Hey all -
My brother and I are working on a property in a remote part of Joshua Tree and decided we needed a good desert rat 4x4. Not knowing much about Willy's we happened to come across a '51 for sale, I fell in love and here we are. Now the fun begins!
She worked for a minute but soon found rust from the tank coming into the fuel filter. Have replaced some parts in the carb, added a new fuel pump and am awaiting delivery on new fuel tank as it seems better to go new vs trying to get all the rust out and dealing with subsequent issues.
In the meantime I've order some replacement seats, as you will see the front passenger seat is not quite period correct
I found a good deal on an m38 rear seat however I am a bit confused as to what existing hardware I'm dealing with in the bed currently (pictured).
Mainly I could use some help identifying this frankenstein as this is my first willy's and identification does not seem to be so clear.
Identification:
So it's a 1951 from what the owners tell me. According to kaiser willys identification it's an m38 but there are a few things missing like the proper rear seat brackets, tailgate etc.
The only plaque is in the engine bay on passenger side (pictured)
The body has a serial number 85,xxx stamped into it below the windshield on the drivers side.
I also found a serial number on the chassis that reads USM11661GM on it.
My best guess is that maybe it's an m38 with a new body on it? The body does have things like indents for the shovel / axe, but lacks other things like proper rear seat mounts, the bars that protect the headlights, and color being a mix of red and orange I don't imagine the military would have chosen
Plenty of work to do still. Want to get her running smoothly so we can take her out in the more remote parts of the country out here. Oh and trying to decide whether I should get my own seat cushions made or just buy them from beachwood / other suppliers.
Looking forward to digging around on this incredible forum resource!
