My 1952 M38a1

This is my 1952 M38a1. I bought it off a friend of mine and this is how he had. He put HMMWV seats in it and a Chevy S10 motor with 3 speed jeep trans and transfer case and a rear bench seat. And did the desert camo paint job with the Army markings. He also put the CJ5 grill on it.

I plan on putting the old hurricane motor original style trans and transfer case back in which I have all three just have to rebuild the motor. I also and putting the stock style grill back in with the light and going back to 24v. I will probably get rid of the rear seat and get the original style seat too. Then paint it Marine Corps forest green with yellow markings. If I can find the raised air intake and exhaust I love to put those one too.

Sharp looking M38A1! Those HMMWV seats are pretty comfy compared to the stock hmmwv seats. I have been considering that mod to my M38a1.

Thanks. They are better then the stock ones but I am trying to go back to stock look. Since it will be used at different shows sometimes

Do you know the serial number by chance?

MASH 4077 said:

Do you know the serial number by chance?

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I would have to check the data plate why?

Just wondering. My jeep SN is 17418, and the 52 A1 I'm working on it's SN is 17011. So that's 407 between them

Yes get it back to original..(rescue it) a very nice restoration opportunity.

Mine is 20977

Ok must be around an October build date then?

Very close. Sept

They were pouring those things out! My jeep is early September!

I'm starting to rebuild a L head engine to put back in my M38a1. I'm looking for tips for repainting the engine. So far this engine seems to be in good shape, just have to get the valves out and cam then I can get to cleaning.

Dead pilot said:

I'm starting to rebuild a L head engine to put back in my M38a1. I'm looking for tips for repainting the engine. So far this engine seems to be in good shape, just have to get the valves out and cam then I can get to cleaning.

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You mean F-Head right? I don't know of any 38a1s to get L/flat heads. However I can answer some questions and post some photos of a F head I rebuild and painted. I can say if it was 100% correct but looked real nice.

Nice looking M38. Definitely restore to as original as possible.

Jeeagle said:

You mean F-Head right? I don't know of any 38a1s to get L/flat heads. However I can answer some questions and post some photos of a F head I rebuild and painted. I can say if it was 100% correct but looked real nice.

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Yes F head. I was talking to some about them and well I mixed them up. The biggest question right now is with the tear down, do you have to have the special tool to get the valves out or is there another way

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There is a spring compressor designed for Flathead engines you will have to use to remove the valves. Like a big "C" clamp. There are some who just hit the valves with a hammer pooping the keepers off and doing it that way but I do not care for the caveman approach.


Depending on how much of the rebuild you are going to do I would just suggest having the machine shop deal with the Valves, Guides, seals, etc. As well as Cam bearings if applicable in any situation. At least that is what we do. Save time by alot.

A couple of pictures of the M38a1 and the M100 from a 4th July parade

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An older pic at local static display after the repainted

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Very nice!