Rick and listees:
I did a '54 M38a1 last year, my first automobile restoration, but I did
motorcycles and other equipment before. Jeeps, especially older ones are
the easiest autos to work on, period. Most everything is light enough to
work on by yourself, and a chain hoist from the ceiling rafter did all the
other work.
Start by looking what the manual says to do. They know what they were
doing, so I trusted them, and I got my whole thing done in 10 months, start
to finish. Paint all items before assembly, you may wish to over coat some
things after the whole thing is done. Assembly goes something like this:
1. axles and wheels with brakes
2. frame installed including springs, etc.
3. all steering gear, less wheel
4. all rest of brakes
5. fuel line
6. wiring harness
7. engine/trans/transfer in one assy.
8. driveshafts and exhaust
9. engine accy.
10. body tub with internal hookups like control linkages, etc.
11. finish wiring harness, inst. panel, etc.
11. fenders and grille
12. radiator and hookups
13. front wiring harness, lights, etc.
14. seats, reflectors, spare tire, bumpers, footman loops, etc.
15. hood, and windshield, including wipers.
16. details like lettering, knobs, and the hardest thing of all: stopping
all leaks, getting the thing to start and run right, and other things you
missed.:~)
It is easier than you think, especially after all the stuff is painted.
Assembly is fun, it is the sandblasting and painting that sucks.
Scott (no professional, but been there, done that)
Now working on '45 MB rustbucket
----- Original Message -----
From: rick stegeman
To: Military Vehicles Mailing List
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2000 7:38 PM
Subject: [MV] best way to proceed
Hi List,
A while ago I purchased a '54 M38A-1. I am attempting a frame-off
restoration. This is a first of this type of undertaking for me.
All the parts are painted and ready, body professionally redone.
Assemblies are separated as to where they go. All the parts I need to
change the 12v system to the original 24v are there - NOS.
I now have a frame with drive train in the garage waiting for me to put
some clothes on her.
What is the best progression in steps I should follow to ensure a
trouble free assembly sequence? Please don't say the reverse of taking
it apart - I mean really, professionally speaking, what are the steps I
should proceed with? The engine and drive train ran well before I
started this project a year and a half ago (long story). This life sized
model has got me a little psyched, and I really want to do a good job
the first time through, and if your like me, you hate rework too.
Please feel free to correspond off list with your opinions to
rastegem@excel.net.
Thanks for all your help.
Rick Stegeman
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