Here are a few photos of my 1952 Willys M38A1. I purchased this Willys M38A1 in 1976 from a friend for $800. His girlfriend had given it the name “White Fang” when an incident happened. The boyfriend and another friend with a Willys CJ-2A slammed the jeeps against one anothers bumpers over rocks, saplings, and brush to get to another Jeep that had gone off a hill into trees and was lodged between trees so tight it was not moving without a chain drag. The picture in black and white was taken the winter of 1979 after I sandblasted it, painted and added a Best Top. The white Jeep has been running off and on since then, had converted it to 12 volt and replaced the F head motor with Pinto 2L engine in 2003. The recent re-restoration project include all new brake system, parts from KWAS which were all perfect fits.
I still have the 3 page yellow catalog from the 1990’s. I was so glad to find you folks still in business when I started my second restoration! Most parts shops look at you like your speaking an alien language when you say M38A1. Future work will be on the body now that lights, brakes, electrical systems are functioning. I look forward to talking with the guys ” on the counter” at KWAS for parts and advice.
P.S. Had to add the Willys plate you sent just as a milestone marker in keeping the “White Fang” alive!
If you would like to share your Willys Jeep Story please send us a line. We ‘d love to meet your Jeep.
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Looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, Willys Jeep replacement parts, Willys Jeep body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place!
I have a1952 Willey. Mine has flat fenders. When did the flat fenders change the non flat fender type? I thought
The flat fender carried to 1954. Please reply to me at sdowns10@bak.rr.com.
Thank you….
To answer your question about the Pinto engine, it has a 2 barrel carb
built by auto lite which is much stronger than the original Carter’s single
barrel. The firewall had to be cut a little but a long time jeep racing man
had fabricated motor mounts and special bell housing so it bolted right up.
Flywheel, clutch and pressure plates match! Pinto radiator had to be mounted
with add on brackets but little forward changes. My F head was worn out, had
done a valve job in the seventies, but crank shaft pulley showed wobble,
lots of other wear or I would have rebuilt it. In those days parts were not
as available and my friend had converted quite a few so it was my best
option. The ignition fires so quick there is no cranking just starts
running! I need to rebuild the steering completely, we’ll be calling soon
for all the parts except a box and steering wheel!
So does the Pinto motor make this Jeep more drive-able on the highways and bi-ways?
MikeC
Admin,
What did you do with the original military engine and electrical system? the hurricane 4 could be easily hopped up by boring and planning the head. My dad had one from a CJ-5 and with these changes it kept up with my V-6 CJ-2A.
Sincerely,
Dave@ gussey2003@yahoo.com