Hello - Preparing to start my 3A project - have questions

SirJohn31 · Post by **SirJohn31** » Thu Jan 28, 2016 2:34 pm

My name is Ron and I am in Pflugerville, TX - just out of Austin. I obtained a 52 CJ3A that I am looking to restore and move toward an M38 (for parades, etc). The interesting thing about this one is that there is no tailgate. I've been researching and have yet to come across an answer other than someone actually took the time to rework the rear end or it did in fact, come this way. Any ideas?

Here is a link to what she looks like: http://my52willys.tumblr.com/archive

I am also looking for any suggestions you may have to offer - happy to be a part of this

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Jan 28, 2016 2:54 pm

Welcome to the madness!

Wow, that tailgage mod looks almost factory.
Looks like they used some of the side bracing hat channels for vertical reinforcements.

Post by **wesk** » Thu Jan 28, 2016 5:13 pm

That is a very solid stock CJ3A to restore. Many 3A's were purchased by the military.

1953 U.S. Navy Jeep via email: Shipped 12/52, model CJ3A, serial number 19052, Contr. no. DA 20-113-ORD-12037, sns C78-T-45005-9502, reg. no. USN 94-11752, eng. no. 147470.

Be sure to visit the CJ3A web site and fill our Bob Westerfield's CJ3A survey.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Jan 28, 2016 6:28 pm

Wes,
Anything to offer on that tailgate mod? It looks
professional.

Post by **wesk** » Thu Jan 28, 2016 7:14 pm

They are a lot more common than you know. All the aftermarket sheet metal suppliers over the years offered them as quick conversion panels for one if not many model jeeps. Nothing unusual or fancy about them. A patient non-professional con produce the same results by taking his time and f0llwing the directions.

SirJohn31 · Post by **SirJohn31** » Thu Jan 28, 2016 7:16 pm

Thanks - yeah, the tailgate is interesting for sure - I'll be looking for weld marks once I strip her down

4x4M38 wrote:Welcome to the madness!

Wow, that tailgage mod looks almost factory.
Looks like they used some of the side bracing hat channels for vertical reinforcements.

SirJohn31 · Post by **SirJohn31** » Thu Jan 28, 2016 7:18 pm

nice pics of some very cool toys! I'm already having a blast getting this one going and yes, I filled Bob's survey out but I will be adding a bit more missing items to it soon

wesk wrote:That is a very solid stock CJ3A to restore. Many 3A's were purchased by the military.

1953 U.S. Navy Jeep via email: Shipped 12/52, model CJ3A, serial number 19052, Contr. no. DA 20-113-ORD-12037, sns C78-T-45005-9502, reg. no. USN 94-11752, eng. no. 147470.

Be sure to visit the CJ3A web site and fill our Bob Westerfield's CJ3A survey.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Jan 28, 2016 7:39 pm

Would be interested in what your data plates say.

That looks like a military trailer connection cover on the left
rear. Am I right?

SirJohn31 · Post by **SirJohn31** » Thu Jan 28, 2016 8:42 pm

Yes, it is a trailer connector, still intact. I'm not finding many data plates so far. there is one on the pass side of the firewall (452-GB1, 14142), Engine stamp is 3553080, carb W-O 146-94.

So far, I've not found much info other than 452-GB1 is a CJ3A

4x4M38 wrote:Would be interested in what your data plates say.

That looks like a military trailer connection cover on the left
rear. Am I right?