My love for Jeeps started when I was a lil boy. Riding with my dad to check cattle and remote fences. In 2010 I got very sick and couldn’t do much. My doctor wanted me to get more exercise, or do something active. I was looking around our cattle ranch and noticed my old Willys M38A1 Jeep sitting in a junk pile. I thought to myself there’s a good way to keep busy, restoring an old friend that I call “Ray’s Jeep”. So the journey started, first I cleaned the fuel system out and rigged up batteries on the fender and hung an old gas tank from the windshield frame. After a 1/2 hour or so the old Jeep popped and finally started after sitting for 15 years untouched. That was enough to get me motivated to get that old friend looking cool again. First thing I purchased was a brand new 12v high torque starter from Kaiser Willys. What a difference having the engine turn over so quickly and smooth. After 2+ years I’m about 75% done with some body work needed and finish up the interior. What an inspirational way to see a dream come alive and therapy on my ailing body. Thanks to all Jeep heads out there keeping these old “friends’ alive!!
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Raymond Pombo
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The last of the real jeeps, an icon of vehicles. If there is a lot of body work you might consider getting a new tub through kaiserwillys.com. Dave & Sasha
Well donne, use a jeep as medication. It is interresting to see how many people have bin able to improve there health thanks to a jeep. And your M38 A1 look good a gain. Wish you lots of good rides..
I am rebuilding a 1953 CJ 3b. I founf mine in a hay field It was in bad shape axiles tore down and engine head removed. body in bad shape. I am keeping a photo lof on the rebuild. . Its a on going adventure.
Great story. Hope it has been helpful to you.
Neat to see the street tires. Dad bought a new 48 Jeep Pickup for our ranch when I was 9 and it came with street treads. Never stuck it. He traded it for a 55 which came with the Hurricane 6 and knobby tires. It could get buried before you could get off the gas pedal. I got a near original 53 CJ3B 5 years ago and painted it army green. It has been a fun workhorse for our 40 acres and some parades. Jeeps are a special breed.
Peace and best wishes for your healing.
Great Willys, wish I still had one.
Bob