Early large box system introduced in 63. This one is voltage sensitive but there's a fellow who published a piece on how to convert that box to 12 volt.
This late transistorized system was introduced a few years later about the same time as the M151A1 came on line. I would suspect you would need to modify the transistors for the trigger voltage signal if you want to use it on 12 V.
I just made a complete wiring harness for my M38 from one for an M35 that I got off that big on line auction site.
And with douglas connectors. The ones they sell for $850 do not come with the metal ends so add another hundred $ to that. But I already had the rest of the system.
Now, that is the easy part (not easy). If you do not already have the generator, regulator, cables for those, lights, switch, etc, then you are in for another grand at least.
So, if you are trying to make a CJ5 look like an M38A1, I personally would not go 24 volt. Get an M38A1; those are readily available, still.
OK Guys read the whole post a little closer. The original poster said a lot more than just I bought a CJ5 thinking it was an M38A1.
I bought what I thought was m38a1. I didn't do much research or even know how to identify and actual m38a1. I got it home and it was a cj5. The body was so beat up that I scrapped it. I have since then taken the motor and it is in the process of being rebuilt. I have also bought an actual m38a1 tub rolling chassis. I am wanting as close to orginal as possible m38a1.
So he is in fact restoring a M38A1 but he has a CJ5 engine for it. I myself have personally seen at least 10 M38A1's with civvy jeep engines in them and the M38A1's were all 24V.
Oops; I typically answer before actually reading the question; saves a lot of time.
Ok then, carry on with the restoration, and yes, make it 24 volt, as it is supposed to be. Otherwise, is is not a restoration, it is something short of that.
Sorry, I,too, jumped the gun. Just tired of seeing all the CJ's painted OD with stars and machine guns and every piece of web gear. Guy at a local show had a CJ3-A painted OD, had every piece of web gear he could find, camo netting draped over the windshield, every weapon you could imagine. He drew a big crowd, was telling everybody that it was a 1945 M38-3A that General Patton drove during the Korean war! I thought he was kidding until I tried to talk to him, he got extremely defensive.
