going price for m38a1 in good shape

Today I found a M38a1 in good shape, what should I look for ect.. I was asked to make an offer... So..

Go to ebay and other auction sites compare the ones that are selling with bids that will give you a feel for the market.

Is a cj5 worth slightly more or less than the m38a1 in the same year? just curious.

ranchhopper said:

Go to ebay and other auction sites compare the ones that are selling with bids that will give you a feel for the market.

Click to expand...

This thing nicer than what on ebay right now.. it might be to nice for me I like things allittle more ratty.

Corrosion in the floors and hat channels
Damage to the tub in the rear...... around the taillights.
Frequently, people cut tailgates into A1's. Fair amount of work to undo.
Correct YS950 carbs aren't cheap and are frequently missing
Battery boxes frequently rust out
Correct ignition stuff is missing about 50% of the time.

If you do not know the person that is selling and their maintenance habits, plan on brakes, bearings, transmission, and transfer case rebuild and if the price is still fair to include rebuilding those items, go for it. Mine is an original 1953 with about 3 coats of military paint and 13,000 miles. I like the original patina and have no thougts of restoring it. What sort of body work and paint has been done and what will you have to do to it. Does it need tires? Batteries? Radiator rebuild? Is it still 24 V?

One real advantage is that you can tuck a jeep into almost any part of the garage. Can't say that about a 5T.

it was Carced up about 5yrs ago, a fresh engine with spares to boot truck came out of fire house and was restored to orginial m38 he removed all the stainless hose reels ect.. I will post pic this weekend it was raining when I looked at it so..

Sounds like a nice starter rig. I have about 7500 in an M38 and it still needs tires, wiring harness, and final body work and paint.
But it will be nice for the next 50 years when it is done.

how much are they asking for it

with out a vehicle to see this is hard , but why not..... they can cost from 500 bucks that does not run and has alot of good parts to 12,000 in perfect shape... over 12 is silly, but I have seen perfect ones for sale for that , and hey it will cost that much in the end to do a real resto anyway.............. Good luck........