37 YEARS AND 3 FACELIFTS AND 3 SETS GOODYEAR NDCC'S

[Halsey]

Too clean!!

Throw some dirt on it will ya???


Very nice restoration. Looks GREAT!!!


Chris

[Joe Gopan]

Thanks. I learned in the Army that if you are going to use something, you have to keep it clean, and this is what makes owning and operating MV's so much fun. Where else in the world can one be his own Motor Sergeant?

[Joe Gopan]

Had TM9 ORDNANCE 50's #2430 SG OD been available this last repaint, I would have used it as it is spot on to the OEM finish of M-38/M-38A1 as they left the factory in the 50's.

[Richard]

Ben, congratulation for you Jeep, looks so nice.
I am restoring my A1 and your Jeep is an example for me.
Could you post pics from the engine? Will be a great help for me.
Thanks in advance and congratulations again
Richard

[Joe Gopan]

I'll get you some pics in a couple days, the Jeep is in storage.

[Joe Gopan]

I drove to KP in the CO's M-38A1 once.
My M-38A1 is on it's 3rd set of Goodyear 7.00 X 16 NDCC's.

[Joe Gopan]

For you newcomers.
That original GI Issue 24087 look.

[Joe Gopan]

I built this M-38A1 from the frame up with correct NOS parts obtained from DOD surplus, Gov't Surplus dealers, Jeep wholesale warehouses, local Jeep Dealer, contacts in the right places and many friends. I was not aware of 2430 OD back then but always noted the pleasant to look at original factory OD finish on new M-38 and M-38A1 Jeeps. The mystery of that nice color unfolded right here on G-503 8 or 9 years ago during a discussion about M-38 wheels. Joe Friday posted some Willys information about the paint specification for M-38 wheels being 2430 SG OD.
Further discussion led to the fact that Jeep changed to 24087 during M-715 production in 1967. (Thank you Joe Friday)
There were articles about post war Jeep paint evolution in ediitions of Military Vehicles or Army Motors but I failed to connect the dots. I wish that 2430 was available in 1975 when I chose to use 24087 on the M-38A1 I built. In addition to its' first coat of GI Issue 24087 Rust Inhibiting SG OD Enamel, it received freshening up coats of 24087 paint from the same batch of GI Issue 1963 dated Atlas brand 24087 in 1984, 1997, and this past week, all due to the natural oxidation that takes place.

The paint on the dash is the same 24087, but from 20 years prior, it has darkened with age but not oxidized. The Instrument panel plate is from 50's dated NOS boxed Willys parts stock. It is 2430, the contrast with 24087 is evident.

[Ralph]

Joel,it is a beautiful jeep.Thanks for bringing this back on the screen.

[Mark Jesic]

Thats immaculate Ben, probably better than when it came off the production line.

[Joe Gopan]

Thanks. Cosmetics are easy when all NOS sheet metal, brackets and fasteners are OEM Part Number. Same for Driveline and chassis.
The acid test for longevity is scheduled PM per Willys and U.S. Army TM's and help from excellent Army training that gives its factory feel even after 70+ thousand miles and 42 years of operation.

[Joe Gopan]

Hope the snow disappears soon, can't wait for the M-38A1 to feel her oats.
She's due for some serious PM this coming spring, going to service the Steering Knuckle Bearings. A little PM with an ARMY touch will preserve the new Jeep feel, I have driven this M-38A1 nearly 70,000 trouble free miles since first building it.

[Joe Gopan]

This M-38A1 now has 70,000 miles on it since I built it with all NOS GI parts in 1975, no Tru Value bolts either, all are from Jeep by correct part number. It is on its second engine tho as it started burning oil after 60,000 miles. It has never let me down, needed a boost or tow, the credit goes to excellent GI training and GI PM on the type.

[Joe Gopan]

And "THANK YOU" to Joe Friday for the 2430 SG OD heads up. For all you M-38/M-38A1 Newbies (M-37/M-35 also) , 2430 was that pleasant looking OD that the new 50's M-Series Trucks left the factory with.

[Joe Gopan]

Can anyone spot the genuine Canadian M-38/M-38A1 Accessory on this Jeep?
Hint,
The US Army did not use this part.