May be looking at another M38a1 - need assistance

[wilfreeman]

Yeah, you'll have to do some soul searching and decide if you want to put out the extra money at the beginning, or pay a you go - either way, it's going to cost. But starting out with a good base is always better.

 

[jeeplvr247]

Well I am going to hang tight and wait for something a little more complete. If any of you guys are interested in it here is the link to the ad: WILLYS JEEP

 

[wilfreeman]

That may be a good decision - if you're looking to do a resto. They are out there, and one will come up before long.

 

[modified]

that coulb be a repro or fiberglass tub. the gas tank is def a civvy. nice fenders though.

 

[rdsar2k]

1952 Hardtop

1952 M38A1 | Classic Military Vehicles

 

[jeeplvr247]

That looks like a pretty good deal for the money, it also looks like a big project

 

[wilfreeman]

Yeah, that is a decent price. From what I can see, the tank, generator, regulator, headlights, spare tire mount, gas can holder, pintle hook and rear seat are missing. The fenders are pretty high priced too. Wrong carb and wheels (all 4). Starter looks like a 12v (has a solenoid), which means it has probably been converted - but it looks like the original wiring harness is there. The floors look rough, but not rusted through - would need blasting. Hard top is not military. All in all, it probably wouldn't take a lot to get it on the road and might be a good starting point.

 

[rdsar2k]

M38a1

I look at it and say roughly 500.00 to sandblast and a paint job. Lots of mechanical work but it has most of the parts. Tubs come off easy. If they look decent they want 3-4000.00. Alot of the time it is just like this with a quicky paint job over bondo and running but rough. It is a decent price to me too with room to get it decent and know what is under the paint.

 

[rdsar2k]

M38a1

Well after wilfreeman's better assessment may be it's not so hot.

 

[wilfreeman]

The outside looks decent, so maybe it won't even need blasting (if it looks good from the inside - the floors definitely need it though. Paint is cheap - do it yourself and save. Might be worth checking out.

 

[wilfreeman]

I definitely don't know everything, but I do know the 'a1 intimately! I've been (and still am) restoring mine for 14 yrs!

 

[jeeplvr247]

I found another one that I am going to go look at. Hopefully it won't take me 14 years to get it restored though.

 

[wilfreeman]

Yeah, get one that won't take a whole lot of work, get it drivable and do a driving resto. That way you can enjoy it for those 14 years - unless the building a family thing gets in the way! I'm back on track to finish her by spring now though - thanks to the beautiful winter weather we're having here.

 

[Danger Ranger]

WHEW!!! Good thing I didn't go and buy that red one. I had thought it looked pretty good from the ad, and its only 30min -ish from my house. I never even noticed the back end, and I had seen some of the other pics before too.

Good luck in your seach. opcorn:

 

[jeeplvr247]

When I do finally find one I plan on doing a driving resto and do anything extensive during the winter when it would not be driving regardless.

 

[wilfreeman]

Sounds like a good plan - wish I would have done the same!

 

[jeeplvr247]

We had a CJ that sat in the garage for 7 years and I can testify that Jeeps are much more fun in the woods than in the garage.

 

[wilfreeman]

****, anywhere except the garage! I used to love taking my Wrangler out on the trails - my wife did too. My daughter (6 yo) loves the 'a1, even though she has only ridden around the garage in it.

 

[jeeplvr247]

You need to get that a1 out in the woods where it belongs. When I finally get mine, I want to get it back into motor pool condition but not so nice that I wouldn't take it on the trails.

 

[wilfreeman]

Yeah, that's what I am working towards too. The original plan (14 yrs ago) was going for showroom condition, but now I am just going for motorpool +. I've had this thing off the road for too long - I just want to use it. And like you said - not so nice that I don't want to scratch it on a trail! Hopefully it won't be too much longer on mine. I'm going to hit it hard while I'm off this week and try to at least get it road worthy.