~ Photos and information sent by Kenneth Droll, for many more photos of his restoration go to his photo album on the Kaiser Willys Blog.
In 1973 my dad bought the 1953 M38A1 Army Surplus. Dad and got it running and street legal for Ohio standards. Since I was too young to drive yet my brother drove the Jeep for a year and then joined the Army. So then I got too drive the Jeep to school for two years and when I joined the Army and the Jeep went into the barn to live for over 35 years resting into the ground. So in 2011 I drove up from Tennessee and rescued her from the grave. I spent from January 2011 till May 2016 fixing her up. Dad died in February 2016 never seeing the finished Jeep. Now the Jeep will live in Tennessee and will outlive another generation and more.
Here are some photos of the new Jeep wiring. I’m going to hook up all the wires outside of the dash, just to make sure everything works, then shorten the wires and install them behind the dash.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Kenneth Droll
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I would like to sell my two! My husband passed away and it was his dream to drive these in parades for the Vets!
One of the photos shows what appears to be a Rotisserie adapter for the BendPak lift. Is this a BendPak accessory, locally custom made, or perhaps from another company?
Outstanding job! I picked up an M38A1 a few years back – hope to frame off restore it soon. My first vehicle was a ’66 CJ5, bought in ’71, I think, for $800 or so. I’ve loved CJ’s to this day.
Best to you,
Allan
Outstanding. I esp enjoyed the wiring photos. I have a 58 CJ5 with positive ground wiring and I’d love to have the original wiring restored.
LOOKS GREAT!! i HAVE ONE SITTING INMY GARAGE. cANT FIND AN ENGINE.
You done a really nice job on your dad,s jeep. Thank all of you who have served and are serving now. t Welcome back home brothers.?-3/17th Air Cav 1Avn Bgd—–Dian An,Viet Nam
You did good that is the kinda job everyone wants to do and you did it. I can’t decide what paint job to do on my 47 CJ-2A I got it when I left my security Job and semi retired into Home Depot. A freind of mine started to restore it sprayed the cylinders let it sit for a while and broke her loose but they stopped working on it because the battery died and they (his dad and Tim my fellow worker), were working on two classic MG’s thats been a dream of theirs for awhile. he had converted it into 12 volt they had a bunch of new parts with it new carb, an electric fuel pump, oil bath a lot of stuff and never through anything away they even had a new passenger windshield they bought the other was smashed pretty bad. I paid him 2500 for it got it home new battery had to break the distributor free it turned over but it was way out of time because of the distributor it was 90 degrees off that was a job getting it free I timed it in, also I realized that these dist. run counterclockwise and my wires were the opposite about 2 weeks of tapping and heat and freeze and PB blaster i finally got it out and got it true timed through the flywheel. That flathead runs like a top of course I have to put lead additive in the gas.
When I get ready to do something on it i always start it up for inspiration. I also acquired a whole frame from a 46 along with a tranny and a transfer case and the differentials, someone did a classic 2 inch maybe a little more lift by putting the axels under rather than over the springs. my grandpa had a 68 I think and I have wanted one ever since, that was 50 yrs ago after retiring from the Navy as a 1st class BT at the tail end of Nam in 74-78, then reserves 99 I retired from a pottery making toilets and then worked for a defense company for another 20 I love this Jeep I love God and Family more of course but what a thrill along the way YFICA Boiler Tech. 1st Class Russ Harper USN RET.
Those were real Jeeps, rugged and reliable.
Jim Sanders,
Your comment to original post was dated 2.5 years ago. Do you still have your 52 M3-8a1? I bought one a year ago and it might be fun to meet!
Dave Beadles
Ken- A nice historical restoration and you kept the 24-V electrical! I would suggest you add the rollbar like your father had on this M38A1. Also 3-point shoulder belts.
Hi, I think your M38a1 is a 1952 model. I have just restored one and according to the book there is a way to determine a 1952 from other years being, the seam where the fender meets the body is slanted on approx 45 degrees on the 52 and is vertical on all the other years.
Great job! I have a 1952 M38A1, and it is nearly restored. I was able to drive it in last December’s Christmas parade. I got lots of grins and waves. I’m not yet done with it, but it’s registered, titled, tagged, and insured, so I drive it on errands, etc. I still need the markings, stars, and a few other items, but I ran out of money a while back, so I’ll drive it, play with it, take it to the deer woods, etc., until I get it finished. I plan to use the unit designations used on the the- brand-new M151s that we were issued at Fort Carson CO in 1962: 5M 3BDE 2/61 B3 (Fifth Mech. Inf. Div., 3rd Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 61st Infantry, B Co., Vehicle no.3 [Weapons Platoon Leader]) We had 2 M38A1Cs in the weapons platoon, each carrying a 106mm recoilless antitank gun, plus brand-new Dodge M37B1s for the mortar crews and FDC. I’ll send pix when I get it done.
Ken, Awesome Jeep. Very professional job. I have a 52 I am in the middle of restoring also. I am curious what kind of 12 and 24 volt circuit breakers you are using? I would like to do something similar. Thank you for your service. Brian
Wow! Awesome job! I’m jealous!! I have a ’53 as well. Been in the family since ’73. Hoping to do a total restore, like yourself soon! Thanks for the inspiration!
Great Job …I also have a 1953M Grand Kids love the rides
Great job,I also have a 1953 M38A1,Note your front shackles should be flipped . The shackle will lay better.
Hi, name is Ira Jones and I am doing the same thing, I am down to the frame and will be having it sandblasted soon, then pri,er paint. this is the same jeep i drove in vietnam. I purchased two of these jeeps for parts, and am rebuilding one out all the parts, will have a extra motor also
ira jones
Ken, I bought a M38A1 in Georgia in 2004. Apparently it had been at Ft. Gordon, GA and was relatively rust free. Since then, I have replaced the engine and had a good paint job. I had the transmission and transfer case rebuilt and wheel bearings replaced. It’s in better shape than the M151’s I was issued in the Army. Thanks for the detailed photographs. These are great vehicles. Gene P. LTC, rtd.
Nice job Kenneth,
I’m sure your Dad was pleased in seeing your interest in restoring the family heirloom, he must have seen quite a bit of progress.
Pete Capone,
wow. great job!
Hi Ken. I’m sure your dad’s smiling down at you for preserving his/yours wonderful vehicle.May you have many years of good memories with the M38A1. Restoring these historic vehicles is a tribute to All who Serve! God Bless you and Your Brother for your service!