My new M38

[sigo]

So, I embarked on an M38 adventure this weekend. I had no intention of adding to the livery so soon to my next PCS, but after talking to the former owner of this sweet little Jeep I couldn't resist. A little history; I have always loved Jeeps, from as early as I can remember flat fender Willys Jeeps have been my mental picture of what an off-road do-anything vehicle should be. I bought my first TJ Rubicon in '06 but sold it in '10 in favor of a Dodge 2500 (power wagon) and I've missed the TJ ever since. My wife has had two JK's in that period of time and I've been envious. I decided about 2 years ago that I would have to be a Jeep owner again. Of course my Deuce is a Kaiser-Jeep, but it's not quite the same. Something about the little four wheeler's appeals to me... So here comes this '52 M38 in Ohio. I struck a deal with the owner and made a plan to go and get it.
She was manufactured in March of 1952, owned by a fire dept after Uncle let her go, then two civilian owners before she came to me. I never wanted a garage queen. I'd feel bad about doing any mods to something that was completely restored or historically accurate, however I also don't want to butcher such a historic piece. That's what drew me to this gem. She's nearly rust free. She's been modified, but the previous owner had an eye for history and added some modern touches, but didn't chop her up. A locker in the rear, PTO driven hydraulic winch, better oil filter, 19 spline axles, modified axle seals, steering box bushing, seatbelts, modern top, etc. a few extra holes that's about it. The fire department did more butchering than he did and didn't accomplish nearly as much. I also got a bunch of the original parts as part of the deal so doing a historically accurate restoration wouldn't be out of the question.
I set out on Friday morning from Augusta, and after an almost 1400 mile round trip by Saturday night I had my new Jeep at the homestead.

 

[dogtags]

Just had to be the first.

::

~Robert

 

[SCSG-G4]

Congratulations! Now remember this about the site >

 

[dogtags]

Nice M38, but I think that top does look too modern.

~Robert

 

[sigo]

It came with all the original brackets for a GI canvas top so if I wanted change it I could.

 

[clinto]

That's awesome, congratulations. I love early Jeeps so much. I want another M38A1 so bad.

 

[sigo]

I don't want to restore this to be a show piece so I won't feel bad about driving it. However, I don't want to get silly with it. It's mechanically very sound, just needs a new wheel cylinder. Hopefully I can get it done this week and start driving it to work. Beyond that, it does need paint. I'm not sure if I want to go OD or something different. Anyone have any photos of an original M38 in tan, khaki, etc? The only tan M38s I have found on the google are restorations.

 

[jeeplvr247]

Congrats on the new Jeep. If you are just cruising around town I would stick with an original top but if you plan to drive in inclement weather those doors would sure be nice.

 

[clinto]

I like Zout's A1's in CARC but if I had an M38, especially one like that, I'd have the right OD on it.

 

[sigo]

As I was staring at it in the rearview for 11 hours I had a hard time imagining it in anything other than OD. I like the way tan looks on MV's but except for one restoration I've never seen an M38 in tan. I don't know if I could do it...