In the Army, Willys Jeeps still have a mystical reputation as an unstoppable, easy to maintain, and reliable machine. I always passed them in museums on post or out in the training areas and wondered what stories they could tell. I finally was able to locate and aquire my 1952 M38 in West Texas. It needed restoration but being from a dry climate the body was in great shape, and it needed little to bring it back to military standards.
After rebuilding the engine, transmission, transfer case, and numerous other mechanical parts she is ready for the motor pool once again. With the help of Kaiser Willys numerous available parts, the understanding of my wife, the excitement of my daughter saying “beep, beep in my Jeep, Jeep” every time it fires up (note the car seat), and the encouragement from numerous other serving Soldiers, veterans, Army historians, and family alike she is able to tell her story with living history once again. As a third generation Soldier and combat veteran I am proud to continue the tradition of the Willys Jeep and remember the sacrifices others have made to make this country so great.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Timothy Souza
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Tim,
You have done a very nice job on your M-38, Tim, it looks beautiful!
I had a 1950 M-38 back about 1964, while going to college. Needing money and having no shelter to keep the Jeep out of the weather, I sold it while living in Sparks, NV to a guy there.
I always hope I will see it still going on this site. It was painted Blue at that time, was used prior by the Navy and had waterproof voltage regular and generator, I remember. The body metal was so thick and tough compared to today’s thin body metal. It was painted Yellow under the blue.
It was a wonderful Jeep, and I wish I could have hung onto it instead of selling it.
I do have a 1956 CJ-5 that I have had now for 63 years, virtually all the original with no significant repairs except for a rebuilt engine.
I finally converted it to 12 volts, and added an alternator, and built a Capacitive Discharge Ignition System which has not failed ever.
Jeep life enjoyment has slid terribly over the years, special places in the mountains now blocked, you must hike in to so many wonderful places now, no motor vehicles allowed. (CA )
Being 81, this has ruined many of life’s enjoyments with my Jeep.
I hope your family and you have many wonderful years ahead with yours!
And thank you for being a veteran too, Tim.
wonderful job chum!
keep the good work and history intact
best wishes
Buenos días tengo un willys modelo 46 y necesito un carburador Carter WO
Thanks for your service. Good to see another Flat Fender in our great of Wyoming. Go Pokes!!!
FIRST : A BEAUTIFULL AMILY : A congratulation for this wonderfull work rebuilting this proudy machine My first youness was on board M38 In the Uruguay Army , really a great vehicle Easy of field maintenance,and very rougness , Im not have a jeep and now wiht 69 year old dont believe possible one, in our country the M38 passed away only a few runing to day converted to 12V because is impossible the original electrical parts . Thnaks you Greeting
Beautiful Job!
Thanks for keeping History Alive, but also a big “Thank You” for your service to this great nation.
Nicely done sir..THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. Where in motor transportation. While serving ? Your eye for detail leaves me to ask that . while in the Marine corp that was my m.o.s. I would like to find a jeep to restore ..any way..great job.
You have the right to be proud.
Very nice M38, Wyoming best place on earth!!
Looks good where in Wyoming r u located.
I have a M38A1. When I take it to the filling station to gas up, there are always some fellow veterans who are drawn to it. Nice job on your M38.