Your Preferance, M38 or M38A1..and WHY?

[Jerseyhawg]

A 52 M38 I saw. Its not done. What Do you guys think of it ?

Here to learn

[jnissen]

That’s fairly clean. Looks like it was rebuilt a few years back and time is starting to reclaim it again.

While not perfect if would likely be a very good start for a refresh. If you want fresh paint and near factory look you will have to be patient.

Personally cleaning and repaint is not that difficult but does take time and patience. Sounds like you would prefer a finished product. Keep looking if that’s the case.

[Chuck W.]

why two spare tires?

[Joe Gopan]

Ever notice how fast a well maintained M-38A1 Starts, it will start the instant it begins to turn over. This is due to the "F"-Head Intake design.

[GPW1263]

Well, now we're getting into what 'look' you want...which hasn't been discussed yet.

[Joe Gopan]

I prefer the way they looked upon delivery.

[Jerseyhawg]

I prefer the way they looked upon delivery.

Hey Joe. What did they look like upon delivery? I dont know. Interesting comment you made

Guys, I dont mean to be hoggung all this thread space on me, my wants, what I seek. Apologies. Your all very generous with your time to me.

I want to take a mintute to say how much I ENJOY this site, been reading all over on military things I never knew existed and knew nothing about. Its got my full attention and is fascinating. Some of these machines you guys breath life back into (WOW). And the weapons, radios, motorcycles, trailers. I can go on and on.

Thanks, for the education, and for starting such a great site.

[Joe Gopan]

Been exposed to factory new 40's 50's CJ and M-38/M-38A1 Jeeps starting when they were first issued.

[mdainsd]

M38 all the way. With the exception of the CJ-V35, the rarest of all the Military Jeeps. 2 years only. The best looks, hands down. Only Military Jeep to be awarded for Industrial Design.

Mine is on a completely new chassis, everything rebuilt. Not a rattle, not a squeak running down the road. The body is original GI issue, I love the patina and its only like that once.

A1's look like wannabes, even thought they are not.

Don't need an F-head to have excellent starting. Tuning them properly does that.

[Chuck W.]

M38 is my favorite, here's mine:


My real favorite is the CJ3B, although it's a civilian jeep. Here's my 1964 that I'm just finishing up. Best of both, flat fenders and an F-head engine!

[GPW1263]

Normally, I dislike the high hood of the 3B but Oh BOY!...that's a beauty!

[Jerseyhawg]

Chuck, those 2 are beauties. Now if I can only find one done like your military one. The ones I have been looking at, although seem complete. Need the work done. I just have to wait and keep looking. You guys would not believe how many places I am searching. Good thing I am retired.
Glad you fellas been educating me to a simple extent. SO FAR I am sticking to the flat fender. No dis respect to anyone here with whatever jeeps or military stuff you have. I just like the look. Since my first flat fender, its burned in my mind.

[JMZ421]

My M38 never gets dirty, maybe a little dusty. John

[Jerseyhawg]

My M38 never gets dirty, maybe a little dusty. Johnm38.JPG

Holy smokes. Another SWEET example. I see the gun mount. Do you have a 30 or 50 to mount on that? Just curious. Thank you sir. .....now thats what I am talkin about. Sweet.

[JMZ421]

I have one of the very nice DEMILLED older Sarco 30 caliber with a NOS 30/50 cradle combo ammo box/tray. The mount is correct for the Jeep and I even have the original canvas cover that goes on top of that mount to keep dirt out. Right now I have just an old piece of canvas.
When I first went to see this M38 for sale it had reproduction data plates and patent plate installed. I told the owner, before I look any further, where are the original plates. He handed me an envelope with all the original plates and the matching original patent plate. The owner, a Korean War Veteran, used to take the M38 to shows and didn't want anybody stealing his master plate and patent, so he took them off. Subsequently, I placed them all back on. The M38 was surplus from the Watervilet Arsenal Albany New York in the 80's. John