Z's '52 M38 (SN: 61033)

Z · Post by Z » Mon Mar 27, 2017 10:05 am

Thanks for welcoming me to Willys M Jeeps. I see you have a serial number data list in the documents section. I'll pass more detailed information to you on My 1952 M38, ser. # 61033 4/52 so you can add it if you wish.
Little is known on this one except it did spend some service time in the USAF. It's painted OD now but the blue is showing through the paint wear. My grandfather picked it up in the early 70s and is mostly all original. He passed away in 2005 and the Willys has been sitting since (Southern Indiana); luckily in a barn and covered. I trailered it to my home in N Alabama last week and started to develop my plan of attack. I was curious and right away put new batteries in and aux fresh fuel and it started! Kind of scared me to be honest.
I'm 47 now and learned to drive it at age 7. I'm kind of glad I didn't have it in my possession until now; as who knows what choices I might have made through the years. I retired from the Air Force in 2009 and now settled in AL, building a garage to keep it in. I've read over quite a bit on this site and look forward to sharing with all of you on this venture. Pics coming.
Z

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 10:49 am

Welcome!

We like lots of pictures!

Hoping you are considering an Air Force jeep. If and when you beginn
working on the paint read up on and be very careful sanding the hood.

With patience and fine paper you may find the hood numbers.
Wes can also tell you where else to look.

Learn to use the search function above and have fun!

Take care,

Z · Post by Z » Mon Mar 27, 2017 12:21 pm

4x4M38 wrote:Welcome!

We like lots of pictures!

Hoping you are considering an Air Force jeep. If and when you beginn
working on the paint read up on and be very careful sanding the hood.

With patience and fine paper you may find the hood numbers.
Wes can also tell you where else to look.

Learn to use the search function above and have fun!

Take care,

Thanks Brian! Speaking of pictures, I've requested a picture album today. Do you know why in some forum posts some link their pics but some are able to embed pics in their posts? Thanks again!

Z · Post by Z » Mon Mar 27, 2017 12:41 pm

Z · Post by Z » Mon Mar 27, 2017 12:46 pm

[img]https://farm3.staticflickr.com/28 ... .jpg[/img]

Post by **wesk** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 3:22 pm

Any photos that show the traces of Strata Blue?

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 3:47 pm

Congrats,
That's a pretty complete M38.

Z · Post by Z » Mon Mar 27, 2017 8:36 pm

Here's a few blue paint spots...

Driver side fwd edge tub:

Post by **wesk** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 8:55 pm

It could well have been a USAF jeep. Most had a USAF property ID plate.

This one came on mine.

\USAF M38 near the Mediteranian

USAF M38 Europe 1960's

Here's a USAF flightline yellow M38 in the 50's.

Another USAF M38 in the early 60's

Another USAF M38 in the 50's

Another 1950's USAF M38

USAF M38 Harmon AFB Labrador CA 1960's

This is mine the day I brought her back from the paint shop!

Notice the extreme variations in paint shades and markings.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 8:59 pm

Was there any other color under that light grey primer?

Z · Post by Z » Mon Mar 27, 2017 9:36 pm

Wes, Your M38 looks solid! Great pics...thanks for sharing.

I think factory OD does also show (below the blue). I'm not 100% sure the current OD is mil-spec. Though it does seem to cover all surfaces and the bottom could still be the factory OD. I don't see blue on the frame or under-tub or drive train. The stars are not right; that's for sure.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 10:29 pm

Keep in mind that the frames came to the factory painted black (one coat with no primer). The original contract OD paint code 2430 was applied first with thinner as a primer and then a second coat as straight semi-gloss. If you are seeing a dull 2430 against the steel on the body and then a slight glossy 2430 and then a light gray primer and then Strata Blue let me know.

MarkR1951M38 · Post by **MarkR1951M38** » Tue Mar 28, 2017 8:02 am

Z...where you at in North Alabama? I live in NW Huntsville area and I'm in process of frame-off rebuild of a 1951 M38.

Mark Ruschak

Z · Post by Z » Tue Mar 28, 2017 8:40 am

Mark,
I'm not far from you. I'm south of Hampton Cove area. Great to know another project is near. I'm starting slow with mine as I'm prioritizing some construction projects right now. One being "The Garage."
Do you work on the arsenal?

45auto · Post by **45auto** » Tue Mar 28, 2017 8:55 am

Z,
That is a nice original M38!! As you look it over to determined its pedigree, I just want to throw out, there is nothing wrong with keeping / maintaining an original vehicle. They are only original once. If you decide to restore it, take plenty of pictures--then take some more as these pictures will document your M38. If all possible, drive and enjoy your M38 as you decide on your future plans. It may be awhile before you have it back up and running if you do a complete restoration.