The beginning of my passion for Jeeps began in 1960, with my fathers CJ-3A Jeep that I learned to drive when I was 8 years old. So, always I desired to have one equal, so I bought mine in 1988.
It was a civilian model but, as I like all about WWII, it was my intention to transform my CJ-3A in a military model. I bought many Jeep´s books in England, like “M38 JEEPS In Detail”, by David Doyle, and I decided to restore mine as an M38, because it was more faithful, including the year of manufacture: 1951 = from Korean War time.
Analyzing the literature of M38, I knew that it was a hard job, but in 2007 I did the first approximation, but many items were missing. Last year I decided to complete the job, so I did a complete restoration, including a new body. From my old Jeep I used only the tail gate, windshield frame, front grille and hood.
All mechanical parts were restored, like chassis, transmission, engine (go devil) etc. The electrical system remains 12 volts, but I installed the second battery box. The job demanded one year of effort and now only the fuel tank neck and lid must be changed, which I have and need to do in the next days. About the color -Sahara beige – I decide to use because this was the original color since I bought the vehicle. Now, using it is such a pleasure!
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Paulo Wilson, visit Paulo’s Blog Album for more photos.
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Great detail in everyway! Thank you for the inspiration.
To John:
Thank you for your comments. About the restoration, first of all I think that maintain the original characteristics and integrity is very important and restore a civilian model is certainly easier that a military one. You need to know all details of the original model, using informations you can keep in specialized books. You can find some in http://www.jeepworld.co.uk. Kaizer Willys can help you also. The other difficulty is the specialized labor, mainly here in Brazil, I don´t know how it is where you live. Have a good job and good lucky.
To Nasir Notia:
Thank you for your congratulations. The origin of your VW Type 181 is the Kubelwagem. Here in Itu city – São Paulo – Brazil – where I live, I have a friend – http://www.penattireplicas.com.br – that manufacture its replica´s . You can see in his site. Best regards.
What a great job Paulo. I have a 1949 CJ-3A, but mine doesn’t look as good as yours. Nice history also.
Hi Dad! Congratulations for all your effort on that! It is my pleasure to have learned how to drive in your Jeep. It will be in my memory for ever!
Great job!,..congrats on your Jeep retoration. I bet it draws a lot of attention. I am presently restoring a VW Thing Type 181 in Karachi Pakistan and using some parts of the Jeep, like the side mirrors, lights, tires etc.
Paulo, parabéns ! O Jeep ficou uma beleza ! Abraço
NICE job!,..congrats on your Jeep. I bet it draws LOTS of attention.
Excellent restoration!
I like your Jeep alot. Great color and excellent restoration.
Nice, really nice. Have a 49 CJ3A also that I’m restoring. Gives me some insite
Thats a good looking jeep,I like the color also.
Beautiful job!
Nice Job Paulo! Keep it going for the next generation is my idea, and looks like you feel the same way.