1951 M38A1.......help!

I recently purchased a 1951 M38A1 jeep. Upon getting it back to my shop and dismantling the interior, I have yet to find rust. It still has the brass plate on the dash, u.s. fire extinguisher and foxhole shovel. Glass, seats and mats are in excellent condition. Blackout lights work, as do the gauges. It still has the 24v system in it, however the starter has gone south. The wiring is dry rotted, and there are obvious shorts in the wiring, as the battery drains overnight. My question is, would it be more beneficial to convert to 12v, or redo the existing electrical, including the harness. I thought gas prices were high until I priced these parts. I am use to restoring chevrolet 4x4 trucks, so this is a new to me. I truly hate to alter the character of this vehicle by performing a wiring transplant. Would it be, me bieng a novice and soliciting your expertise and knowledge, advantageous to convert, or should I sell the jeep and stick with what I know? Any advice, schematics or address' would be of utmost help. Thank you in advance

 

Gosh, that sounds like a good start on a restoration to me. The MVs can be worth a lot of money if they are a faithful restoration, plus you get to drive in parades... I know what you mean about the 24V electricals - they have been wildly expensive ever since I remember (ca 35-40 years ago). The best site that I know of is G503.com, aka the G. There may be a source for the original harness that they can tell you about.

 

Doesn't beechwood canvas have original harnesses?

 

Peter DeBella should have harnesses and other military parts. Also Midwest Military, Beachwood Canvas, and I've seen several other places. If it's that close to stock, I'd definitely restore it rather than customize it. Got any photos? And hwere are you? Fill in your profile so we know where you are! And Welcome from Denver!

Also, wouldn't a 1951 be an M38, not an M38A1? Does it have flat fenders?

Does it look like this? 1950-1952 M38.


Or this? 1952-19?? M38A1.

 

Please please please do not convert it to 12 Volt. You have an excellent piece of history there. I recently owned a 52 M38 that I was restoring. One of my biggest complaints (and costs) was trying (and note I say trying) to convert it back to 24V. There are plenty of places that have the wiring harnesses. You can try midwest military, beachwood, Debella, etc. I think I remember that all wiring harness sub parts totaled arounf $500. Small money for the value of having all original and very small money for what the next owner will have to endure if they want to restore it. I will be glad to help in any way I can if you get the urge to convert.

 

No what?

 

I really appreciate you guys helping me out. First off, I live in Newton, Texas. The man I purchased the vehicle from said it was a 1950, but the title says 51. It does not have the flat fenders, rather the latter ones. The ID plate states it as a M38A1, but I really could not tell you. I know that the parts are all original, and I know it came from ellington AFB below Houston, Texas. It was used in the 70"s to ferry pilots. It was repainted blue, and what I am assuming are jump seats were added above both rear wheelwells, double, bus type bench seats facing one another. I am unable to locate a local rebuilder, however found one in Houston who will attempt to rebuild it, if cannot-no charge. Nice guy! I truly am opting to maintain the original concept and restoring it back to original, due to the small amount of work required to get it there, and the pride, as well as integrity, the jeep deserves. Thanx for the tips, sites and vendors

 

The first m38a1 was 1952. I dont believe any where made in 51. On your right bottom data plate is should give a date of delivary.

 

STAY 24 VOLT...If you need a starter or what-ever let me know.. Spend 500.00 on a wiring harness from VINTAGE WIRING they are the best that I have used..I also have a 51 M38A1 ..its delivery was 11/51 ..First thing to do is buy manual for it and go from there..www.debellajeepparts.com he seems to be the most resonable ..

 

I have a '52 A1. I LOVE the 24 volt system. All the components are over built and incredibly reliable, waterproof and so on.

Our government spent huge amounts of our money putting these parts in, why take them out?

Pete