1955 M38A1

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jnissen
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1955 M38A1

Post by jnissen » Tue Oct 29, 2019 8:06 pm

This was a project we started about 16 months ago. Not claiming it's all original as it's had many modifications in the course of the rebuild that were in line with my sons budget and what he wanted that was unique.

MD Juan Tub kit = Original was rusted badly. We added up the cost of repair panels vs. a repro tub and went with the reproduction unit. After that decision it was a bit easier since he knew it was never going to be 100%. It was his first project and my first in about 25 years.

Modifications: 12V high torque starter and alternator, turn signals added, gama goat rear lights, went with a slightly different black out light but could use the original 24V if he wants to change it some day, new Stewart Warner HD gauges as opposed to the OEM type. The speedo goes to 85MPH Yeah I know but it was not my choice!) and is driven my a GM Hall type pickup in the transfer case. Allows the speedo to work with a variety of gear and tire ratios since it's got a learning sequence to calibrate it. I was doubtful but it has been working flawlessly. The fuel tank was a custom build Bubba tank from some prior owner. It's a bit too tall but we made it work in the tub with slight riser spacers for the drivers seat. Kept the lock out hubs that were on there when he found it but rebuilt and cleaned up with new screws and washers. Trans and transfer case have almost all new NOS internals. Did use a sealed input shaft front bearing on the T90. Electric windshield wiper motors and a custom wiring harness that includes a 10 fuse/5 relay water proof box, modern weatherpack type connectors, fusable link from alternator, 600A master shutoff switch, and a 60A re-settable main circuit breaker. Ran all wiring with heat shrink and crimp connectors with mesh braid. In place of the vacuum valve for the OEM wiper motors is a 3 pin MIL-SPEC connector that looks the part. FInally the glove box button was a later model lockable version that works surprisingly well. Runs like a top and look forward to sharing this with our community here in central Texas.

Several areas where we got things plain wrong but I will not point them out! After not doing a rebuild in many years this was a pleasant experience. Especially since I was not paying all the bills!
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IMG_1067-001.JPG (183.45 KiB) Viewed 2243 times
Jim Nissen
1955 M38A1
Patent Plate MD74784
Engine Plate MD85578
BS Hood Number 20974784


Joe Gopan
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Re: 1955 M38A1

Post by Joe Gopan » Tue Oct 29, 2019 8:24 pm

It's a beauty, and would stand tall in any regular US Army Motorpool. Your attention to detail is obvious.
The Gama Goat tail lights are a good idea.
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

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