118: Frank Baltra’s 1952 Willys M38
My 52 Willy’s was restored in Draper Utah ten years ago. It has had more photo’s taken of it then I have. It was on the field at Joe Roby Stadium for a Marlins Game in Miami. It also was on the ice at a Tampa Lighting game, with the cheer leaders in the back for Armed Forces Night. Since all the markings on it are that of West Point, I took it up there at the request of the Provost Marshal. Since I am on the Tampa Bay Recruiting Battalions Grassroots Board, it has been to many Future Soldier Events in the Tampa Bay area. I understand everyone has their own preference, but I do not modify. i.e. 24 volt to 12, turn signals, seat belts, etc.. I believe it devalues the vehicle.
When I first uncovered my M38 to the world of Military vehicle collector’s, it had a period siren on the fender. I was told that they did not have a chrome siren. I was told that it was OD with no light. The curator of the West Point museum said that I was correct, because West Point was the only one that used a chrome siren. I told the collector’s that I did not need the curators info, because I was born and raised there and the MP’s use to chase me and my three brothers out of the motor pool (we where real army brat’s) and I knew what they had on their M38’s and their GPW’s.
– Frank Baltra
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These fine old restored Jeeps are a lot of fun to look at, and probably to ride in ride in. Though I think they may also be elevated to the status of Golden Calf in the minds of some.
These fine old restored Jeeps are a lot of fun to look at, and probably to ride in ride in. Though I think they may also be elevated to the status of Golden Calf in the minds of some.
Beautiful M-38 and a great story. I have a M-38 A1 that really needs a good military paint job. I would like to get it looking good and use it for 4th of July and Veterans’ events. I live in the Lexington, KY area. If anyone knows of a good painter with some experience with military vehicles in the area, please post a note.
Gene Phillips
Beautiful M-38 and a great story. I have a M-38 A1 that really needs a good military paint job. I would like to get it looking good and use it for 4th of July and Veterans’ events. I live in the Lexington, KY area. If anyone knows of a good painter with some experience with military vehicles in the area, please post a note.
Gene Phillips
Very nice. Working on a military jeep
Myself. Love the eye witness account
Of the siren. Keep ’em running!!
Very nice. Working on a military jeep
Myself. Love the eye witness account
Of the siren. Keep ’em running!!
I know how I paint my military jeep! With a brush! And at a fast pace! Beautiful vehicle, I enjoyed the details of the story and that picture of it coming out of the tail of that aircraft is neat too!
I know how I paint my military jeep! With a brush! And at a fast pace! Beautiful vehicle, I enjoyed the details of the story and that picture of it coming out of the tail of that aircraft is neat too!