1954 M38-A1 RESTORE Questions

Hey guys.

THis is my first post on this site.

A buddy and I are in the process of restoring a 54 Jeep M38A1 .

It came with a Hardtop.........Its an Aluminum Hartop with Hard Doors. Would it be worth selling the top to help fund the project?

Whats a Arctic Top worth?

Its really in good condition . It has very minimal rust and the rust is limited to the rockers.
So far we Pulled the Tub off and guted the tub and prepping it for paint.

We are going to clean up the frame and paint it up nice.

The engine was not in the jeep when we got it but it was on a stand and was just back from the rebuilder. It was rebuilt by a local shop to the tune of (1700.00)


Here are my questions

Should we convert it to 12 volt?
Can we use the starter if we switch to 12 volt system?

Where can we get the stock military style tires?

Any good sites for finding info on the Vin #'s?

Where can I get a paint code to match factory colors?



Thanks GUYS

 

Changing to 12V - My vote is NO

You said "restore." Personally, it kills me to see 24v systems changed. It would likely cost you more than maintaining the existing 24V system. The generator, regulator, distributor, and the starter would have to be changed out.

Then all of the wiring, which is quite well designed on the M38A1 would have to be hacked into -- since the civilian wiring methods are not the same as the military.

Remember, also, that the higher the voltage, the smaller the wire required. So, the existing wiring was designed for a lower ampere capacity than 12v. Of course, military is always overbuilt, so there probably wouldn't be a problem; but still it is a consideration.

My recommendation is to "restore" the 24V system. If it is a restored jeep, it is definitely worth more in original fashion than in "hacked" condition. Another battery is cheaper than retrofitting, and if you have a 12V accessory, tap it off of one of the 12V batteries. (They use 2 12Vs in series)

NDT Tires

The stock military tires (NDT aka Non-Directional Tires) can be sourced at about any tire store. Especially if you have an industrial or agricultural tire store. Denman or Specialty Tires of America (If I recall correctly).

VIN #s and Paint

I would recommend visiting http://www.m38a1.com They are one source to look up hood numbers /VINs etc. And I believe they discuss paint colors also. The site is called "The M38A1 Restoration Site" There are other sites, but this is a good starting place.

Arctic Top

I can't help you with a value. Never really had any desire to have one, but they do occasionally go through eBay and other sites. If it is in good shape, I would guess in the neighborhood of $500 to $1000, but that's just a somewhat educated guess. http://willystech.com has a bulletin board with listings, so you could always list it there.

Good luck with your restoration!