'52 M38

[Ryan_M]

I've been driving by this old girl for a couple years now as it sits directly across from the University of Maine in Orono. I saw someone out in the yard today so I stopped in. From what I could gather it belonged to the University either as part of some original military program or was acquired as surplus (supposedly along with 19 other M38's). It is not for sale as the professor that owns it now is very much attached to it. It's in pretty rough shape but is really the first M-38 I've seen up close so, of course, I had to climb all over it. �Thought I would share some pics:

[3aJeeper]

Nice, great pix! It would be great if the prof who owns it would set about restoring it instead of letting it rust out in the rain/snow... �:-/

[athawk11]

Very nice M38.  Nice photography as well.  I understand population density, thus there are more chances to see Willys Jeeps in the east, but I sometimes get the impression that you east coast folks have a Willys hanging out on every corner.

Here in Colorado, the only time I have ever seen another flat fender is during some sort of a Willys gathering.  It's incredibly frustrating.

[Ryan_M]

It is surprising to me that any still exist up here given the amount of road salt used. I know in my younger CJ-7 phase it was virtually impossible even to find a 15 year old vehicle without a frame that was completely rotted through. �I remember when I visited Colorado about 12 years ago I was amazed at how many vintage road going CJ's, Broncos,and Landcruisers I saw. They seemed to be everywhere - nice ones, too. I figured there was less road salt in use out that way so they just survived better.

I believe the woman I spoke with today is the professor's wife. She claims to have spent $11k on resto efforts already but I don't see any evidence of where that money went, and she seemed to agree. Sad, really. You could tell she loved the Jeep and it is still her goal to have it restored to its original glory. Just her tone of her voice revealed how attached to it she is. Hmmm..I've got one rehab project under my belt. Does that qualify me to be commissioned to revive another one? Probably not but it'd be nice to do one on someone else's dime - especially an M38.

[Ryan_M]

..and what's everyone's opinion on that motor? I remember a recent post by Bob W about that type of head (without the ridges) being pre-3A. Is that an M-38 motor or something earlier?

[Gunslinger]

..and what's everyone's opinion on that motor? I remember a recent post by Bob W about that type of head (without the ridges) being pre-3A. Is that an M-38 motor or something earlier?

I saw some things under that hood as well, the motor, if its orignal has been converted to 12 volt, single wire alternator.  No air cleaner, whcih isn't a big deal but its expensive.  It would take some work but its a do-able project.  As long as she doesnt need to get her money out of it.

Gun

[Gunslinger]

..and what's everyone's opinion on that motor? I remember a recent post by Bob W about that type of head (without the ridges) being pre-3A. Is that an M-38 motor or something earlier?

I saw some things under that hood as well, the motor, if its orignal has been converted to 12 volt, single wire alternator. �No air cleaner, whcih isn't a big deal but its expensive. �It would take some work but its a do-able project. �As long as she doesnt need to get her money out of it.

Gun

Also converted to key start, black outlights missing.

[athawk11]

Not sure about the engine block, but I think the head is an MB. �Can't quite make out the casting #, but there is no plug in the back of the head for a heater connection. �It may have had a heater at some point. �It has the same T-fitting I have where you will normally see the thermostat connected. This was a common approach to adding a heater on a WWII engine.

I just don't see $11,000.00 in upgrades/refurbishment. �There's just too much missing and too much undone. �Maybe she ment $1,100.00? �Even then, they spent too much money on a Solex Carb.

Tim