New M38 Owner!!!

1950 - 1952, M38, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38.
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Buster1
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New M38 Owner!!!

Post by Buster1 » Wed Jul 14, 2021 1:20 pm

Hi guys,

Well I have been searching and researching old MVs for quite awhile. My son and I decided we really wanted to find a M38 and have been looking for many months. I’ve made lots of inquiries around the US and talked to many sellers, but nothing panned out. Then I happened to find Mark (ojgrsoi) here on G503 and he was debating selling his M38 barn find he’s been carefully working on... the best part... he’s just 25 minutes away from us.

Well today we struck the deal. Mark was super helpful and even threw in the manuals, and lots of old parts, and went over the Jeep in great detail ensuring this noob had some clue about ownership and maintenance. He has done a ton of work to this rust free M38 since pulling it from a barn last year here in TX. He’s overhauled the braked, steering, lots of electrical, and a ton of cleanup and modifications in the engine. The old gal really runs like a top. I am grateful for his work and assistance in getting me started with a stellar M38 example. Thanks Mark!

I’m happy to be here and I’m sure I’ll have lots of noobie dumb questions in times to come. I look forward to the journey and can’t wait to be the caretaker for this old lady. I aim to get her into A+ shape mechanically, and then maybe someday paint in original OD livery.

Thanks all, see ya around!

Nate / Buster
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dpcd67
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by dpcd67 » Wed Jul 14, 2021 3:18 pm

Congrats;
Looks good. Except for the alternator. And tires.
Get the green book M38 Reference Guide, and memorize it; that will save lots of questions. Get a full set of TMs and read them every day; (I do); that will teach you how to perform PMCS on your M38.
Get some 23070 and make it green again.
M38s are the best jeep ever made. One of them anyway.
No real MV owner protects his garage floor from oil spots; those are a badge of honor.
I tell my wife that.
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captaincarrier
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by captaincarrier » Wed Jul 14, 2021 5:24 pm

Welcome Aboard!

captaincarrier
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by captaincarrier » Wed Jul 14, 2021 5:25 pm

Welcome Aboard!

JMZ421
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by JMZ421 » Thu Jul 15, 2021 2:54 am

Good luck with the restoration. The M38 will be a great project and much fun with your family. If you need pictures of different things let me know.
As mentioned that green book is the best. I see you have an earlier M38 with those data tags screwed into the dash, pretty nice. John

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Buster1
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by Buster1 » Thu Jul 15, 2021 6:56 am

Thanks guys! Green book already ordered and I got 3 different maintenance manuals from the seller. But I will probably still have lots of questions for the pros here!

Looking forward to it!
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Scott in NM
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by Scott in NM » Tue Jul 20, 2021 8:05 am

I believe I have a full set of TM's for the M38 in electronic format. As one AF guy to another, PM me and just let me know what you might need, I've never left a crewmember behind. I'll send a phone number if you also PM me. Been an M38 owner since high school (graduated 1973).

Scott

mdainsd
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by mdainsd » Mon Jan 31, 2022 4:42 am

Looks like a nice solid specimen. Thats is the best way to start out with one.

What are your plans for her?
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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Buster1
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by Buster1 » Fri Feb 04, 2022 4:31 am

Thanks! Really my plans and actions over the past 6 mo is to get her mechanically perfect, or at least as close to perfect as I can.

The e-brake was non-existent: installed all new
Every pinion/yoke and seal leaked: replaced
New u-joints on both driveshafts
New speedo cable; speedo restored
Re-did tons of electrical; fixed Alternator wiring
Installed new crank pulley and seals
New seat frames and seats
Pounded out lots of dents
Correctly set and gapped brake shoes
Fixed wobbly brake arm pedal, bushing fix

And the list goes on.
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mdainsd
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by mdainsd » Fri Feb 04, 2022 7:33 am

That is the way to approach it! Fix the things that require it first and dont require taking the Jeep offline for extended periods. Those sometimes to turn in to infinity.

Are wheels and tires on your agenda?
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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Buster1
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by Buster1 » Sat Feb 05, 2022 4:17 am

Maybe? I honestly don’t know. I love the modern look, but the original NDTs are awesome too. What would you recommend?
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dpcd67
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by dpcd67 » Sun Feb 06, 2022 6:39 am

Absolutely Hideous!!! Put NDCCs on it ASAP. Not NDTs. M38s didn't use them.
That is my recommendation. A very strong one. As in, I would pass a law if I could.
I just don't want anyone misunderstanding my feelings.
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Ron D
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by Ron D » Sun Feb 06, 2022 9:41 am

Buster1 wrote:
Sat Feb 05, 2022 4:17 am
Maybe? I honestly don’t know. I love the modern look, but the original NDTs are awesome too. What would you recommend?
Hi Buster,
Since you asked, loving the "modern look" on a 70-year old? Really? It looks goofy to me. Just as it would on any old lady.

M38's left the factory with 7.00x16 NDCC tires. The Army also used NDT's on them while in service (yes, have photo to prove it).

It's your jeep, so do what makes you happy, not us. Just be prepared when asking for beauty opinions. :lol:
Ron D
1951 M38
1951 M100

JMZ421
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by JMZ421 » Sun Feb 06, 2022 10:01 am

I vote for original tires also. John

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Buster1
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Re: New M38 Owner!!!

Post by Buster1 » Sun Feb 06, 2022 3:47 pm

You guys are awesome!

Okay, okay. I think I’m hearing y’all like NDCCs? :D
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