The M-38 is one of the more difficult Jeeps to restore-since it was only made a
few years, some of the parts are hard to find and many of them are expensive.
If you are not knowledgable about Jeeps and cannot do the work yourself, I
would recommend a different Jeep model as a beginner, perhaps a civilian
model. I am restoring an M38 now and, although I've restored military Jeeps
before, it is taking me much longer and costing more than I had expected.
If quality work was done on your Jeep, it would withstand the 200 mile commute,
but you wouldn't. These things are uncomfortable. They top out at 50-60 mph,
they're loud, they vibrate, they ride awful, and even the best rebuilt Jeep
brakes are less than great for driving in traffic. And, should you happen to
be in an interstate wreck, you will most certainly die. These Jeeps are great
as toys to drive on sunny days, but for a daily driver I would recommend
something else.
Scott
42 MB Slat Grill, 42 Script GPW, 52 M-38, 66 M151A1
Steve Newman wrote:
> All,
>
> 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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