1963 Willys CJ-5 or M38A1??

[Heliarc]

Hi guys,

I just purchased a 1963 Willys.Of course the past owner says it was military.That wasn't the selling point for me, only a bonus.I'm just interested in a good off road vehichle that I can have a good time restoring.What I need to know is if it was really military or not.

It has a small removable section on the passebger side of the hodd where a snorkel would go through.On the passenger side of the tub in front of the "doorway" is a (approx) 7-8" circular hole where something went.underneathy where the passenger seat was is a toolbox or compartment.On the underside there are a few coats of olive drab.I think it was only a 12 volt system but I can't be sure since the generator/alternator is missing.

I have the serial number off of the plate on the driver side of the engine compartment...

57548...153619

I'd like to know whether or not this is a CJ-5 or a military jeep so I know which scheme to go with.I think it would be kind of fakeish to put military accesories on a civvy jeep.

[ArcticWolf]

Here is a link to a site and forum about military vehicles - they most certainly would be able to tell you everything you need to know:

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/

PS These guys are very cool...!

PPS I just did a search on their site and found the answer to your question:

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=553&highlight=CJ-5

[Heliarc]

Good deal, though it's not quite clear in the post you linked me to I think these guys can help me out.Im going to go back and re-read that post again though and if I still dont have the answer Im going to post there.

Thanks for your help.solthum

[Reloader]

Heliarc - some more sites that may be of help:

http://www.earlycj5.com/gallery2/v/picBank/album_015/album/

http://www.estpak.ee/~uv226a/leveera.html

http://members.dialmaine.com/jeepguy/

Good hunting!

[Heliarc]

Oh dang, I forgot about this post sorry guys.I've pretty well cleared it up though.I beleive it was Recovery4x4(on steelsoldiers.com) that said it's a M38A1 tub and the rest is all civvy.He was right about it too.

I talked with the guys brother that owned the jeep and he said they just put it together out of a few different ones.I'm not sure where they got the tub but thats the only military part of it.That would make it alot cheaper to get it roadworthy.I'm a bit dissapointed but I can still have alot of fun doing this.

I managed to get the engine to fire with a little ether and a battery running the ignition.It sounded pretty good but I haven't yet had fuel up to the carb.Theres no generator and I just found a radiator for it so I didnt run it but for a second or two.

Besides that I've been busy with the air chisel removing rusted out sections as I have money to replace them.I figured a reasonable budget would be $100 a month but I blew that to hell last month when I dumped over $250 on it.Still it's going to be a great little mocheene when its done.I'll post some pics when I get some real progress.

Thanks to everyone who replied in this topic, and you may consider it resolved.

[Heliarc]

That first link is great for some of the things I'll need on the tub though.I've already gotten the slave receptacle on e-bay.I didnt know about the battery box cover hold down though and it solved that.I have the type one cover I just found out, Thanks man.