Rear Taillight Assemblies

[longld]

53 M38A1 Seems I have two drivers side taillights as both have the larger red oval lens. Mine are rusted pretty good inside, anyone have any luck in rebuilding these or just replace them? Are replacement lenses available for these? Finally, if I buy new ones, can I just replace bulbs to convert to 12V?
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Lee Long
Peoria, AZ
1953 M38A1 USMC

[charliebrowndog]

Lee,

When I got my M38 both lenses were also driver side style and each had a fair amount of corrosion inside. I disassembled each and with 300 grit sandpaper and steel wool I was able to make them like new. 12v bulbs are readily available as they use standard sockets. I suspect many owners replaced the passenger side with the larger red lens for better visibility and/or to meet state motor vehicle inspection requirements. A quick Google search should reveal a passenger side lens for a reasonable price if you want to move back toward original. If you need a red lens cover - I have an extra that I'll let go for a very reasonable sum.

Tripp
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Tripp Cantwell
1952 M38
MC62332
US Army 20909964
Restoration Photos: www.trippsjeep.com

[mdainsd]

Sometimes on the big online auction site, rebuild parts come up for these lamp assemblies. All the plated stuff with the bulb sockets, wire and the grommet that goes in the housing. If the passenger side has the larger red lens then hopefully the body was changed to the three bulb version at the same time.

The larger lamp, used for the brake lights in a 12V version is #1156. I don't recall the # for the two smaller ones.
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'52 Dodge M37, '42 GPW, '48 FrankenJeep CJ2A/M38, '50 CJV-35(U), '51 M38, '42 WC-57 Command Car, '44 WC-51 Weapons , (2) M1941 Sperry 60" Anti-Aircraft Searchlights, John Deere M-gator, '44 White M3A1 Scout Car