]

If your going to restore it and only use it in parades or such you'll be able to get away with the V-8 in front of that T-90 . If you ever want to actually drive it around a bit you have some choices to make.

While the T-90 isnt a terrible Transmission it was designed to back up the whopping horse power of a F head 4 cylinder. Then if you upgrade the Transmission it will move the weakpoint to the front axle.

If you keep the V-8 you have to redo the whole drivetrain. Are you ready?

 

[Tin Medic]

It looks like the front grill is from a later model. I cant see the hinges and the lights should be recessed on the M38-A1.

 

[mstar]

When you get in to this jeep you will find the M38A1 frame is a lot HEAVIER then a nornal CJ5 . Could be a good thing or bad thing.Depends on what you do with it.I owned a 53 M38A1 several years ago (1970) and found a lot of interesting military stuff.It still had 24volt system and was running good.No tailgate and LARGE military style fuel filler cap.Should be a extra bracket on frame under rear floor for machine gun mount.I imagine the guys on the military forum will have all the info you want.Personally it would not be my first choice for a build unless you where doing a full on resto(no chevy v8) back to military spec.Have fun with it what ever you do. mike

 

[jeeptrix]

You guys are making me question my decision to restore this. Anyone know how available the 4 cyl engine is?

I do want to be able to drive it. What is the point of a Jeep if it is just going to sit in the garage?

Wasn't there a Dauntless Buick 225 V6 put into some early Jeeps?

I also want it reliable out on the trail.

I will crawl under it tomorrow to look for that machine gun mount. It would be great to mock up one for display purposes only.

 

[jeeptrix]

It looks like the front grill is from a later model. I cant see the hinges and the lights should be recessed on the M38-A1.

From what I have found the late 1953 grille was bolted not hinged.

 

[Petescj]

From what I have found the late 1953 grille was bolted not hinged.

I still think it should have the lights that can be turned inside the engine compartment though. Did you find out what the mystery stick is for? Some military Jeeps have a system that would pressurize the axles / Transfer Case so water wouldnt get inside when they needed to do water crossings. I dont know how it was activated though. The 4 cylinder will render it useless for todays highway speeds for sure. The little buick may not be a bad choice but thats not my era of knowledge for sure.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Did you find out what the mystery stick is for?

Could it be for a PTO?

 

[Tin Medic]

Could it be for a PTO?

I would agree with that.