M38 Right Fender Modification

1950 - 1952, M38, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38.
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TR BUCK
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M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by TR BUCK » Wed Jan 06, 2021 4:00 am

Just wanted to hear from anyone that can shed light on the M38 right fender modification. Sorry I have no photos. I have had and rebuilt/restored a few M38's. The early M38 only had the mod for the battery box, the later M38's had a modification to the area closest to the jeep body, that gave more room in the engine compartment. Did this have anything to do with the removable panel on the passenger side floor. Also I have seen some with four holes in the passenger side step.
I would appreciate any input,
Thanks,
TRB


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Re: M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by Joe Gopan » Wed Jan 06, 2021 4:27 am

Other than being configured for the battery box, the RH M-38 fender was also configured for the engine heater. Portrayal Press has the installation instructions for sale.
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Re: M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by JMZ421 » Wed Jan 06, 2021 6:27 am

Can you explain more about the "4" holes in the passenger side step? Why would they be there? At first I thought for a gun mount but the OP mentioned this. John

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Re: M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by Joe Gopan » Wed Jan 06, 2021 8:10 am

The M-38 came with or without those holes in the RH Step, Early vs late production. They were part of the Powerplant Heater Kit.
I have the instructions and have installed these kits.
The NOS kits are not safe as the fuel controls tend to malfunction. Last one I installed new in an M-38A1 touched off in a napalmlike ball of flame, it was dated 1953 and was about 15 years old. These kits would keep the battery boxes and block warm by cycling off and on and on while the Jeep was parked, they ran off 24 volts from the batteries while keeping the coolant warm. I have Some NOS Controls, wiring harness, and battery heating plates left over from back then, I used NOS kits to salvage parts from They were made by Perfection Stove. That removeable plate on the passenger toeboard is where the heater sticks up thru. I have the instructions but they are stored under stacks of TM's. Portrayal Press can help with the installation instructions.
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Re: M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by Joe Gopan » Wed Jan 06, 2021 10:22 am

The M-38, beng an interim design, got crowded quick once special kits were bolted on or the driver and two passengers had on GI Winter Overcoats and 5 Buckle Overshoes.
The new design M-38A1 had more legroom, was more comfortable and more friendly to accessories.
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Ken Perkins
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Re: M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by Ken Perkins » Wed Jan 06, 2021 10:32 am

the early fender was modified in TB 9-2855-3 as Joe stated for the Power Plant Heater.
You can find the TB9 in Wes' albums on willysmjeep site
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Re: M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by JMZ421 » Wed Jan 06, 2021 11:14 am

Thank you all for the info. I thought maybe someone in the past had one of those step gun mounts installed on my M38, like the WW2 Jeeps. The four holes are perfectly drilled. That explains those holes!! Thanks again, John

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Re: M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by TR BUCK » Wed Jan 06, 2021 12:39 pm

I knew the information was out there.
I want to thank everyone for the input.
Now does anyone have any photos or links they can post?

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Re: M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by Rod » Sat Jan 09, 2021 11:36 am

The perfectly drilled 4 holes on the fender step are where the fuel pump for the heater kit was mounted.
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Re: M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by JMZ421 » Sat Jan 09, 2021 2:17 pm

Thanks Rod, I wonder if that heater mount had something to do with the M38's heading to colder climates. I know my M38 has the primer pump for cold starts, although it's not hooked up. My M38 was at the Watervilet Arsenal, colder climate Albany, New York. Joel mentioned something about early and late. Thanks again, John

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Re: M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by Joe Gopan » Sat Jan 09, 2021 3:14 pm

Early M-38's had the Hand Primer installed at the factory. It's in your ORD 9. The Primers were a maintenance headache as they leaked gasoline with age, they were really not necessary.
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Tom in RI
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Re: M38 Right Fender Modification

Post by Tom in RI » Tue Jan 12, 2021 8:39 am

The powerplant heater was often installed with the full arctic kit. You may see evidence of a hardtop having been installed along with a personnel heater. The personnel heater mounted on the cowl in front of the driver. Look for 4 holes drilled to hold it in place.
A few million more small holes were drilled in the hood and grill to hold the canvas insulating blankets that covered the engine.


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