M-38 Research Archives

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1952 M-38 Wenatchee, Wa $1300

• CATEGORIES: M-38 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

There might be some value here.

“Needs work. Body needs welding due to cracks but is restorable. Unfortunately it has a 302 in it and saginaw steering. And the emergency brake was cut out of the dash. Missing the plate for the dash guage cluster, but guages are there. has the 24 volt hatch on the cowl. I took off the old fenders that were wrong as was the grille. So the ones on it now are correct. But due to the V-8 the radiator will not fit unless you cut the shroud and I could not bring my self to do that. Engine has been started before radiator was removed so I know it runs. But the brake master cylinder needs rebuilt. With those correct and some spot welding of the body it would be road ready. The cracks are from someone that apparently did not know how to weld so they repaired the cracks in the body with fiberglass and bondo which made them worse, but fixable. Top is a actual M38 top and will fit a 3A. Top alone is worth $400 or more and has the doors inside. Seats has legs cut to extend for some tall dude. But can be repaired or put 3A seats in since they are the same. This is basically a military version of a 3A. Has floating rear axles which are sought after. The price is less than what I have into it. have too many jeeps so If you have a L head that has been rebuilt and has all the papers I may consider a trade. If you don’t want the 302 and want to pull it I will swap with a 4 cylinder L head that needs rebuilt but is not a M38 engine. Also may consider a newer utility trailer with sides and ramp for my wide model ATV. Has to be wider than a cargo trailer since mine is to narrow to haul it. Also have other 40’s jeeps that I am selling. They are also projects. I am just too tired to put all these and the other project together. Would hate to see it but with the rear end and engine this would make a good rock crawler. Also have a Buick 225 that I bought rebuilt and have clutch kit still in the box for sale.”

http://kpr.craigslist.org/bar/2040209633.html

 
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1952 M-38 Body Monterey, CA $500

• CATEGORIES: M-38 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

No pics provided.

“For sale is an original 1952 M38 military tub (main body) with the front fenders, all restorable. The tub needs work but isn’t that hard to bring back to life. The fenders especially are in good shape, especially for their age. This was the “last of the flatfender” Jeeps, similar to the CJ3A civilian version but military instead. the M38 had a tailgate as standard, but no tailgate is included with the tub. Ther are some extra M38 items I have I won’t be needing but I’m perfectly willing to include with the sale of the tub. I need some of my hangar space back. The tub and its bits will fit in a good-sized pickup truck; it fits fine in my 1989 Ford F250 (which is also for sale, price on request if interested). Call 831 372 9215 for more details.  Photos on request.”

http://monterey.craigslist.org/pts/2041062690.html

 
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1951 M-38 Camas, WA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: M-38 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $400

Here’s a project.

“1951 Willy’s and 85 four-cylinder automatic transmission to front clips all the military tags and title $400 OBO.”

 
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1952 M-38 Gulf Breeze, FL **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $10,500.

Ray forwarded this M-38.

“Great looking jeep., M38 Military all original. all working condition. runs like a champ, Great beach vehicle, good for parades or just cruisin the coast. rebuilt engine in 2005. everything works, including 4 wheel drive, all lights , even the original Black out lights, Has a very rare hand crank siren, summer top is removable and can be stored on jeep.  I also have a M100 1951 trailer for sale and many misc parts for jeep. I am willing to consider a trade for a newer Jeep wrangler of same value.”

 
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1952 M-38 Tremont, Oh $500

• CATEGORIES: M-38 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s a M-38 in pieces.  It is listed as a 1953, but it’s probably a 1952.

“1953 M38 Willys Jeep, torn down, ready to restore. I have all the parts, flat head 4 cylinder needs rebuilt, 2 manual transmissions, 2 hoods, body in rough shape. $500.00 or best offer.”

http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/2023397906.html

 
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1951 M-38? Mesa, AZ **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: M-38, trailer This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  **SOLD** Was $5900

(08/27/2010) I can’t tell if this is a M-38 or a CJ-3A.

“FOR SALE 1951 WILLYS JEEP,MOSTLY RESTORED,NEW MILITARY TIRES, WINCH, ALL GOOD WORKING ORDER. $5900”

 

 
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1952 M-38 Durango, Co $1700

• CATEGORIES: M-38 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  Price dropped to $1700

(10/11/2010) Jim’s got this M-38 for sale.  It needs a little TLC.  Jim knows his jeeps and will deal straight with you.

“A good winter project, flat OD green, orginal 4 cylinder flathead motor and drivetrain would make a cool hunting jeep. Needs a battery and some TLC but runs and drives pretty good, has brakes, has brand new mud/snow 6.50X16 tires, I have an excellent windshield frame with good glass and extras like ammo cans, military gas can, spare wheel etc. I also have a brand new set of military canvas seats that could be bought separate or maybe part of the deal. No title, just a bill of sale. If you need a title you can get one through broadway title or one of the other title companies, cost $120 and takes 10 days.”

http://westslope.craigslist.org/cto/2019856878.html

 
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1951 M-38 Lampasas, Tx **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2500.

(08/09/2010) This appears solid.

“1951 willys jeep 4×4 327 v/8 engine runs great. road ready.”

After Paint Job:

Before Paint Job:

 
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1951 M-38 Seagoville, Tx $4900

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This looks to be in excellent shape (at least from the front).

“Jeep Willis 1951 Standard Transmission. If interested in seeing this vehicle please call:
Seagoville Motors (972)-333-9315.”

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/2008367563.html

 
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1950 M-38 Denver, Co $5900

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This looks like a good build.

“1950 Jeep WILLYS 4X4. Mileage says 87K but it is unknown as if this is accurate as they have changed the gauges and my dad got it as a payment for money owed.so it’s newly in our possession. Runs Good. 4speed 4w drive. Great shape. email inquiries for now.”

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2004570197.html

 
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Year? M-38 Lake County, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: M-38 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $500

(09/30/2010) The body might be M-38, but the frame appears not to be.

“I have a 1951-1952 Korean war Willys jeep rolling chassis w/ body, transmission. this is a project. Serious only please. Body has serial tags on it still for verifcation MC#’s 4×4 etc. make it orginal or 350 chevy? etc. Great old jeep to have!”

 
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1952 M-38 El Monte, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5500.

This might not be a bad price depending on the severity of the rust.

“UP FOR SALE IS A 1952 WILLY’S JEEP IN GREAT CONDITION. RUNS GREAT, ALL MAINTENACE RECORDS KEPT. HAS SOME MINOR RUST, BUT IN GREAT CONDITION. INTERIOR IS IN GREAT CONDITION. PINK SLIP. MUST SEE. PLEASE CALL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS”

 
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1946 CJ-2A Joseph, Or **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, M-38 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2700.

(Apr 4, 2009) My first inclination is that this is an M-38 body due to the cutouts on the passenger side.  However, there’s no opening for the gas tank on the driver’s side.  So, I’m gonna guess this might be an aftermarket body replacement.  There are interesting shutoff valves on the rubber tubing that feeds water towards the heater core. Not sure what they are for.  There was an Overdrive with this, but maybe it was sold?

“1946 Willys CJ-2A, Buick V-6, 4-speed, Dana 18 transfer case, power steering, soft top and doors, heater, newer seats front and rear, newer fuel tank, chrome rims with 31 inch all terrains. $3000 or trade. More vehicle features: 2 Door; Four Wheel Drive; Manual Transmission; Dana 44 Rear; Full Size Spare; Locking Hubs; Oversize Fuel Tank; Oversized Tires; Roll Bars.”

 
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1952 M-38 Saratoga, Ny $6500

• CATEGORIES: M-38 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

It sounds like a low mileage, solid jeep, but isn’t completely stock (rear bumper for starters).

“1952 jeep willys m38-1-a beautiful condition, only 7490 mi. frame in body rock solid . Engine runs great. This was school owned it was only used on bus garage grounds. its an original army jeep from the korean war era was what they drove around in on the show MASH. call 518-860-8857 T.Y. was on road as of this month. taking off road this week.”

http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/1992686664.html

 
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2 CJ-2A(s)? Jackson Cty, MS **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, M-38 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000.

(10/06/2009) “Two early Willys jeeps. One is an “Army jeep,” and may be a very rare variant made by Willys in 1946 for the Coast Guard, and the other is a definitely a ’46 CJ2A (it has a nameplate). From my purely novice viewpoint, it looks a lot like the CJ2A, but I’m selling it without claiming it to be any particular model. I just don’t know myself to be able to say. It has “battle wheels and tires.” I do know both are 1940s models (everyone seems to agree on that point) and the army one had a PTO (it has a pillow block in the original bumper) in the front and has an odd-ball “government-issue” hitch and tow-bar. The CJ2A is complete incl. engine, the other is minus the engine, but the rest of the drivetrain appears complete. Both need a fair amount of work if the buyer wants to restore them to original, but you could probably get a running jeep in a full weekend of work, maybe less. There is enough here to get one complete, running jeep and have a fair boneyard left over. The bodies are, as these things are generally found, both pretty good. I had gotten these intending to make one out of both, but have been told they are collectible and it’s probably best not to do that. I don’t have the time or really, the interest or desire, to restore them myself. I’ve checked eBay, etc., and know that these are not just “old jeeps,” so please, no low-ball offers.”

2jeeps_jackson

 
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John’s ‘new’ M-38

• CATEGORIES: Features, M-38 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

John contacted me last month asking me to comment on several different jeeps he wanted to purchase.  His goal was to buy an older jeep and had several in his area (midwest) he was choosing between.  I thought it might be helpful to share my thought processes involved in helping John.

He narrowed his choice down to between a 42/43 GPW, a 1947 CJ-2A military clone, and a restored M-38 (though missing a few of he details of a polished restoration). He said he was only going to use the vehicle for around town trips and did not plan to offroad it at all. He asked for my opinion and here are summaries of my responses.

GPW: The GPW looked pretty good, however there had been a good deal of work done to the front areas of the frame (welds along the top and bottom near the bumper brackets, along with indentations along the side of the frame indicate lots of grinding).  It had been patched together from the inside and ground down on the outside to make it appear smooth.  I’m sure it was solid enough to meet his needs, but I think it dropped the value somewhat.  If this is equal in price to the M-38, than personally I would go with the M-38.

CJ-2A Military Clone: I’m sure this would be a solid jeep to drive around, though this jeep should be priced significantly lower than the other two; Given the dirty condition of the engine, I’d be a little worried that the drive train hasn’t been examined recently (perhaps the seller has indicated that the drive train has been rebuilt?).  Since it is your desire to have a vehicle that is dependable out of the box, I’m less sure this one is for you.  Price-wise, this should be quite a bit less than the others given it’s blended history, say in the $3500-$4500 price range at most.

M-38: It isn’t a perfect restoration (for example, the tranny cover has plenty of dents and imperfections), but it looks very solid, which meets your needs.  The M-38 should hold its value well, as there were fewer of these made then most any other model.

Out of the three, I liked the M-38 best for him, as the seller had good pics showing the initial state of the vehicle before restoration, during restoration and after restoration.  There was also room for John to make value-added improvements, such as adding stickers and other details.

John has owned it a few weeks now and I asked him how he liked it.  He wrote back, “I know that it will have issues only because it is an old jeep. It has lots of funny noises and stuff that I’m not used to. It took me awhile to get used to a choke and floor start and throttle. It has the overdrive which i guess i should just leave alone. The guy i got it from forgot to put new cotter keys in the whole front end so that spooked me after I found it but no problem. He left one of the plugs out of the front steering knuckle so I’m going to have to get one. He welded new bracing underneath and did a pretty good job, but there are a couple of spots that could have been better. The motor really seems to run good. I’m still kind of terrified of the 24 volt system like if it ever stalls how the hell do you jump it. I’m kind of getting used to the shift pattern and double clutching to get in third without a small grind but its ok. All in all, I didn’t get it for a show jeep, just for tooling around town. My town is around 14 thousand people and they have never seen anything like this. The little kids give me the thumbs up and the old guys smile.”

Congrats John!  Here are some pics. In the first two you can see the pre-restoration starting point.  The work was done by Eric out of Granite City, Illinois.

Here, much work has been done.

Now it is close to being finished and readied to be sold:

John added some stickers and now has a great little jeep:

 
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1952 M-38 Penrose, Co $5000

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This looks like it might be a good price.

“Nearly completely restored willys military jeep, very little work left to be done. Would make a great addition to a military collector. More pics upon request. Not interested in any trades $5000 Firm.”

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/1978751411.html

 
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1952 M-38 Columbus, Ms $3200

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This appears pretty stock.  I don’t know much about the electric Braden Winch.

“This M38 has quite a storied past. It is a great Jeep in excellent restorable condition. Other than two small spots behind the passenger seat, it’s rust free. Even the tool box is sound. The Jeep runs. It has a period correct Braden electric winch. The Jeep was delivered March/52, I don’t don’t know when the winch showed up, but it’s been there a while. This is a good sound Jeep, unusual for around here. It’s best to give me a call and lets talk about it. Mechanically it will need a complete going through, but the body work is going to be minimal since there’s no patch panels of any kind needed. Jeep is located in Columbus, MS I will not separate the winch from the Jeep. 85zero – 59six – 300four”

http://memphis.craigslist.org/cto/1979821357.html

 
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1951 M-38 Southern Florida Make Offer

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Looks nice enough. However, I don’t want to install the microsoft software necessary to view the rest of the pics.

“Museum quality Military Jeep in mint condition. Perfect for avid collctors. Garage kept for 37 years, And only has 9,858 miles. Same condition as when the military purchased it in 1950. Please call 813-662-0961 or e-mail.

Images available: http://cid-bb3aee685b810eeb.photos.live.com/play.aspx/Jeep%20Pictures?Bsrc=EMSHYH&Bpub=SN.Notifications

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/1976552748.html

 
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1948 CJ-2A/M-38 Redondo Beach, Ca **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, M-38 • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $9999.

Quinn’s selling his nicely built Jeep.

“Super Clean 1948 M38/ CJ2 Jeep Willys.  Recently 98+% restored (only 300 miles on the build); professionally rebuilt and balanced 225 V6 with documentation of quality parts , professionally rebuilt T90 manual transmission with a WARN overdrive & a new clutch, professionally refreshed T18 transfer case, new transmission mounts and excellent motor mounts, new advanced adapter headers, new custom Magnaflow exhaust, new 4 barrel Edelbrock carb, new electronic fuel pump, new alternator, new window wiper motors, new window rubber, high-end Optima battery, new water pump, new electric fan and new stainless flex fan, recently pressure tested and conditioned radiator, new radiator hoses and new belts, newer brakes & wheel cylinders, new brake lines, newer 33 X 12.50″ tires (95% tread), newer six point roll cage, new bikini top, rhino lined interior and undercarriage, recently painted frame and axles, excellent heavy duty leaf springs with HD leaf spring brackets, new gas tank, several new gauges, LED tail lights, new power steering lines, 8000lb winch, new custom hitch, billet rear view mirror and billet shifter knobs, custom made shifter boots, Sony removable face CD player with IPOD connection, Kenwood in-dash speaker, upgraded steering column (I Did It style), great looking front seats with a heavy duty mounting bracket, rear bench seat that matches the front seats included (not shown in the pictures).

This Jeep gets a lot of attention and drives exceptionally well! Similar restored Jeeps sell for 15K+. Save yourself a lot of time and money and start having fun driving this great vehicle today! $10,499. The Jeep is registered in CA with a CLEAN title. Even though the Jeep can easily climb rocks and maneuver tough terrain, I never drive her in the dirt. She is”

Continue reading

 
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1950 M-38 Inland Empire, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  **SOLD** Was $900

(06/15/2010) This looks a bit rough.

“1950 willy project, military version, Does not run but all there, Has all 3 factory seats, has rust but repairable. I live in Fallbrook, Email your number and I will call you back. Thanks $1250

 
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1952 M-38 Edmonds, Wa $4000

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This looks solid.

“1952 M38 Willys Military Jeep. Jeep in very nice condition with minor modifications like ovedrive, but could be returned to original condition for a collectible restoration. Has been in the family for 42 years. 10 spare mil tires and lots of original mil detail parts come with jeep.”

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/1969949422.html

 
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1950 M-38 Richfield, Ut $4,500

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This looks pretty stock and pretty solid.

“Its a army issued jeep. We have a top and doors thar are not on it right now. It is stoored inside. Its all original”

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=0&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=3148268

 
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1952 M-38 Denver, Co **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **Status Unknown** Was on eBay.

This is interesting because it is being sold by the Department of Corrections of Colorado.

“Ready to be restored, minimal rust, body solid. Vehicle runs, hard to start, any known mechanical problems are noted; if none are noted, none were identified when the vehicle was turned in. Vehicle has: minimal body damage, dents and dings, minor rust and peeling; NO EMISSIONS, must be registered outside AIR counties or sold to dealer; DR 2023, no brakes, unsafe to drive; tread: average wear, ~ 50 % remaining; pitted windshield; vinyl cloth seat, metal floor.”

Continue reading

 
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1951 M-38 Avon Park, Fl $10,000

• CATEGORIES: M-38 • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Still Available

(10/04/2009) There’s a variety of minor issues with the dashboard, but it generally appears in good condition.

“1951 m38 restored 5 years ago. all origional body. no rust rebuilt engin, and transmission 12volt. approx 700 miles since rebuild.”

http://lakeland.craigslist.org/cto/1966655687.html

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