1953 Willys Jeep M38A1/CJ-5 RESTORED Chevy V8 4-Speed Lockers

1953 Willys MB Description

1953 Willys M38A1 Military Jeep - PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BIDDING

Note: eBay does not have M38A1 under 1953 Willys, so I chose MB as the closest possibility.

You Tube videos:

https://youtu.be/ZyBSM5EFK50

https://youtu.be/ujib9xS7dlI

https://youtu.be/eCHMN2lQrDo

https://youtu.be/eiFPzplv0y0

https://youtu.be/WiI-5hFTqFI

The restoration of the vehicle started in 1998 and used parts from three Jeep vehicles. The goal was to create something that looks like an old military Jeep, but has great off-road capabilities and is fun to drive. Nearly everything was new or rebuilt. The owner passed away a few years ago before fully finishing the restoration, and the family decided to get the Jeep running so it can be sold (last picture is ‘as found’ in 2017, the ones before that are of Polaroids taken during the restoration and of the hundreds of receipt for parts).

While there are M38A1 ID plates on the right side of the dashboard the body was either modified from its original configuration, or a CJ-5 tub was used, as it does not have the electrical connector port on the right front fender and it has a tailgate like the civilian Jeeps. It does have the hinged front grille like the early M38A1 had, and the battery cover with the thumb screws in front of the windshield on the right side.

The engine is a Chevy 283 cu.in. V8 from the mid-60s. The engine was completely rebuilt at the start of the restoration and it was first started during the fall of 2017. It uses a Mallory dual point distributor, a Holley (part number 0-90670) 4-barrel 600CFM carburetor made specifically for off-roading, an Offenhauser intake manifold and Hooker headers. Cooling is provided by an aluminum radiator (bought new in fall of 2017) originally intended for a 1957 Chevy. All fluids are fresh.

The transmissions is a 4-speed Borg-Warner T-18, which are known to be extremely reliable. The 2-speed transfer case is the stock Dana 18. Hydraulic clutch master and slave cylinders are from an early 1970s Ford 2-ton truck.

The axles have a 43/8 ratio. The front one has an OX manually lockable differential, and the rear Dana 44 has a Detroit Trutrac limited slip differential and Dana 23 full floating axles. Both front and rear axle have manually locking hubs, so all the hubs can be unlocked for flat towing. The springs are Rough Country brand and provide 2.5” lift over the stock ride height.

The front vented disc brakes, rear drum brakes (11x2.25”), master cylinder and booster are from a 1977 International Scout.

The power steering features a GM power steering box (rebuilt unit installed in the winter of 2018) and heim-jointed 1” diameter tie rods.

A heater box was built and has a heater core, but it’s not completely finished or plumbed to the engine. One of the extra parts that comes with the Jeep is a fan motor.

The windshield wiper motors are new and work when jumped, but currently the wiring goes behind the dash, but is not connected to any circuit. A used rollbar is included, but not installed. The windshield is a single piece of glass, but has a divider installed to make it look two piece.

Headlights, high and low beams, and taillights, running lights and brake lights, all work.

A top frame and a new in box top is present, but not installed. Steel door frames are present, but not installed. Front and rear seat upholstery and foam is new. The rear seat is for a different Jeep, so it’s bolted to a piece of 2x10 wood that is bolted to the original seat mounts. The foam and upholstery for the rear seat are for a different rear seat frame, so they can be made to work, but are not a perfect fit (see pic of upholstery and padding being held up to the rear seat frame).

No parking brake is present, but a pair of cables is included as extra parts. The fuel gauge is not currently working. Jeep comes with a large plastic tote full of spare parts.

Work done during resurrection, October 2017 to March 2018:

· -Carburetor installed

· -Aluminum radiator installed and filled with 50/50 mix

· -Gas tank and seats installed

· -Seat frames painted

· -New seat upholstery and foam installed

· -Spark plug wires installed

· -Battery and cables installed

· -Headlight wires connected

· -Shock absorbers installed

· -Brakes bled with new fluid

· -Engine oil & filter, transfer case lube, and front and rear axle lube was changed

· -Top brackets and sideview mirror installed

· -New speedometer cable installed (Speedometer currently not working)

· -New steering box installed

Jeep has only been driven a few miles, so still needs some sorting. Currently registered as an antique vehicle. We have a clear, bonded title in our name.

Serious bidders are welcome to look and drive the Jeep in Colleyville, TX (very close to DFW airport).

Buyer is responsible for vehicle pickup or shipping. The location is accessible by a semi truck. PLEASE arrange to be picked up on or before June 21st.

List of parts that come with Jeep:

· -Rollbar, used, not installed

· -Door frames, painted to match the body

· -Top frame

· -New canvas top and canvas side curtains still in original packaging.

· -Round front turn signal painted to match the body

· -Shovel

· -Gas can mount

· -Original drivers seat upholstery and padding

· -Wood wheel chocks

· -Pair of new handbrake cables

· -K&N air filter cover

· -Heater fan motor

-Miscellaneous spare parts