I just wanted to show you the results of the 1951 M38 Willys rebuild. Everyone has a US ARMY Jeep, and I see a few US NAVY Jeeps; but no where could I find a COAST GUARD Jeep except in some museum pictures. Having been in the COAST GUARD RESERVE from 1968-1974, I decided to honor the COAST GUARD and build one.
I found the Jeep still being used as a farm vehicle several years ago in Ringgold, Virginia. All I could salvage was the frame, engine and drive train. The frame was repaired and new bearings, bushings and seals were installed throughout the drive train. The engine ran well after a new distributer and a carburetor rebuild. Everything else from the springs up had to be replaced. I repaired and refurbished what parts I could and bought NOS, new, and used parts to complete the project.
I purchased a body kit as it was more cost effective to replace the entire body than to repair the old one. There were only a few problems fitting a new body to a 65 year old chassis. I probably over restored this Jeep as most people do, but I wanted a nice parade vehicle. The paint scheme is from the 1952 COAST GUARD paint manual. Even the government sticker had to be researched and reproduced.
This was my first Jeep purchase and rebuild. I plan to offer it to the 5th Coast Guard District as a display, parade, and recruitment vehicle. My wife and I have vintage Coast Guard uniforms to wear when we do car shows or parades. It should be a lot of fun.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Michael Elliott
If you would like to share your Willys Jeep Story please send us a line. We ‘d love to meet your Jeep.
Like Us. Facebook
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!
thats a dandy
thats a dandy
Super job! Looks really sharp. I have a Navy Jeep in Shore Patrol colors and live in western Virginia. Maybe we can meet up at a future show or event.
Super job! Looks really sharp. I have a Navy Jeep in Shore Patrol colors and live in western Virginia. Maybe we can meet up at a future show or event.
Great tribute the the Coast Guard. I recall stories of the CG capturing German infiltrators in WWII, and some Coast Guard organizations served in Vietnam.
Great tribute the the Coast Guard. I recall stories of the CG capturing German infiltrators in WWII, and some Coast Guard organizations served in Vietnam.
A great looking restoration. As a retired Coast Guardsman, I am glad to see that you are devoting part of the time it is used to Coast Guard recruiting efforts. Semper Paratus!
MKC Edward W. Jones, USCGR (ret)
A great looking restoration. As a retired Coast Guardsman, I am glad to see that you are devoting part of the time it is used to Coast Guard recruiting efforts. Semper Paratus!
MKC Edward W. Jones, USCGR (ret)
Nice to see the Coast Guard represented. Lovely Jeep!
Nice to see the Coast Guard represented. Lovely Jeep!
beauty ,combination colour of the body n apholstry is so very matching
beauty ,combination colour of the body n apholstry is so very matching
beauty,the grey body n the olive drab seats is just the combination
beauty,the grey body n the olive drab seats is just the combination
I have a few questions on your jeep I’m looking to do something similar.
BM1 Strbjak, USCG
I have a few questions on your jeep I’m looking to do something similar.
BM1 Strbjak, USCG
Looking to do something similar. Can you please reach out
BM1
Looking to do something similar. Can you please reach out
BM1
Fantastic looking jeep!
Very interested in discussing the decal shield on the body. I have been looking around and can not find it, or even a close up of it so I can get one made for my build. I have a 52 M38 and in middle of a build like this. Any help will be much appreciated!
Fantastic looking jeep!
Very interested in discussing the decal shield on the body. I have been looking around and can not find it, or even a close up of it so I can get one made for my build. I have a 52 M38 and in middle of a build like this. Any help will be much appreciated!
Nice ending project ! Now I am curious about the uniforms – mentioned above….. please show them with or IN the marvellous vehicle !
Greetings from the Netherlands where ‘jeeps’ were used on the beach by the police of The Hague ……
Nice ending project ! Now I am curious about the uniforms – mentioned above….. please show them with or IN the marvellous vehicle !
Greetings from the Netherlands where ‘jeeps’ were used on the beach by the police of The Hague ……
Great job on the restore, retired CWO4 USCG can’t think of a better way to to bring attention to the forgotten service. It would probably be a great addition to the new Coast Guard museum. Thanks again for the great job
Great job on the restore, retired CWO4 USCG can’t think of a better way to to bring attention to the forgotten service. It would probably be a great addition to the new Coast Guard museum. Thanks again for the great job