Original USMC M38A1 FAC Radio jeep found in Iceland.

[Hinrik]

Are these original horns hard to find? I have a spare one, possibly to use for parts trade.

[Hinrik]

Look at the rust around the edges of the rear panel seams. Looks like the panel was removed at some stage........what do you think? This is one thing that makes me wonder about the gun installation theaory:

[wesk]

Hello Hinrik,

I notice other weld seems on the jeep have the same rust pattern. I don't think your jeep was ever a M38A1C. I don't see any evidence of the support bolt holes in the dash or the spare tire mount on the right cowl. Can you post clear photos of the right side of the cowl and the rear bed and tops of both rear wheel houses?

As jeeps aged and were used near the end of their useful lives in the military the maintainers had to rely heavily on the salvage yard for parts. It may well have been the need for a new windshield that forced the unit to go to salvage and the only used windshield was a M38A1C unit.

It also looks like the Air Force must have converted the electrical system back to 25 amp generator and regulator. The MRC-83's and -87's jeeps usually had the 60 amp or 100 amp alternator conversions. But I am not sure about the MRC-35's. Also since the MRC-35 system dates back to 1952 it would seem logical that a 53 M38A1 with the system and with ordnance / US Marine Corp servicing data plate would have been converted to the MRC-35 setup when it was still a new jeep.
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[53a1]

Hi Hinrik.

Are your drain holes in the floor where your feet rest closer to the outer edge nearer to the entry or more in the center of the floor?

My serial number MD58824 (earlier than yours) and I suspect my floor boards have been changed. Mine are close to the outer outer edge nearer to the entry. If yours are closer to the center that pretty much proves that mine has been changed.

Thanks.
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'53 M38A1 X2

[Hinrik]

Dave,

The right drain is missing but still has the wingnut. The left one is intact:

[Hinrik]

Hole locations for referance....and to raise lots of questions! I put questions / comments inside the photos. Please feel free to comment.

[Hinrik]

[Hinrik]

[Hinrik]

[Hinrik]

Top antenna stowage bracket (We might find the original later on)

[Hinrik]

The only holes in my jeep that I am 100% sure have been covered are the lower mounting holes for the antenna "bucket"

This is the right side :

[Hinrik]

I noticed that Dave´s jeep also has this added square nut deal on the right toe board. Dave, can you look for the other holes there? Looks
like mine were coverd up intentionally.

[53a1]

Thanks Hinrik.

Very nice pictures! Interesting about the drain holes. My drain holes are just like yours so II guess my floor was not replaced after all. I have another a1 with SN 44125 and the drain holes are in the center. They must have changed the design sometime in 1953.
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'53 M38A1 X2

[Hinrik]

This is the lower antenna bucket holder. A mixture of "beautiful" OD colors, including the "Forest green" USMC color:





Looks like there were some cleaver folks (for a chance over some things) that designed this thing. It has a nice big moisture / water drain hole.

[53a1]

Here's the antenna bucket holes on mine. Mine are filled in as well.


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'53 M38A1 X2