CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
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CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
My father in-law is giving me his hunting jeep - mid 60's CJ5. Since he was in the Korean War, I would like to restore the jeep to M38A1 configuration (or as close as possible). I am just starting this quest and any help is appreciated.
I want to start with the front clip.
It appears the primary difference is the light bucket, military marker lights, fender lights and front bumper tow rings
Any help directing me to a good parts source would be a great help
I am located in the USA, Georgia
THANKS
db
I want to start with the front clip.
It appears the primary difference is the light bucket, military marker lights, fender lights and front bumper tow rings
Any help directing me to a good parts source would be a great help
I am located in the USA, Georgia
THANKS
db
- dpcd67
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
There are a hundred differences; 24 volt wiring harness, corresponding military light switch, gauge panel, all ignition parts, generator, regulator, all sealed tail lights and black out lights. And much more.
I think you would be way ahead to buy an M38a1; they are around, and sell the CJ.
Now, if you just want an external vis mod; then ok.
I think you would be way ahead to buy an M38a1; they are around, and sell the CJ.
Now, if you just want an external vis mod; then ok.
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
You can make a facsimilie. Post a photo of your CJ-5 so that its present body features are evident.55-61 is the easiset. Does it have vacuum wipers?
Install a M-38A1 Grill and an M-38 Tail gate. Find some bumperettes and a correct pintse, add some 24087 paint. Clode enough for the average viewer that can recognize OD Paint.
This is just a suggestion that can be fine tuned to pass the 50 foot test.
Install a M-38A1 Grill and an M-38 Tail gate. Find some bumperettes and a correct pintse, add some 24087 paint. Clode enough for the average viewer that can recognize OD Paint.
This is just a suggestion that can be fine tuned to pass the 50 foot test.
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
Thanks for reply - Agreed that there are many differences. This will mostly be external changes. It has to be a compromise since this has such a long term history with the family - I 100% agree that starting off with an M38A1 is the way to go but I have to work with what I have. Not only do I have buy in with the jeep restoration but the misses said she will help. I was unable to attach the two photos - I will get with the administrator
db
db
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
thanks for reply - I am trying to dial in attaching a photo- standby.
I think it has vacuum wipers.
I just now dialed in a trailer and we are going to bring it home next weekend so I will have more details.
Thanks for the details and the paint code!
I have a show in Georgia and one in Alabama that I am hoping to start picking up parts from this fall.
Thanks again - photos soon db
I think it has vacuum wipers.
I just now dialed in a trailer and we are going to bring it home next weekend so I will have more details.
Thanks for the details and the paint code!
I have a show in Georgia and one in Alabama that I am hoping to start picking up parts from this fall.
Thanks again - photos soon db
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
Here are the photos of Jim's Jeep to convert to M38A1
db- D Pizzoferrato
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
It was good enough for Gomer Pyle
David Pizzoferrato
Pizzoferrato Ent./Weebee Webbing
Visit our Website! www.odcloth.com for your Canvas needs
Pizzoferrato Ent./Weebee Webbing
Visit our Website! www.odcloth.com for your Canvas needs
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
Well one good thing. your Jeep has the M38A1 style hood. Take that plug out of the side and it will be ready to fit a snorkel.
Skinny rims are a plus too! Are they 15" or 16"? You can get the military non directionals for either size.
Cant tell from the pictures but are the remnants of the cowl battery box on that Jeep?
Im with the others, get a M38A1 grill complete and swap it out. Your body also has the cutouts in the upper side of the tub, get the top mounting brackets that go there, add the other brackets to stow the top bows and presto its starting to look like something!
Bumperettes and a M38A1 tail gate with spare and gas can mount bring up the rear.
The only other thing that is somewhat easy is bolt in an M38A1 dash board. They are kind of crappy as they hang down lower than a CJ and one tends to rake their shins on the bottom edge. But you get the cool gauge panel, the cutout for a Military style light switch and a big glove box on the drivers side.
I bet all this could be done for under a thousand bucks including a couple gallons of OD paint.
Skinny rims are a plus too! Are they 15" or 16"? You can get the military non directionals for either size.
Cant tell from the pictures but are the remnants of the cowl battery box on that Jeep?
Im with the others, get a M38A1 grill complete and swap it out. Your body also has the cutouts in the upper side of the tub, get the top mounting brackets that go there, add the other brackets to stow the top bows and presto its starting to look like something!
Bumperettes and a M38A1 tail gate with spare and gas can mount bring up the rear.
The only other thing that is somewhat easy is bolt in an M38A1 dash board. They are kind of crappy as they hang down lower than a CJ and one tends to rake their shins on the bottom edge. But you get the cool gauge panel, the cutout for a Military style light switch and a big glove box on the drivers side.
I bet all this could be done for under a thousand bucks including a couple gallons of OD paint.
Last edited by mdainsd on Wed Jul 11, 2018 2:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
Oh and, change out the seats.
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
I wouldn't monkey with the seats as there could be gas tank interference. The Idea is to make it OD and add a couple features, M-38 Tail Gate, M-38A1 Grill, etc. There was a TV Show back in the late 60's starring Glen Ford. I believe he was a Sheriff. The show featured a stock CJ-5 Jeep that was factory SG OD. I believe the shade was 24087, not 2430 and was a factory CJ-5 color option available thru the Factory Authorized Dealers.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
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HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
That would be Cade's County,
Who could forget...
Who could forget...
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
And remember, the CJ-2A thru CJ-5 all evolved from the Army MB thru MC , these CJ's are just Jeeps in "civvies".
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
Greetings all,
It took much longer then I thought but yesterday we received possession of my father n laws CJ-5
We spent the day giving it a bath and pulling off the parts that no doubt that need to be replaced
The first issue is what year the jeep is for ordering parts -
The vin number reads "serial number 8305 space 166691"
Next is what is a good source of parts - I will need many
THANKS for all your help,
Dean
It took much longer then I thought but yesterday we received possession of my father n laws CJ-5
We spent the day giving it a bath and pulling off the parts that no doubt that need to be replaced
The first issue is what year the jeep is for ordering parts -
The vin number reads "serial number 8305 space 166691"
Next is what is a good source of parts - I will need many
THANKS for all your help,
Dean
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
The CJ-5 Serial Numbers from 55-71 all start with 57548.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO
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Re: CONVERTING A CJ5 TO M38A1
For your military parts the year doesn't matter, except for the M38A1 grille. There is an early one with provisions for hinges at the bottom, but your Jeep will not have the mating hinge mount, so look for the later grille without the hinges. Actually either will fit, but it will look a little more correct with the later one. Tailgate, get an M38.
I'd post an ad for what you want right in the M38/M38A1 wanted sub forum. And of course keep your eye on the big online auction site. I just checked and there is an ad from August last year, parting out one with about everything you need. That stuff is around and easy to find.
What type of wiper motors did your Jeep turn out having? If they are electric, I would suggest maybe not changing them to the vacuum. The vacuum powered ones are for the "purist" that demand poor performance... By the time you paint the windshield frame and motors not one person in 10,000 would know they aren't "original"
I'd post an ad for what you want right in the M38/M38A1 wanted sub forum. And of course keep your eye on the big online auction site. I just checked and there is an ad from August last year, parting out one with about everything you need. That stuff is around and easy to find.
What type of wiper motors did your Jeep turn out having? If they are electric, I would suggest maybe not changing them to the vacuum. The vacuum powered ones are for the "purist" that demand poor performance... By the time you paint the windshield frame and motors not one person in 10,000 would know they aren't "original"
52 M38 2X, '52 M37, '44 WC51, '42 WC 56/57, '50 CJ-V35(U), '42 GPW, '44 M3A1 Scout Car, 2010 M-Gator
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