Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

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70th Division
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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Tue May 18, 2021 5:37 pm

Hello,

The are as good and perfect as if they were made yesterday.

They have been well preserved and stored all these years.

Like new !!!

Nice and pliable as well.

Best Regards,
Ray


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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Sat Jun 12, 2021 3:18 pm

Hello,

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer so far , and their Jeeps !!!

It is HOT here in Florida already 😁

I have added the JB Weld compound to the gas tank.
I put in on thick and wrapped the factory seam to seal them, as there was 1 leak on a spot of the damaged rolled seam.

It is rock hard, and I am certain will never leak again .

I say this as I put it on fairly thick, in 2 applications that it will give much needed fortification of the tank where rust was taking it toll.
The rust was eliminated, and the metal sealed.
It has been sitting now for a week.

I say this with darn good certainty about this JB weld without hesitation.
I patched 2 small pin holes, as pictured earlier, and about a half inch seam leak from where the tank was dropped and kinked there.
This was blasted to clean white metal. I then spread JB over every single pitted area on the bottom of the tank. There were no leaks there, but I wanted total protection for the future.
The certainty about this product I have is because I had a hole worn through a high pressure stainless steel power steering line on my big tractor. I cleaned the line, and added JB Weld to the pinhole area.
I let it harden for 2 weeks, then put it back on the big Ford tractor.
Perfect repair, rock solid, and no issues after a few months of service.

This original gas tank will be saved 😁😁😁

Here is a pic of the JB repairs.
Resized_20210612_172906.jpeg
You can also see that I backfilled the big ugly corner dents, that were not leaking, with JB to prevent any future issues.
Resized_20210612_192908.jpeg
Resized_20210612_192957.jpeg
Resized_20210612_192947(1).jpeg
Now I will clean it up, add on a little more JB where needed, to smooth things nicely, then prime the tank with several coats, then
several paint coats. Well drying between all coats.

I will also add a full tank of Pine Sol
to finish up cleaning the inside.
The rotten gas and smell were eliminated with it earlier. I want to do a final cleaning, then power washing of the tank for good measure. Then I will reassemble all the attachments to it.
She will be running soon, next I am removing the gas line to inspect, clean, and likely reuse if no rust or crud.

The nice thing is that the repaired areas will not be seen after installation, as it sets down into the gas tank well.

Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Tue Jun 15, 2021 2:15 pm

Hello,

While I am waiting on sanding disks to arrive, I started working on the fuel line system.
I already have the rebuikt fuel pump and rebuilt carburetor.
I also have the new fuel flex line that attaches to the shut off valve.
I took the short section of steel fuel line on the other side of the shut off valve, and inspected it. It was spotless clean inside. I ran a wire in it, and sprayed it out with brake parts cleaner into a white plastic container.
Not a spec of debris or crud at all.
100 percent clean.
So hopefully as I get the next bigger sections removed, they too will be clean as a whistle😁😁

Here are some pictures of the shut off valve cleaned up, and the restored short section of fuel line.
Resized_20210615_163740.jpeg
Resized_20210615_163749.jpeg
There is a nice manufacturer's mark on the valve.
Anderson Brass
Kant Leak
Detroit

This was painted when I removed it, but I am wondering if it originally came installed as unpainted brass.
You can see that the lever is plated that the name is on, so if anyone knows the answer, please let me know.

Here is the little section of fuel line that I have primed and painted. It was painted when removed as well .
The couplings were wire wheeled to like new, and taped off before painting.
Resized_20210615_181330.jpeg
Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:00 pm

Hello,

I am installing my rebuilt carb and fuel pump. These were rebuilt by G member Scout Pilot and look great !!

Here is a picture of the intake that the carb mounts on.
It is amazingly clean !!!
No gunk, no rust, just super clean.
I also assessed the fuel lines, and they are all spotless clean. I sprayed brake cleaner in one end , and used an air hose to blow out the lines , not 1 spec of debris came out the other end.
Quite amazing !!!
Resized_20210615_223945.jpeg
Resized_20210615_223840(1).jpeg

Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Mon Jun 21, 2021 6:28 pm

Hello,

I got some primer and paint on the repaired gas tank. I will add another coat tomorrow.
Resized_20210621_223639.jpeg
It is coming along very nicely !!
I will clean and paint the gas tank well before I reinstall the tank.
It is in pretty good shape, but has a little surface rust, and 1 pinhole that I will weld repair when I get done blasting the well.
Resized_20210621_220949(1).jpeg

Also, I will have to repair the bolt hole area for the driver's seat where it was at one time pulled through.
That should be an easy repair, as well as the tank well.
Resized_20210621_221229.jpeg
Resized_20210621_221208.jpeg
Does anyone know if there is supposed to be a rubber grommet for the fuel line entry hole to the through the floor riser ??
Resized_20210621_221337.jpeg
I also have installed the rebuilt carburetor and cleaned out all the fuel lines, they were spotless.
Resized_20210616_132844.jpeg
I have to get some radiator hose clamps, and a few smaller items for under the hood. The air cleaner hose I was so impressed with, may be a real pretty hose, but it is not for a 1953 M38A1 !!!
One end fits the air cleaner, but the other end needs to be a bigger diameter to slide over the cross over tube. Needless to say it ripped down the side, while I tried to fit it on. Now it is in the garbage can. I will order the correct one.

I will install these very nice Prestolite 24V original type battery cables, they look very nice !!
Resized_20210621_224310.jpeg
Resized_20210621_224314.jpeg
I have replaced most of the fire wall rubber grommets with new ones. I just have the 4 battery cables grommets to add when I change out the cables.
Resized_20210621_224502.jpeg
Resized_20210621_224508.jpeg
I can almost hear her running 😁😁
Best Regards,
Ray
Last edited by 70th Division on Tue Jun 22, 2021 12:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Tue Jun 22, 2021 6:33 am

Hello,
Here are a couple more gas tank pictures.

This tank will be real nice and should hold up very well !!
The tank had 3 pin hole sized leaks in it.
I patched those areas first with JB Weld.
Next after those areas were hardened, I spread the JB all along the entire lower factory seam to prevent and potential future rust issues or leaks. I also spread the compound on every little pitted surface area on the bottom and sides of the tank.
That will seal the areas perfectly and permanently. The entire tank as noted earlier was blasted clean first.
I left the JB like cake frosting. I didn't sand it down, as I think that would defeat the effort in preserving the tank. Better to leave a thicker layer of material !!
Resized_20210622_101809.jpeg
Resized_20210622_101754.jpeg
Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Tue Jun 22, 2021 12:35 pm

Hello,

The windshield on this jeep had been bent and tweaked at some point. I did get a big bend out of it, but it still has a twist in it, and some damage. I have been looking for a potential replacement one since I first got this nice jeep.
However it seems very hard to find
any windshield for sale, anywhere.
I had recently bought new correctly cut glass for the old windshield, and gaskets. Kaiser Willys sells the glass, with free shipping for around $200.
Fortunately I happened to see a beautiful, original windshield on ebay and was lucky enough to get it !!

It wasn't cheap, $500, but I figured it being the only one I have seen for sale, I had better get it asap !!
The jeep needs this straight, clean assembly. Now the WeeBee top will look so good when installed on this windshield. 😁😁😁
I just need to find a way to get it from the Nashville area to Florida.

Here are some pictures, the glass looks good, and so do both military wipers.
Screenshot_20210620-111858_eBay.jpg
Screenshot_20210620-133811_eBay(1).jpg

I like it !!!!!!!!

Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Sat Jul 17, 2021 7:38 pm

Hello,

Getting back to work on the Jeep, I have to repair a rust issue in the battery compartment.
Battery acid rotted a hole through the upper side of the battery compartment.
It also corroded a hole through the actual fire wall as well !

Here are some pics of the area :
Resized_20210717_231751.jpeg
Resized_20210717_231731.jpeg
I cut out the rusted area,
Resized_20210718_000924.jpeg
and will make a patch, then once welded in and ground smooth, will do the same on the fire wall section. I also will add some Metal to Metal metallic filler over the repaired area, sand smooth, prime and paint.
Keep in mind the battery well is a separate component, but the battery acid corroded through both walls .
Once done,
I can install the nos battery cables.

Once I get the welder in position, I will also weld up the capture nut area for the driver's seat rear contact point to the floor.

Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Wed Aug 11, 2021 1:33 pm

Hello,

Here I have prepped the opening for that patch to be welded in to repair the battery acid corrosion.
Resized_20210811_165321.jpeg
The rusted metal that is seen, is the firewall that also is corroded through. That metal will be repaired from under the hood, and a patch will be cut and fitted.
This jeep will be running free again soon 😁😁😁
Here is the patch fitted in place before welding it in nicely .
Resized_20210811_165604.jpeg
Resized_20210811_174345.jpeg
Resized_20210811_174508.jpeg
All welded in nicely now, will next grind the welds back smooth.
This is the only rust/corrosion issue in the battery compartment.
I will vacuum out all the rust gunk and debris from the compartment when done grinding and finishing this patch.
I will use metallic filler over the ground and smoothed down welds. Then will prime and paint the interior. I may even add a coat of flex seal to prevent any future rust through, and paint over that with olive drab.
Now all ground back 😃
Resized_20210811_230523(1).jpeg
Just a little touch up welding of a few pin holes still left in the welded seams, and this patch will be complete and rock solid.

Update: I welded up the few pinholes, and will grind smooth tomorrow.
On another note, my friend is picking up the nice original windshield for me this Friday in Nashville 😄😄

Best Regards,
Ray
Last edited by 70th Division on Thu Aug 12, 2021 8:03 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Thu Aug 12, 2021 3:19 pm

Hello,

There is a small hole in the gas tank well.
I filed it out, getting rid of the rust damage.
Then I clamped a thin narrow piece of aluminum under the hole to secure the patch piece.
Next I took a small piece of steel and ground it to fit the hole.
Resized_20210811_194044.jpeg
Resized_20210812_191322(1).jpeg
I will weld this little piece in, then grind down. It will eliminate the hole and make a solid repair.
Small as it is 😁
Here the patch is welded in securely .
Resized_20210813_130931.jpeg
Once repaired, I will media blast the entire gas tank well and get her primed and painted.
Then it will be ready for the restored gas tank and seat to be installed.

Best Regards,
Ray
Last edited by 70th Division on Fri Aug 13, 2021 5:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Fri Aug 13, 2021 10:56 am

Hello,

The next area of repair is the floor mounted capture nut for the driver's seat.
It was torn out of its position , leading to some cracked metal like a spider web.
The missing piece with the nut is still attached to the seat frame.
I have been oiling it up to try to remove it. I have discovered that many M38A1 bolts are easy to snap off in short order !!
Rusted tight into there capture nuts.
Here are some pics of the hole, and the welded up cracks.
Resized_20210811_193943(1)(2).jpeg
Resized_20210813_130935.jpeg
Here we see the missing capture nut and section of floor metal still attached to the seat frame
Resized_20210812_192302.jpeg
Once I get it removed, and hopefully without snapping it off, I will weld it into position.
This little repair will be great, so once the gas tank is installed, the seat can be properly bolted in nice and secure !!!

I did get the correct bolts from a vendor to attach the seat !

Keep moving forward, little by little 😁😁😁

Update : I managed to get the nut and piece of metal recovered, as the bolt came out after 2 days of oiling it, and tapping all around the edges of the nut.
But it was tight , and had twisted a little last night, but not enough to snap off !!
A little straightening of the metal edges of the hole, and this piece of metal with attached capture nut will fit right back into position.
Resized_20210813_183941(1).jpeg
Update 2 :
I got the piece and capture nut fit into its hole !
It is not an EC bolt, but an E bolt 😁
I am very pleased to have had this piece still attached to the seat !!
I will get this welded in tonight.
Resized_20210813_194615.jpeg
This is an enjoyable repair !
Nice and easy 😄

Plus : The very good shape original windshield was just picked up in Tennessee , and is on its way to the Great State of Florida !!!

Update 3 :
I got the capture nut and the piece of floor metal welded in securely tonight . A rock solid repair of a small, but very important part !!
I will clean up the welds tomorrow 😃

Here are some pics:
Resized_20210814_021524.jpeg
Resized_20210814_021628.jpeg
Update 4 :

It came out pretty nice !
All repaired and ready for the seat to bolt in very soon 😃😃
Resized_20210814_200509.jpeg
I will clean it up and add some metallic based filler, Metal to Metal to eliminate the grinder marks.
It works great, highly recommended, the only filler to ever use on military vehicles. It never absorbs water !!

Best Regards,
Ray
Last edited by 70th Division on Sat Aug 14, 2021 4:15 pm, edited 15 times in total.

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by IvorGPW » Fri Aug 13, 2021 2:14 pm

Thanks for sharing, I always like how upbeat and positive you are when describing all the repairs you do. I’m sure glad to see this jeep found a good home.
Tate Christensen
1944 Ford GPW #234613 USMC Radio jeep
1943 Willys MB #263100
1945 Willys CJ2A #10226
1941 Ford GP #9687
1941 Willys MB #100161

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Fri Aug 13, 2021 2:35 pm

Hello Tate !!

Thanks so much for the nice comments !!

I appreciate it !!!

I am also happy someone is actually looking at this post 😀

The G seems pretty quiet this summer !

She has a nice place in my insulated jeep barn 😁

This model Jeep is awesome !!
Is it the best ?
It certainly could be 😁 !
With so many made, I am surprised how few are actually seen out and about, or even at MV rallies.
What an outstanding Military Jeep !

People just starting out with their first military vehicle, should definitely find an M38A1 and they will be happier than they could imagine.
They are probably the most affordable jeep to buy, and parts are plentiful !!
They look great, and are super comfy too 😁😁😁

I hope that those who follow the post will get some positive motivation to start, or re- start their projects !!!

I know all about that, and half finished projects, that tend to get set aside for years and years !!!
I have a few, that I vow to finally complete , and soon 😃😃😃

Just do a little each day, and things will get done, on the great restoration trail.

I am restoring my GPW right now on another post, and also working on this jeep.

I do love working on the jeeps, and this jeep is a special jeep, as it is in really great shape, and I can't believe I was lucky enough to get it from Salt Lake City !

I really, really, like this jeep, and all our jeeping heritage !!

I want to someday drive this one on the TAT, all the way to the Oregon Coast, starting from Northern Georgia, as the trail can be picked up there.
Well, at least that is a fun trip to think about !
Off road almost all the way.
I had never heard of the Trans America Trail, but it appears a Jeep could do it !

This is a great survivor jeep as well, with plenty of patina.

I am guessing that I might want to repaint it someday as well, just to get it restored, but for now will keep it the way it is.

Best Regards,
Ray
Last edited by 70th Division on Sat Aug 14, 2021 3:02 pm, edited 9 times in total.

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Fri Aug 13, 2021 4:18 pm

Hello,

Tonight , before I do the weld repair on the driver's seat capture nut, I will work on installing the rebuilt , original fuel-vacuum pump assembly.
This will be another little item completed on the restoration checklist.
A nice short list 😁😁😁
Resized_20210813_202249(1).jpeg
Resized_20210813_202339(1).jpeg
These special bolts were originally bare plated metal, but the plating had failed and became surface rusty.
So I wired wheeled the bolts clean, primed and painted them, in order to preserve them properly.
The pump is not the easiest thing to install !
Plus it has many connections to fuel lines, and a vacuum line.
Here are some pics 😃
Resized_20210814_014608.jpeg
Resized_20210814_015119.jpeg
Resized_20210814_015103.jpeg
Here you can see the new upper radiator hose installed, the new radiator cap, and the fresh carburetor installed earlier.
Resized_20210814_015411.jpeg
I have to flush the radiator before I replace the lower hose.
I plan to get that done tomorrow to button up the new lower hose.

I also have to swap out the lower oil line hose.

Best Regards,
Ray

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Re: Original 1953 M38A-1 So Very Nice !

Post by 70th Division » Mon Aug 16, 2021 2:35 pm

Hello,


I test fit the driver's seat and bolted it down to the repaired capture nut.

It was a perfect repair, and the bolt tightened up nice !!
Resized_20210816_182811.jpeg
Resized_20210816_182752.jpeg
I am happy with this tiny little repair, especially since the seat now can be secured to the Jeep !!
This week I will get the metal filler smoothed on around the nut repair, and also inside on the battery compartment repair.

She is getting closer every day to running free again 😃😃😃😃


Plus my new windshield has arrived, it is in great original shape, even the gaskets look good !!
Resized_20210815_174201.jpeg
I will get this cleaned up, and installed on Flash 😄😄😄
I will get an order together for seat covers from WeeBee that I can attach over the original seat springs and horse hair type padding.
The padding I have is for the upper seat backs, but will be trimmed down to fit.
I need to locate an upper seat spring if anyone has one they would be interested in selling ?

I have one upper seat spring that was attached to my 1942 GPW seat, that I can restore and use.


Best Regards,
Ray


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