'52 M38

[johnrb3b]

I was going to start a new thread but I figured it would be better suited to continue this one.

Makes complete sense to continue this thread as you're going to merely "improve" the existing Willys with parts from the "new" one.
But
Then again, it looks like you'll actually be improving the "new" one with parts from the "old" one.
Either way, we're happy for you and astounded at your good fortune.
How can you top this story? A new trailer and a new Willys within a few miles and a few minutes from each other.
Wow.

I hope I haven't lost too many of you with my long-winded rambling.

No way.
You KNOW we all love stories like this.
Congratulations.

[Ryan_M]

I swear I've seen that Willys before...Maybe on EWillys?� The tires are hard to miss.

I'm not sure if this made it to eWillys or not. Astoundingly, I don't get on that site much which is probably a good thing. The PO has owned it for "several" years and the guy he bought it from had planned to turn it into a mud buggy. Good thing he ran out of money after buying those tires that there was nothing left over for cutting tools. The frame and tub are unmolested.

Makes complete sense to continue this thread as you're going to merely "improve" the existing Willys with parts from the "new" one.
But
Then again, it looks like you'll actually be improving the "new" one with parts from the "old" one.

Which leads me to a dilemma - If the frame and body are from one Jeep and everything else is from another, which set of data plates should be displayed? As a tribute to each I'd like to find a way to install them both.

[scoutpilot]

[size=12]Ryan,

Installing both sets of tags may present an issue of "Dual Personality" that the local constabulary may have questions about. Know what I mean? IMHO, use the tags for the frame only. No sense confusing the uninitiated.[/size][/b]

[Ryan_M]

Installing both sets of tags may present an issue of "Dual Personality" that the local constabulary may have questions about. Know what I mean? IMHO, use the tags for the frame only. No sense confusing the uninitiated.

Good point. In that case, I think I will actually keep the tags for the M38 which is now running. Reason being is it is already registered. I'll be able to swap all the gadgets onto the new frame and drop the new tub on without disrupting anything at the DMV. Maine is, mercifully, a "no title" state which makes these projects immensely easier but no sense creating any additional work. I'll simply renew the current registration when it comes time just as if nothing had happened. Based on previous experience in registering vehicles brought back from the dead, the DMV is surprisingly casual about it here. My '42 MB-T Trailer is officially registered as a "1990 Home made" trailer after the DMV agent got frustrated trying to locate the actual year, make, and model. The 3A and the M38 were similar stories. Neither showed up in the computer so we had to improvise. I highly doubt anyone will question a different (but identical) frame.

[athawk11]

This will be fun to watch. 

Question.  Did you also get the engine etc. with your set price?

Tim

[Ryan_M]

Question.� Did you also get the engine etc. with your set price?

I was hoping nobody would ask that. I did not get the engine or other drivetrain parts...and have slept poorly the past two nights because of it. Remember that "less-than-honorable" feeling I mentioned? Well that's what happens when you take half a Jeep and leave the rest.

It's all there and available but I just can't bring myself to drag it all home. I got the parts I needed for a price I could live with and left him everything else. 

If it was truly complete I would have been more excited to take the whole thing....but it isn't. The condition of the motor is unknown - same with the trans and TC.  Only one of the rims is correct and none have tires, the gauges and radiator are missing, the seats are shot as is all of the wiring. The brake and fuel systems are presumably toast and one wheel is locked up altogether. As much as there is to be had I still see a huge money pit in rounding out what needs to be done.

The engine I have in the "old" M38 runs great (knocking on wood right now...) and I rebuilt/replaced the trans, TC, fuel lines, wheel bearings, radiator, brake lines, cylinders, shoes, etc etc with all new components less than a year ago - Several thousand dollars worth of repairs.

So to spend the extra cash and take up space that I don't have is something I chose not to do. I have two complete T90/D18s in the garage that I trip over every day right now as it is. I have yet to be able to even give them to a good home.

Combining what I got here with the M38 I already own will still undoubtedly cost about three times what I am anticipating but it'll be a lot more palatable than another complete overhaul. Plus, it would still leave me in search of a decent tub and frame for the original M38 anyways.

So yeah, all that stuff is there and perhaps at some point we'll come to terms that I simply can't resist. Or, I'll just get sick of not being able to sleep and go after it all. I do have a large trailer at my full-time disposal now afterall....

[Ryan_M]

OK....so I got sick of not sleeping. I dragged the rest of it home today:





I'm probably still only forging ahead with the "make one from two" plan but at least my spare parts bin will be well stocked.

The motor turns by hand and there are remnants of liquid oil on the dipstick. I did fish an acorn out of the water pump already though. No idea of condition beyond that. I've never own a Carter YS so if nothing else I'm happy to have one of those. I'm still pretty clueless on 24V stuff or anything else that differs from a 3A. I have a lot to learn here...but first I think I will go take a nap....

[scoutpilot]

[size=12]The siren call...cannot be ignored.[/size][/b]

[1955CJ-5]

Rest up, you will need it..!

I'm sure you did the right thing...

[athawk11]

I knew this would happen. . Good choice!!

Tim

[Ryan_M]

Decided to dive into the "new" frame clean up effort last night. First, the running M38 pushing its soon-to-be new frame into the garage. Admittedly, it is now bittersweet driving the "old" M38 knowing it will soon be reduced to a pile of random parts on the garage floor. Yes, it will rise from the ashes, but still....



It's amazing how much quicker it gets each time I dismantle a jeep (or some part of one). I'm hoping I can say the same when it comes time for re-assembly.



Bare frame back out in the driveway. I can carry it myself now. Spent about 6 hours and just as many wire wheels getting it cleaned up. Lots of interesting colors to be seen as the layers are ground away.





I'm torn here about throwing down the money for sandblasting and really doing this right or trying to keep to a smaller budget but with less impressive results. Since I don't want to spend the cash and I want to be driving this thing by spring, you will see the art of cutting corners as this thread continues.

I re-read Garage Gnome's "Building a Forest Service Jeep" this morning. I've seen that rig in person and really like it. It's well done but still has a "down and dirty" feel to it. That is the route I shall take.

Frame washed and degreased and back in the garage.


I finally bit the bullet and lugged home a Lincoln 140 mig welder. I'm going to try and fire it up tonight for a few small repairs to the rear bumper. An idiot with a welder. Stand back....

[Jeff_M]

That frame looks to be in very nice condition.  Try not to blow a hole through it with the welder.  :-)

[athawk11]

Looking good...and bare. 

The 140 Lincoln is a nice unit.  I have used its little brother...a 125 Lincoln for all my Willys repairs.  You'll be a pro in no time. 

Tim

[1955CJ-5]

You'll be welding up yard art before you know it..!

Remember that a length of copper pipe flattened on one end works great for backing holes and wide gaps when you weld....it will help keep the burn-through to a minimum....

[Ryan_M]

Remember that a length of copper pipe flattened on one end works great for backing holes and wide gaps when you weld....it will help keep the burn-through to a minimum....

That's good to know. I used my grinder to widen a small crack in the rear bumper and then spent the next 15 minutes chasing burn holes around trying to fill it. I finally managed to get it but perhaps that copper trick would have minimized some clowning around.