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1950 Cj3a

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by Downs, Sep 7, 2021.

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  1. Sep 7, 2021
    Downs

    Downs Rattlecan All The Things!

    Hunt County Texas
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    Sunday morning I'll be making a trek to Oklahoma to look at a 1950 CJ3A. Owner claims to have put a lot of new parts on and switched to a 12V system prior to the engine "blowing up". These are the photos I have. Is there anything specific to the 3As I should be watching out for when I go to inspect it? As of now I plan on buying it and bringing it home unless I find something way out of whack.
     
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  2. Sep 7, 2021
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    I don’t see any pics?

    There’s not a whole lot as far as difference between these and a 5. Hat channel, spare mount, frame cracks at the hangers…
    You can also check for bulges in the windshield frame down by the hinge. Water liked to get trapped in there and freeze, expanding the square tubing into round tubing, and even splitting it open.
     
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  3. Sep 7, 2021
    Downs

    Downs Rattlecan All The Things!

    Hunt County Texas
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    I forgot to attach them because I got in a hurry.

    CJ3.jpg cj3-1.jpg cj3-2.jpg cj3-3.jpg cj3-5.jpg cj3-7.jpg cj3-8.jpg cj3-9.jpg
     
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  4. Sep 7, 2021
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    Others are more knowledgeable when it comes to the minutia, but I don’t think that’s a ‘50 3a. The windshield is, but the rear axle is very early 2a or military, and the frame horns are 2a I believe.
     
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  5. Sep 7, 2021
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
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    Also has 2A seat frames and I believe that’s a
    Military fender.
    So all in all it’s more like a 2A or hodge lodge at best.
     
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  6. Sep 7, 2021
    Downs

    Downs Rattlecan All The Things!

    Hunt County Texas
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    Good information so far thanks guys. My knowledge base of the early Jeeps is limited for sure but I'm ok with a hodge podge Jeep, not looking to do a full 100% restore.
     
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  7. Sep 8, 2021
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    The only 3A part I am seeing is the windshield.

    I would suspect early 2A. Check for column shift evidence, such as the studs on the side of the transmission.

    1945 and early 46 2As used leftover military parts. I see the VIN tag is missing, but it also on the driver's side front frame horn. I am not seeing the tool indents on the driver's side either.

    IF it is a 45 or 46, I would suggest doing a full restoration. Those are quite valuable.
     
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  8. Sep 8, 2021
    Buster1

    Buster1 New Member

    Ft Worth
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    Lots and lots of similarities to my ‘50 M38. Either way, it’s a sweet Jeep there!
     
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  9. Sep 8, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Thus explaining the full-floater rear axle? Doesn't the MB/GPW use a 27 full-floater rear? I recall it's often changed out for the stronger 41 or 44 on a de-mil WWII Jeep.

    Whatever it is, I would be pleased to have it. There's plenty of good Jeep there.
     
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  10. Sep 8, 2021
    Downs

    Downs Rattlecan All The Things!

    Hunt County Texas
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    Whats the parts availability look like for the L134?

    Current owner said he did all the parts replacment he mentioned in his ad and the engine "blew" 6 months later. None of the stuff he mentioned was engine related. He wasn't more clear other than "the engine blew"

    Im guessing best case blown head gasket worst case I'll have to source a salvage engine or block. I'll have to investigate more if I come home with it.
     
  11. Sep 8, 2021
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

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    Early 2A’s used a model 23-2 rear axle assembly.
    Unlike the 4.88 military 23-2 the 2A axles are 5.38 ratio.
    Essentially the 23-2 carrier section is identical to the model 25 front axle.
    They have a reputation for axle breakage when used as a rear axle.

    You should be able to source all parts for an L-134.

    Upon closer inspection (not enough detail shown)
    I can’t say for sure that those are 2A frames.
    That said if it’s a 2A tub you need 2A seat frames.
    If it’s a 3A tub then you need 3A/B seat frames.
    2A wheelhouse flat measures 34” while 3A wheelhouse flat measures 32”.
     
    Last edited: Sep 8, 2021
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  12. Sep 8, 2021
    Downs

    Downs Rattlecan All The Things!

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    I wonder if that color is "Luzon Red"? If so maybe an early 47 model? Given the parts ya'll have described? I'll know for sure on Sunday when I get up there and inspect it. Is there a specific part on the driver's side framehorn that the serial number is located?
     
  13. Sep 8, 2021
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

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    I wonder if its an MB frame with a 3A tub?
     
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  14. Sep 8, 2021
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

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    Yes, the earliest 2As had the full floater like what Ken said.
     
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  15. Sep 8, 2021
    52M38-73CJ5

    52M38-73CJ5 Member

    Wenatchee WA
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    looks like a good rig to build.
     

    Attached Files:

  16. Sep 12, 2021
    Downs

    Downs Rattlecan All The Things!

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    The only SN I could find was on the toebox support.

    20210912_122518.jpg
     
  17. Sep 12, 2021
    Downs

    Downs Rattlecan All The Things!

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    Also it starts and moves. It appears to be a blown headgasket. Water in oil, oil in radiator, and white smoke from tailpipe.
     
  18. Sep 22, 2021
    mortten

    mortten I can’t put my finger on it 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Blocks like to crack between 2 and 3 cylinders
     
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  19. Sep 22, 2021
    Downs

    Downs Rattlecan All The Things!

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    Some progress a few days ago. I was hoping to get the tub off yesterday but got caught up wrapping up the M416 and taking kids to school and some other chores.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    And some more ID photos.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  20. Sep 23, 2021
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

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    That looks like a fun project.

    You might want to put that rear driveshaft on the list of things to check out before you plan any road trips. :D It looks like it might be riding on the last inch of splines in the slip joint.
     
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