Five years ago I needed a summer project while on vacation. One day while driving through Niagara On The Lake I saw this 1952 Willys M38 parked in someone’s driveway.. It was love at first sight! So from there I was able to purchase this beautiful piece of history and started restoring it the same day. I knew nothing about restoring military vehicles. I had some ups and downs but at the end I felt pretty proud and satisfied with the results! I wanted to restore it to another level by adding some “current” features such as radio, mp3, Bluetooth player in an AMO box between the front seats, DVD players in the pouches behind the seats. Also while sitting on the back seat there’s a foot rest, a missile! All these features with respect to the people who served and currently serving our countries. My great uncle was a men who served in the WW2, Lucien Adelard Dumais and was the only Canadian who was chief in some missions.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Marie Connelly
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nice job marie
Wow!
Its good to see others have a love for the old willys. My dad bought me a 1951 M38A1 in 1961. I still have it after all it’s part of the family. I rebuilt the engine in the late 60’s and converted it to propane in the late 70’s It still purrs like a kitten. It need to go through the brake system and replace master cylinder and wheel cylinders.
Félicitations. I own a similar jeep with photos on Kaiser album. If it is an M-38 CDN you will find a CAR number (52-3xxxx) stamped by the canadian army on top of front left rail just behind the bumper. You will find the story of the canadian fabrication on MLU forum.
Marie,
Beautiful jeep, just like you. I own a 1966 CJ 5 Kaiser with the V/6, and also have a few mods on it. Have fun and enjoy your ride.
Frank in RI
As I said before (Nothing against those that prefer to do this), I’m not into modifying, I have a M38 that is 100% original. I did not change it to 24 volts, put seat belts in it, put turn signals in it, no electronic ignition
Paint is simi-gloss (No M38 ever came out of the factory with a flat OD paint) The star on the hood is in the right direction, When you modify, you devalue. I would hope that those who modify would research the military version of their vehicles, beforehand and put them back where they where historically. By the way Marie, nice job.
Great job!!! The M-38 is my favorite jeep of all time. I am in the process of restoring it. I have done all I can based on my experience, tools access, and time, so it is at the professionals in St. Louis to be finished. It will look like it did the day it came out of the factory with all proper military markings. I am a captain in the army and just finished my command time. Therefore, I am having it painted with my proper markings for a commander in the unit I commanded.
I like the paint color on yours and I like how you civilianized it without ruining it.
I am interested in the headlights… what are they?
You may (or may not) want to look at the Gama-Goat type tail light lenses for greater visibility
in traffic.
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=7598
My only complaint about your jeep is the fact ( I believe ) your headlight protector – little rail bolted to the front – are on upside down. They should go accross the center of the headlight.
If you wish to talk more, I will be happy to do so.
– Mike
Marie, Great Job! Your M38 is alomost as beautiful as it’s owner! I’ve got a 1950 CJ3A you can pose with anytime! I was in Niagara-On-The-Lake several years ago, I wish I had seen it first! Stephen Gage
What is that on the driver’s side rear fender? Looks like a army helmet made into a cup holder maybe?
I’m glad you hid the radio in the ammo can instead of cutting up the dash. Still looks like it should and you get to have your extras.
Marie, Your M38 looks almost as beautiful as the Owner! Great Job! You can pose with my 1950 CJ3A anytime! I was in Niagara -On-The-Lake several years ago…I wish I had seen it first! -Stephen Gage