Converting CJ3A To M38

1945 - 196*, Willys CJ series, modifications, sugestions, and ideas
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Dushy
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Converting CJ3A To M38

Post by Dushy » Mon Aug 13, 2012 3:33 am

Guys,
I have a good condition CJ3A and want o modify it to LOOK LIKE AN M38 but with a Diesel Engine.......The key areas that i am looking to change are as follows
1. Head Light Guards
2. Black Out Marker Lights
3. Shackles on Bumbers
4. Lid on Cowl (How Do I Do This?)
5. Complete Dashboard.....with Handbrake left of Steering, Gauges/Meters Plate, 6 Nos Data Plates & Small Glove Box on the Right hand side.
6. Axe & Shovels on the Co Passenger Side - Brackets, Starps etc
7. Fuel Tank Cap
8. Spare Tire Moves to Tail Gate (How do i strengthen the Tail Gate to handle the Spare Tire & Bracket Weight?)
9. New Set of Reflectors - 4 Nos
10. Tail Lights - BO & Stop both L & R sides
9. Trailer Socket With Cover
10. New 7.00 - 18 Tires
11. Diesel Engine
I may have missed out some KEY changes on the Body & Cabin/Cockpit........please let me know what i need to do.
Will post pics of CJ3A 'as is' soon.....
Cheers
Dushy

Dushyant Singh
MB 1943 S# 209928 DOD 2-8-43
CJ3A 1952


sdn
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Re: Converting CJ3A To M38

Post by sdn » Mon Aug 13, 2012 7:41 pm

The diesel engine conversion should be easy enough- as long as the Peugeot/ Mahindra 2.1l diesel 4 cylinder engine isnt too tall.

I know of several fellas in the UK that have cut the cowl of thier mahindra CJ340's down to MB/GPW height and the diesel engine fits under the lower bonnet- so you "should" be OK.

As you are in India, the complete engine, gearbox and transfercase should be available from a Mahindra CJ360. Bonus is you get the 4 speed Kia KMT90 version of the gearbox and the transfercase has the stronger intermediate shaft.
If you can pick up a complete CJ340, it will give you the complete drivetrain- including DANA 44 axles front and rear.

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Re: Converting CJ3A To M38

Post by sdn » Mon Aug 13, 2012 7:48 pm

On second thoughts- instead of conveting your CJ3A, why not find a Mahindra MM550?
They are (as far as I know) a licence built CJ5- which will be a lot easier to convert into a later model M38a1, bonus being it will already be fitted with the diesel engine you want.

It would be far easier- and more cost effective (read waaaay cheaper) to use a CJ5/ MM550 as your starting point!

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Dushy
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Posts: 130
Joined: Mon Jan 30, 2012 8:45 pm
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Re: Converting CJ3A To M38

Post by Dushy » Wed Aug 15, 2012 8:57 am

Thanks cdn for the suggestion.....will look into it

Dushyant Singh
MB 1943 S# 209928 DOD 2-8-43
CJ3A 1952


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