M38A1 vs. 65' Universal CJ5 Seat differences

Ok, I have been trying to locate seat frames for my CJ5. I have been told by several different people that the M38A1 parts vs. the 65 Universal CJ5 parts are interchangeable. Is this TRUE??? I was also told that no ONE makes a reproduction of the original 65' CJ5 seats??? Is this true too? I hope you guys can steer me in the right direction. I gotta have this Jeep ready for the coast this summer. Thanks Vikki(wife)

 

Re: M38A1 vs. 65' Universal CJ5

I'm not sure if they are identical, but the might be. I have some (both sides) for a early CJ5 if you need some. If your interested drop me a message, I live in Kerrville so shipping wont be too bad.

Scott

 

Re: M38A1 vs. 65' Universal CJ5

I don't know what '65 seat frames looked like, but I had to look awhile to find some for my '56. I probably paid too much for them, but I figured I'd better get them while I could, and the seller delivered them from Indiana when they came here for vacation so I couldn't complain. The covers aren't great, but they're usable for awhile.

And, it's my understanding that they AREN'T being reproduced. Here's what mine look like, they're one-piece, welded solid and the cover attaches directly to it. I don't know if yours are the same...

 

Re: M38A1 vs. 65' Universal CJ5

Vikki.

I have both '52 M38A1 and '57 CJ5, all stock. They are very similar, but not entirely identical. Many parts are the same, others will exchange although different, and some won't swap at all.

The seats might easily swap mechanically, but they are not the same-same.

The military seats are much more, er, military... Smaller and more upright. But perfect okay functionally.

Good luck.

Pete

 

OK, having said what I did earlier, those are CJ5/3B seats/frames, from what I'm told. I'm ASSUMING that since the CJ5 and M38A1 are essentially the same, that M38A1 seat frames will fit in a CJ5, or are at least adaptable. I don't think the M38A1 drivers seat frames have the same feet with 3-holes like my CJ's, so you won't have that adjustment capability.

Now, Beachwood Canvas HAS repro frames for M38A1's, and the cushion sets. They also have the recovering kits for early CJ seats like my photos. My frames are welded tubular frames, the springs are part of the frames, and the covers are hog-ringed to the frames. It's my understanding that the M38A1 seat frames have steel pans, and the cushions are separate things that attach/snap to the pans.

Don't take my word for this, I may very well be wrong. Call them yourself and find out for sure. Ain't cheap though. http://www.beachwoodcanvas.com/