Re: [MV] Original or Repro

Richard Van Hoomissen (rvanhoo@IBM.net)
Sat, 02 Jan 1999 09:46:35 -0800

Seems to me it makes no difference to "original condition" weather your
replacement part is nos or repro if they look and act the same and are
installed correctly as the pictures in the TM illustrate. There is a
question about "improvements" like my see thru gas filter which was
already on the engine when I bought it. I could remove it for a show
if going for gusto, but in daily operation would be silly to take it
off. I wouldn't want a tub that was mostly bondo but I can see a
economic issue...but some where it will have to be replaced. Lets see
what the gurus say. Richard.

Ranger3id@aol.com wrote:
>
> Good Morning:
>
> Something that I haven't seen discussed at any great length is the issue of
> using repro parts instead of NOS or restoring worn/damaged originals. I
> understand that this is, in many ways a personal choice, which will be
> effected by whether you are looking to do a true restoration, or simply taking
> a worn MV and making it serviceable again. Personally, my goal is to have a
> vehicle that I drive weekly (to shows, hardware store, or light trail riding).
> I'd love to keep as many orginal parts as possible, but is it silly to think
> that an "original" body that is more bondo than sheet metal is "better" than a
> brand new tub? And, at what point does a vehicle cease to be "original"? That
> is, If the only parts that were actually together when the vehicle rolled off
> the assembly line were the frame and the wheels, is a vehicle that is made up,
> piece meal, of NOS parts any more "correct" than one using quality repro
> parts?
>
> In my case, I have a '52 M-38 with a '51 M-38 engine. But the real issue is
> the body. The tub probably has more bondo and metal patches than original
> sheet metal. The tub channels are completely rusted out, the tail gate has
> been replaced with a home made gate that was permanently welded shut, and the
> spare tire carrier is also a home made affair. When I bought the Jeep, my
> intent was to have a professional restore the body to it's former glory (I
> have neither the time or nor the expertise do it myself). However, over the
> past year or so, a number of them have told me that the body is probably not
> worth saving ( it would cost as much as the jeep and I'd still end up with a
> body that was mostly bondo). The question then becomes whether to find a tub
> from another M-38, or consider one of the repro bodies like those offered by
> Darryl Bensinger.
>
> I understand that this is a complex issue, and there will be no definitive
> answers. But, any input from the list would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Chris DeWitt
> 52? M-38
>
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