What have you done to your JEEP today

[DeetFreek]

Hadn't really planned on doing all this over the weekend, but hey, I'm not going to argue with myself over it! Originally I was only going to do the bumperettes, taillights, pintle hitch and lift shackles. Then decided I may as well at least prime the mounting areas of the spare carrier, gas can carrier and bumperettes. Well, that then turned into, if I shoot the color over those primed spots, then all I'll need to do is fill the clean areas when I shoot the rest of the tub. Next thing I know, I've shot the entire rear end!

I suppose it'll do for now lol, at least it's progress. I'm going to try and get the unit designations on in a few days after the OD has cured out. There's a couple events this coming weekend that I'd like to have them done for.

 

[Riverhawk]

I'm consolidating a couple days worth into one post lol!

Today, after waiting for almost two weeks for a muscle in my back to stop throwing a hissy, I finally got out and did some work. Cleaned up my rear crossmember, bumperettes and lift brackets. View attachment 835685

Now I can start disassembling everything and start prepping for paint!

I also stripped all the CARC paint off my shovel today. I really like the natural look and don't want to paint it now!
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A couple of weeks ago, I decided it was time to make my slave/jumper cable setup. I'd bought the end a few years ago with the intent of doing this, use a set of jumper cables, cut the clamps off one end and attach the male end of a two pin slave cable onto them. Yes, they work, my port is hooked to my battery and it is live. The only odd thing that came out of this project is the positive and negative poles on the plug are opposite of the port, which I didn't catch until I'd already finished, talk about annoying.
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Nice job. I've located a 24 volt battery charger and want to access my slave receptacle myself. Where did you find the male plug, and what are you using for a 24 volt power source?

 

[DeetFreek]

Nice job. I've located a 24 volt battery charger and want to access my slave receptacle myself. Where did you find the male plug, and what are you using for a 24 volt power source?

The plug I happened to find on ebay, been a few years so I haven't the slightest idea who the seller was.

And my setup is 12V, it had been converted before I bought it. So, a normal 12V charger is all I need.

 

[DeetFreek]

What have I done? Well, my Jeep was feeling lonely and wanted a friend. So, I did what any loving owner would do, got it a playmate!

I'll write up a new post about it in the next few days.

 

[Riverhawk]

The plug I happened to find on ebay, been a few years so I haven't the slightest idea who the seller was.

And my setup is 12V, it had been converted before I bought it. So, a normal 12V charger is all I need.

Thanks for the response. I suspected just that answer. I hope I can find the connector myself. Best with your projects!

 

[Mullaney]

What have I done? Well, my Jeep was feeling lonely and wanted a friend. So, I did what any loving owner would do, got it a playmate! View attachment 842809

I'll write up a new post about it in the next few days.

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I particularly like your comment "what any loving owner would do" about adding a new vehicle to the collection...
Thinking that maybe I need duplicates of mine as well.

Nice looking trucks DeetFreek !

 

[Maverick1701]

The replacement F134 is in the jeep.
About two weeks ago I sent off my MV fuel pump to John at Midwest Military. He did an outstanding job at cleaning it up and rebuilding it.
It arrived back earlier this week and I dropped it off at the mechanic. Also my radiator was finished getting cleaned out so that is done.

So this week hopefully there are no more issues and the jeep will be running....fingers crossed.

 

[DeetFreek]

About two weeks ago I sent off my MV fuel pump to John at Midwest Military. He did an outstanding job at cleaning it up and rebuilding it.

I may need to do that at some point with my latest buy. The original dual pump is still on the block but an electric one had been installed by a previous owner. Or, I just get the rebuild kit and do it myself when I have the time...

 

[Another Ahab]

So this week hopefully there are no more issues and the jeep will be running....fingers crossed.

I know you are excited, because I MYSELF am excited.

Can't wait for the "baby pic"!!

 

[DeetFreek]

Didn't do much today, but I did decide to see if I could get some of the haze off the gauge lenses. Not great, but at least I can read them again. And this is doing it with them still in the dash, I'll be able to do more when they're out. It was a quick hit with 1000 grit paper and then a two step buff/polish.

I also was dreaming of getting new wire and terminals to redo the entire vehicle. Pretty sure I can do it for under half of what a new harness runs, so that's a win, right?

 

[Mullaney]

Didn't do much today, but I did decide to see if I could get some of the haze off the gauge lenses. Not great, but at least I can read them again. And this is doing it with them still in the dash, I'll be able to do more when they're out. It was a quick hit with 1000 grit paper and then a two step buff/polish.

I also was dreaming of getting new wire and terminals to redo the entire vehicle. Pretty sure I can do it for under half of what a new harness runs, so that's a win, right? View attachment 843406View attachment 843407View attachment 843408View attachment 843409

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You might even try tooth paste on those gauges... Not the "jell" kind but real white colgate or something like it. It is a very fine grit and works well on those idiotic plastic headlights with the fancy "in from the back bulbs".

Rewiring from scratch would get you new wire that isn't already 20 years old or more. You might even use colored wire so yellow, brown, and green are turn signal and brake light colors... Or go big and get a 500 foot spool of any one color and go to town. A good crimping tool and good terminals are as important as anything. Even maybe the waterproof kind with the gel that seals the connection. Of, if you can solder really well that could be another option to affix the ring terminals to the wire.

Done right, it could last as long as you. You need a spool of wire loom to run the wires through too. A "bought harness" could take you a day or two to install. A home built - just guessing maybe a week and a lot more money in wire and connectors.

Food for thought?

 

[Another Ahab]

You might even try tooth paste on those gauges... Not the "jell" kind but real white colgate or something like it. It is a very fine grit and works well on those idiotic plastic headlights with the fancy "in from the back bulbs".

That's handy to know, might give it a try on my own headlight covers. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Mullaney]

That's handy to know, might give it a try on my own headlight covers. Thanks for the tip!

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It takes quite a bit of rubbing, but you can see a definite difference.

 

[DeetFreek]

Thats a lot lol! I appreciate the info, which I'm aware of all of it. Now, for some background, I'm a goldsmith, so soldering is my way of life lol. I usually have access to multiple types of compounds for polishing but am currently quarantined, so I can't get to any of it. I used what I had on hand to see if it would even do anything. Good enough for the girls I went out with.

As for the wiring, I have plenty of wiring from past projects to do it all color coordinated if I chose. Since this one is still 24V and something I could take back to a close full style resto, I figured near correct wire and connectors would be better. So yes, a spool of wire would definitely do the trick, and a few packs of connectors. I don't have enough to do the full job anymore. Those make things so easy, plug and play!

My first A1 had been switched to 12V and I swapped in a harness from an 80's CJ because one or more of the PO's had hacked the original one up so bad, I wasn't going to try and piece it back together. I kept original connectors when possible and used weatherpak connectors when I couldn't save them.

 

[DeetFreek]

I've had it a couple of weeks now, but after a three month wait, my top arrived! Finally get to stop the big burny ball from scorchin my noggin!
And since I got my bows from a gent that makes them, the top rod holes weren't drilled. And then the rods wanted to keep popping out once I got the holes located. So, had to modify the top rods a little so they caught the bow better. It's amazing how taut it is once all the straps are snugged up and the rods are in place. I'm not tall by any means and that thing was smacking my head before all that lol.

Pizzo makes some top notch stuff, even if it takes awhile, it's worth it.

 

[SCM35A2]

I've had it a couple of weeks now, but after a three month wait, my top arrived! Finally get to stop the big burny ball from scorchin my noggin! View attachment 846246View attachment 846247View attachment 846248
And since I got my bows from a gent that makes them, the top rod holes weren't drilled. And then the rods wanted to keep popping out once I got the holes located. So, had to modify the top rods a little so they caught the bow better. It's amazing how taut it is once all the straps are snugged up and the rods are in place. I'm not tall by any means and that thing was smacking my head before all that lol.

Fizzo makes some top notch stuff, even if it takes awhile, it's worth it.

Very nice!

 

[Mullaney]

I've had it a couple of weeks now, but after a three month wait, my top arrived! Finally get to stop the big burny ball from scorchin my noggin! View attachment 846246View attachment 846247View attachment 846248
And since I got my bows from a gent that makes them, the top rod holes weren't drilled. And then the rods wanted to keep popping out once I got the holes located. So, had to modify the top rods a little so they caught the bow better. It's amazing how taut it is once all the straps are snugged up and the rods are in place. I'm not tall by any means and that thing was smacking my head before all that lol.

Fizzo makes some top notch stuff, even if it takes awhile, it's worth it.

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Looking Good DeetFreek !
Sharp looking top for sure.

 

[Tracer]

Today I did an oil and filter change. Usually I use 30wt as recommended, but a friend suggested with winter weather just around the corner, give 20-50wt a try. So we'll see how it works.

 

[Maverick1701]

Well here's the latest update on my M38A1 saga. After being at the mechanics since July 2020 (one month short of 1.5 years) I got tired of him not doing anything and brought it home. Not much was done in the first year. In the last six months he installed the new motor and incorrectly plumbed the fuel system...that's about it. The guys working on it didn't seem too knowledgeable on old jeeps. They kept telling me how my jeep originally came with the 134 Go Devil and the last owner must have swapped in the F head hurricane (all M38A1s came with the F134 Hurricane). I wasn't too impressed with that jeep shop.

I kept the old motor so I can tear it down and see why it failed. I'd like to try and make it run again...hopefully it'll be a good learning experience.

I'm finally done with school so I'll have time to mess with it and hopefully get it running.

 

[Mullaney]

Well here's the latest update on my M38A1 saga. After being at the mechanics since July 2020 (one month short of 1.5 years) I got tired of him not doing anything and brought it home. Not much was done in the first year. In the last six months he installed the new motor and incorrectly plumbed the fuel system...that's about it. The guys working on it don't seem too knowledgeable on old jeeps. They kept telling me how my jeep originally came with the 134 flathead and the last owner must have swapped in the F head hurricane. I wasn't too impressed with that jeep shop.

I kept the old motor so I can tear it down and see why it failed. I'd like to try and make it run again...hopefully it'll be a good learning experience.

I'm finally done with school so I'll have time to mess with it and hopefully get it running.

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Not a lot seems possible without somebody about 50 years old - and some simple logic. Seems that those who think they are mechanics have to be able to have some sort plug in port. Young'uns today have NO diagnostic ability if the computer can't show them the problem. Long before that was possible, there were Chiltons manuals for every car imaginable - and the Military has TM's for the same purpose. Pure plain logic. Flow charts and step by step fixing for a lot of things.

At least the motor was swapped out for you and hopefully it didn't cost you a lot.

You mentioned being finished with school, so if you have a little time to work on your jeep - that little guy in the driver's seat will have a fine adventure with dad in a few years. Best to you and your repairs...