Project "Bruce" or "Luv-it-or-hate-it" M-38

I spent the day removing the tank and cleaning varnished gas out of it, clearing the lines and installing a new electric fuel pump. It's running great but is making a weird tapping sound, I will be checking that out tomorrow as well as a new seal on the transfer case. I think the thing got cooked in the storage unit.

 

AWESOME STORY!!! Seriously, how often does someone sell their jeep and then end up getting it back that much later in the same exact condition as it left? Very cool and happy to see that im not the only jeep guy to put toyota stuff under their jeep!

 

Very cool That you got it back.

 

Thanks guys, I never expected the response from Enrique, it really was pretty crazy seeing it sitting there untouched and covered with dirt.
My goal is to make it a daily driver, I have a pretty good start but still a long ways to go. To make the best of the seating space I think I will have to relocate the tank from under the seat to under the back between the frame, I should be able to use a Samurai tank pretty easy I will have to re-route the exhaust and put in some kind of filler neck. I don't want to cut the fender wells for seat space but I may, ultimately it needs to be comfortable as I can get it.
I scored a set of new seats locally off of Craigslist, the exact ones I was wanting. I will be selling the M38 front seats, maybe the rear later but not sure yet. Here's what I got:
http://www.mastercraftdefense.com/seats.php

 

That is an incredible story. Don't let it get away again!

 

I think it would have been worth the extra $700, but even better you didn't have to spend it.

 

I have a question, Any idea what these front seats would be worth ? As far as I know the are original M38 and in nice condition, the best place to sell them ? maybe G503 ? the best way to ship them ? Bill F, the under seat box may become available if you're still interested ? I know it's been 3 years I would like to save it but that may not be possible with the new seats.How about the back seat, what do they go for ? Here are a couple pictures, they have new cushions with home made covers(from a army canvas tarp)

 

Go to www.willysmjeeps.com to cell the seats. If you do end up pulling the toolbox let me know.

 

Thanks for the link, will let you know.

 

Awesome thread and story.

 

I got a few things done.
First I removed the toolbox.

 

Then removed the stock tank.

 

I marked, cut and welded my rear wheel wells.

 

In the last picture you can see the simple 1" square tube frame I built for my new seats, 2 more down tubes were added after this picture was taken. I also made brackets for my seat belts (not shown)
seats installed

 

The seats made a huge difference in comfort and made it more enjoyable to drive. Today I made a ammo can console. I marked it to drop down between the seat frame and rear tub floor. Cut it up, flipped, welded then primed it and installed. I like it.

 

looks good

 

Thanks !
I am looking for M38 headlight trim rings, guards,blackout turn signals, gas filler guard, blackout light and mount for the fender, stencils and maybe MB style body grab handles and grill. I may stick with this grill if I get the lights right.
If anybody has some of this stuff or a lead let me know. I have a toolbox, chrome headlight trim to trade if somebody wants or needs them.
I also am having a heck of a time picking a OD green paint. One problem is I would like to use a DIY bedliner inside the tub and have it match. Monstaliner looks promising but it's hard to tell with their samples and pictures. I guess I need to order some spray cans to test. Any other ideas ? Any pictures of your OD green Jeeps and what paint you used ?

 

Did you end up looking into the Monstaliner? I just ordered some color samples, I definitely want something I can roll on. A PO sprayed zolatone all over the tub interior (a white/gray/black speckle that actually wasn't too bad), but I want something that I can roll on instead of spray that messy stuff. Now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder if I can do a very light top rolled coat to achieve a similar two-tone speckled look... hmmm

 

I am going to have to steal that ammo can console idea. I also have a 1x1 tube frame i built for my seats so this is perfect.