I'm new to the list and to the world of MV's and I have a question. I am
trying to decide whether or not to purchase a '51 or '52 ( the current
owner is unsure) M38 Jeep. Here's details I have:
On the plus side: a)it runs, b) it has a current licence and tags for my
state (CA), c) the engine at least is in completely orignal condition,
right down to the FRAM decal on the air filter d) very, VERY little rust,
mainly a little under the wheels wells, and e) (the big one) the current
owner is only asking $1,500 for it.
On the down-side: a) the current owner will not allow me to test drive it
or take it to a local mechanic for an evaluation (insurance risk), b)
cosmetically its in *terrible* shape: seats are trashed, all the dash knobs
are cracked as is the steering wheel, d) tires are shot, e) some of the
wiring has been replaced with commercial grade house wiring, f) the canvas
top (and support bars), windshield, rear bench, horn ring, spare tire (and
support hardware), parking brake shaft and handle, and the doors are all
missing, g) its been painted a sort of rust-brown, and f) I noticed some
minor cracks in the metal, especially around the seats. In addition to all
that, I am *not* a mechanic, and wasn't even IN any of the services, so any
mechanical work it needed I would have to farm out. I've never even
*thought* about buying or restoring an MV (or restoring ANYthing for that
matter), so I'm starting completely from scratch here. I'd like to use
this to go to work (a 200-mile commute), but I'm not sure how it would hold
up to that kind of constant high-speed driving. I've also heard some
pretty harsh comments about the handling, to the effect that you can lose
control and roll it quite easily.
IF I buy this, my goal would be to restore it to original milspec
condition, but I'm leary of the costs. Lastly, the current owner states he
has recieved over 25 inquiries for this, so if I'm going to get it, I'd
better do it fast! I think I'm in love with this boxy little truck, but if
its just going to sit in my yard due to a lack of time, money and resources
I'd rather leave it for someone who has these things. Any and all advice
would be deeply appreciated.
-Steve Newman
tech@mscomm.com (and/or)
hides@v1.cohr-inc.com
Phelan, CA
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