[MV] M38A1 owner intro to list
Chris Henderson (chenderson@taxan.com)
Mon, 24 Aug 1998 13:41:13 -0700
I would just like to introduce myself to the list. I joined the list a
couple of weeks ago and have enjoyed it and learned some things so far.
I have a 53 M38A1 that I am in the process of rebuilding. I say
"rebuilding" instead of "restoring" because I am going through all the
mechanicals and chassis components but leaving the body as is. I want to
keep that "well used" look and character that it has. The body is not in
that bad a shape - it has a few wrinkles and dents but at least it's all one
color - olive drab. This vehicle is especially special to me because it
used to be my grandfather's. He got it sometime in the late sixties from a
surplus dealer in Massachusetts. My understanding is that it was all in
pieces when he got it, so its really a compilation of several vehicles. The
engine and body numbers don't match of course. But I have a lot of fond
memories as a child of riding in this Jeep and really connect the sound of
the running gear with those times.
I let the Jeep sit for about a year without preparing it properly so when I
went to start it, one of the pistons was froze in its bore. Currently I
have the whole thing apart. The engine is disassembled. I had the crank
turned and bought new bearings, pistons, rings, ect. I just have to get the
block machining done. I have the body off the frame and the frame
completely disassembled. I even have the leaf springs disassembled and am
sanding down each one (all 13 of them for each spring!)
I have always been interested in military vehicles and am enjoying this
experience with my own. Someday when I get a larger garage I may look to
increase my collection.
Before I get too long winded I do have one question for the list that I
have been curious about. My Jeep has a tailgate! I have read that M38A1s
are not supposed to have one. I am sure it was a military jeep - it has the
round recess on the passenger side for the 24V jumper and it has a mounting
on the floor for a rifle. It doesn't look like it was added on later and it
has the same quick-removal type hinges as the hood. It also has a
side-mounted spare tire. If anyone knows or has any idea about this I would
be very interested in hearing it.
Until Later,
Chris Henderson
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