1963 military jeep

1952 - 1968, M38A1, M170, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38a1 series.
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fresno49
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1963 military jeep

Post by fresno49 » Mon Sep 29, 2014 5:43 pm

I am going to look at a 63 jeep they said it was military i am assuming it is a m38a1. It looks to be in good condition and it runs. What would be a good price? Is there anything i should be concerned with?
52' M100- Restored
44' Converto-getting close
66' M416-next
64' M38A1


skyjeep50
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Re: 1963 military jeep

Post by skyjeep50 » Tue Sep 30, 2014 5:59 am

Condition and originality are prime considerations for value in military vehicles. First figure out what it is then look at any repair, restoration and parts replacement records the seller has. If its been substantially modified from original with non-military components and dubious workmanship, that will hurt value. Look for rust - hat channels, corners of the body, floor panels, under the gas tank - if its spent any time out doors it will have some rust somewhere. Has it been run recently? Has the owner kept up with routine maintenance - flushing brake system, coolant, trans and transfer case lube, steering knuckle cleaning and re-greasing, axle lube, drive shaft and suspension grease - skip those needed chores and things wear out. Rubber parts deteriorate over time - gaskets, seals, diaphragms, hoses. How about engine compression? Carb, fuel pump, starter motor, generator been rebuilt recently? Ask about what the jeep has been doing since it left the military - fire dept. jeep stored inside and used sporadically, hunting jeep parked in a damp lean-to 11 months out of the year, snow plow jeep or has it been a prized possession of a M.V. enthusiast with O.D. green blood who's kept it parked in a heated garage for 20 years? Then decide what you want. People can and do build prize winning jeeps from little more than a handful of rust flakes but it takes a lot of cash and a lot of time and a lot of expertise. Military jeeps are not going to be easily repaired by the neighborhood garage or car dealership - a lot of the mechanics that used to work on these things are retired or have passed on. (And a moment of THANKS to the sponsors and contributors of this website - your advise and help are much appreciated.) So you are going to have to be the specialist that solves all the maintenance challenges for the jeep - will you be up to the task with that particular jeep? Parts are sometimes hard to find - local parts stores are not going to be able help with many of the specialized parts. There are some parts that are becoming especially hard to come by - steering gear components, radiators and ignition coils are some problem areas that come to mind. Once you have a picture of condition, then value becomes evident. One source of valuation is "Military Vehicle Magazine" - their yearly ambassador issue has a price guide adjusted for condition for many of the most common military vehicles. Over at www.willysmjeeps.com site in the "Downloads" section you will find most parts, maintenance and operators manuals for the M38A1. In the end, value is what you place on the jeep. Rebuilding and restoring a military vehicle is not a profit center for most private owners - its a labor of love. And you can't value that. Good luck!

fresno49
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Re: 1963 military jeep

Post by fresno49 » Tue Sep 30, 2014 4:42 pm

Scratch the 1963 it's a 64 and I had to have it,now I have to get it home about 150 mile away,my idea was to tow it home with the drivelines off,because it came with a towbar is this a good idea or should i go back home and borrow my buddies trailer?The jeep looks like its in good enough shape but i don't know enough about it yet,it runs but has no windshied or i would drive it
52' M100- Restored
44' Converto-getting close
66' M416-next
64' M38A1

skyjeep50
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Posts: 532
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Location: Illinois

Re: 1963 military jeep

Post by skyjeep50 » Tue Sep 30, 2014 5:00 pm

I'd put it on a trailer just to make sure you get home in good shape. Otherwise you'd probably be ok.

Dave M38A1
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Re: 1963 military jeep

Post by Dave M38A1 » Tue Sep 30, 2014 5:06 pm

Pics, we need pics. Congratulations on your new Jeep.

Dave
Dave M38A1
1953 M38A1
1964 USMC M38A1
M274 A5 Mule (Pepe')
64 CJ5
97 TJ Wrangler (Son's Ride)

MASH_4077
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Re: 1963 military jeep

Post by MASH_4077 » Tue Sep 30, 2014 5:42 pm

Pics, we need pics. Congratulations on your new Jeep.<br /><br />Dave<br/>

This topic is useless without pics!!!
Indiana MVPA Vice President
52 M38A1 8/52 MD17418
52 M100 9/52
61 M101 4/61
FOR SALE 54 M38A1
1/54 Build Date
MAKE OFFER!

fresno49
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Re: 1963 military jeep

Post by fresno49 » Tue Sep 30, 2014 9:24 pm

this is all I can come up with right now I will have more Fri.
Attachments
00K0K_huRG2TFRn6A_600x450.jpg
00K0K_huRG2TFRn6A_600x450.jpg (15.91 KiB) Viewed 936 times
52' M100- Restored
44' Converto-getting close
66' M416-next
64' M38A1

Dave M38A1
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Sergeant Major of the Gee
Posts: 442
Joined: Mon Mar 23, 2009 4:28 pm
Location: Fuquay-Varina, NC

Re: 1963 military jeep

Post by Dave M38A1 » Wed Oct 01, 2014 1:27 am

Nice looking Jeep I see lots of potential there.
Looks like you've got a lot to work with.

Dave
Dave M38A1
1953 M38A1
1964 USMC M38A1
M274 A5 Mule (Pepe')
64 CJ5
97 TJ Wrangler (Son's Ride)


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