Comments for The Big Reveal...

The Big Reveal...

2009-06-15T12:13:53Z

Well, you guys danced around it a lot, and there were some rabbit holes that got thoroughly explored. SFC D and Colin were the first ones to be firmly in the right track. The quibble being Colin's call of an M38, vice an M38A1, when one of the signature differences between the two are those two radiator support arms arching across the engine - a clear call for the M38A1.

Mind you, a week ago I didn't know as much as you guys know. And today, I probably don't know near as much as some of you do, once it's made clear.

But nobody got the significant bit of data. Well, except SWWBO, which is why she was giggling in the comments.

The most significant bit of data is... the Castle Motor Pool now contains a jeep. This one.

Nice lines on the old girl. She's still got a nice tush, too. She's got her full military dash, but she's missing her data plates. And that red plastic will have to go at some point - probably after I score some data plates. About the only automotive work she needs is a new muffler. The engine has 500 miles on it since it was professionally rebuilt, she's been garaged, and her metal is all original and no significant rust on the sheet metal.

The tires are almost brand-new too, having been put on new when she got her engine rebuilt.

And if we take a look up her skirt - we see that she's in pretty good shape (though all of us over 50 have some leaky seals...) and while we can't verify she's not a parts jeep - we do know she's all military. For those of you who really know your M38's, you'll see what I was looking for and have an idea of what's in store for her.

She'll have some tweaks done to her - and her first command performance should be in a parade in September, where she'll be hauling two Medal of Honor holders, if the plans hold.

Argent, who knew the answer because SWWBO tweeted the acquisition on Friday, say's I'm spoiled.

Yeah? So what?

There was a time 10 years or so ago that SWWBO I were out looking for jeeps and couldn't find any that were affordable that weren't in just crap condition - and I'm not the mechanic to do a frame-off restore and rebuild. I can do my -10 maintenance, but I leave the rest for the battalion mechanics.

The plan is to get some bows and canvas for her. I probably won't put in a radio set unless it happens to fall into my lap for a song. We'll get her new markings, and add some of the missing ones.

And we'll drive her to work now and again, and in parades - because it's fun to be "that guy." The one I used to point at with some envy as *he* drove by in the parade in *his* jeep.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-06-17

2009-06-17T12:20:46Z

It was the M151 that tried to kill me, twice.

Comment from membrain on 2009-06-17

2009-06-17T12:01:48Z

What a catch! I was always partilal to the M38 though, until one tried to kill me.....

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-06-17

2009-06-17T11:26:44Z

Master Allison - I don't want people to throw rocks at it.

Comment from jsallison on 2009-06-16

2009-06-17T02:39:27Z

Methinks you oughta fix it up as a Graf Range Control vehicle. If yer gonna be an jeep-drivin $%^^, go for the gold. ;)

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T21:26:01Z

That's an interesting observation SFC D - according to the other data, it's a 1952 production vehicle. Perhaps an MWO during a 3rd shop rebuild?

Comment from SFC D on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T21:03:29Z

About those radiator supports...
The first generation M38A1 didn't have 'em. They were added to the M38A1 after OCT/NOV 1953. Welcome to the old Jeep addicts club, they get in your blood!

Comment from Argent on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T20:31:09Z

Oh yeah but that's worth the spoiling. Yep a bush mechanic can get anything going with whatever is on hand (I've seen knife and even freaking nail polish) but for your beauty I'd go for a real grease monkey to keep it all official.

Comment from og on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T20:14:32Z

i have seen a flatfender utterly disassembled with a screwdriver and a crescent and a pair of pump pliers. pre 1950, there werent even any phillips screws. a book of matches has other use too- no unitaskers. best tool is big jack. you'll need it.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T20:06:35Z

Good field expedients. I was figuring on having a gap gage and gapper in the tool roll.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T20:05:15Z

I don't have the jeep in my actual possession yet, (yes, I've laid eyes and hands on it, I didn't buy it sight unseen) so I don't have the manuals - but the only thing I've seen is that the pioneer tools were, um, located flexibly. The most common thing I've seen in pictures of in-service vehicles is the ax mounted on top of the right rear fender well.

Comment from og on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T19:59:00Z

point ignition. points get out of adjustment. matchbook cover good compromise thickness for setting points. match striker good abrasive for cleaning points.

Comment from Fishmugger on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T19:58:25Z

Wasn't there a shovel and an ax mounted on the sides or is this the upscale cabriolet model MK VIII.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T19:38:46Z

Oh, *do* explain your last.

And I do like the old jeeps. A good buddy of mine has one of the early, pre-war one with the square grills built here in KC. He'll lead in the parades, I'll be right behind him.

I disliked the M151, but I will admit they could get just about anywhere, with that suspension.

And this baby is the first vehicle in a long time where I can pretty much recognize every part and what it does...

Which means I will be willing to do some of the wrenching on my own, or under the supervision of the local milveh collectors.

Comment from og on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T19:23:53Z

guess you just have to be a wrench to enjoy the nostalgia of the old flathead. make sure you keep a book of matches in it.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T19:04:38Z

CAPT H, correct. This chassis does not have the windshield nor body reinforcement/modifications for the 106mm. Nor is it the D-model version that carried the Davy Crockett, either. Though, somehow, one of those has been found and restored. I'm more interested in the provenance of that launcher than I am the jeep!

Oh, and Og - for all the nostalgia about the flat-fendered jeeps of WWII (and the M38) - the troops liked the M38A1 the best. More power than the predecessors, ultra-reliable, and easy to work on. It's replacement, that monster the M151 Mutt, was an over-complicated maintenance hog that would kill you quick on the highway. Or, as I found out, try to kill you by being rollable on flat ground at 15mph.

Comment from Sgt. B. on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T18:17:37Z

Welcome to to the wonderful world of Military Vehicles... You'll want to invest in a bit of research about the MVPA... Good call going with the 1/4 ton class - easier to work on... Plenty of parts out there too...

XBradTC: YOU need to hook up with Richard Tait of the Southern California Military Vehicles Collector's Club... Green beasties aplenty!

Comment from J.M. Heinrichs on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T18:01:37Z

Fitting the 106mm properly may be a problem.

Cheers

Comment from og on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T16:38:09Z

nice. a good trap for the traditionalists who like me, dont believe a jeep can have curved fenders, or a land rover without a tyre on the bonnet.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T16:29:28Z

Well, Jim - you might be able to score a ride or two, and if you can provide your DA Form 348 showing the proper endorsements... you might be allowed to drive it. ;^ )

Oh, and don't give me that crap that it's in ULLS...

Comment from JimC on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T15:32:58Z

I spent parts of three summers driving M-38's as my personal ride at Camp Shelby, MS and Camp Grayling, MI. They were great. They ran all the time and were able to go most anywhere. I am being tempted by the green-eyed monster over this one.

Comment from XBradTC on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T15:18:20Z

As I drove to an event in the hoighty-toity part of Newport Beach last week, I was quite surprised to see a Willys WWII (MB?) jeep rolling along the PCH. Looked in pretty good shape too.

Comment from Pogue on 2009-06-15

2009-06-15T14:19:05Z

Nice catch! (I'm consumed with envy...)