Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 11:27 am Post subject: Electrical options
My M38 came to me with no electrical system short of an old 6 or 12 volt starter and generator. I have no wiring harness, lights, gauges, etc. The jeep of course was originally 24V, then someone changed it to 6V, and then it was converted to 12V. My big decision is how to move forward. The jeep has no body, and no original serial number info left so it will never be "original" again. My concern with 24V is just the dollars involved. Looking things over, it looks like restoring to 24V will cost about twice as much money as 12V. I never intend to do any fording so the waterproof aspects are not important. Is there a way to use the M38 light switch, blackout lights, etc. but use 12V? My goal is to get as close as possible to a visually correct M38 without overspending on the project. There is nothing here to start with so I can't bubba up any original parts. Thanks for your thoughts.
Joined: Feb 25, 2006 Posts: 344 Location: Wichita, KS
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 11:56 am Post subject: 12v. M38
The basic answer to your questions is yes. One of my M38's is 12 volts and it still looks very original. You can still use the military light switch but you will need to use 12 volt headlights, blackout driving light bulbs and tail/brake lightbulbs but can still use the original housings. I do not have a 12 volt blackout headlight (and I doubt I will ever need one) but I still have it connected and it lights only very dimmly. You will also need a 12 volt horn. I have seen a 12 volt horn that looks very similar to the military 24 volt horn. You will also need 12 volt sending units and gauges (I have a mechanical oil pressue set-up). That is all in addition to the 12 volt coil (a 12 volt coil can be used in the 24 volt distributor and still use the correct plugs and wires), regulator, starter and generator.
Good luck with your project,
Kendall
Do you know a source for the 12v coil that fits in the 24v distributor? Midwest Military lists one, but last time I asked about it, they didn't have any more and didn't know when they might.
Try Rapco, Memphis Equipment, and the many other suppliers found in Supply Line. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
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