Wednesday,
November
8th,
2023
~ Owned & Written by Robbie Gray in Honor of Veterans Day
The following quote is from a Vietnam War Veteran I met at a show in Bettendorf, Iowa. He was so impressed with the Jeep and to whom it was dedicated, that he gave me his army backpack.
His quote: “Thank you for putting in so much time and affection into the restoration of your vehicle. We veterans so much love that jeep. Much appreciation to you all.”
Every story has a beginning point and this Willys M38 Jeep begins with my cousin. He called one night and during the conversation mentioned that he had several Jeeps. This sparked an enormous interest, and we discussed if he would consider selling any. After much negotiation and groveling on my part, I purchased the M38 Jeep.
Once home, the decision had to be made whether to restore the military jeep or just enjoy her in her working clothes. The decision was made – RESTORE! RESTORE!
With the decision to restore this Jeep, accurate record keeping was instituted including Jeep manuals, logbook, parts records, punch list, timeline, and various tracking documents. After much research on the 1952 Willys M38 Jeep that was purchased, several items were identified: The Jeep was much more solid than originally thought. There was a good base to restore.
There was a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) discrepancy, the Willys VIN was correct, but the military VIN was identified as a Willys M38A1 Jeep. The Army had made a mistake. But it was resolved after help from our county clerk and local police chief.
The history of military service is not known and will probably never be known. Manuals for all aspects of Willys M38 Jeep restoration were available. Most all parts for restoration of Willys M38 Jeeps were available. Many New Old Stock (NOS) parts were available.
Most fording equipment had been removed from the Jeep. Conversation of the electrical system had been made from 24-Volt to 12-volt. Conversion back to a 24-volt system was required. Several parts were missing or incorrect. This is a rugged military vehicle and restoration was much different than restoring a car or truck. The Jeep would be restored to the original condition that it left the depot. Original condition means correct down to the correct bolt, screw, washer, and nut.
Disassembly of the jeep began with my brother-in-law leading the project and several friends and myself assisting. The Jeep was totally disassembled down to the last bolt. Parts and fasteners were “bagged and tagged” for identification. Sand blasting, bead blasting, welding, powder coating, and painting began in full force. Missing parts, incorrect parts, worn out parts, parts for the 24-volt conversation, and parts for fording system were purchased. As the parts arrived, they were categorized and placed in boxes according to their system. Engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, transfer case rebuild, front and rear axles rebuild, radiator refurbish, powder coating, and painting were all outsourced.
Reassembly began. At this point it was recognized that this jeep was different than anything we had restored in the past. Because of this, just about any time a part or system was to be installed, research was required to determine correct part orientation, correct bolt, screw, washer, and nut. Then “dry runs for installation” were completed. This all added considerable time to the reassembly process but was necessary for a correct restoration. It should be noted that my brother-in-law is a stickler for correctness and detail, care of installation, and the process of restoration. He drove the restoration process to a total success.
Reassembly progressed and as parts were installed the frame suddenly began to take on the form of a Jeep. As problems were encountered, they were quickly resolved, and restoration continued. No problem went unresolved to the satisfaction of correct restoration. But the problems usually resulted in extra cost and small delays. Problems, delays, and cost go with the territory of restoration, the restorer must live with it.
Finally, restoration progressed, and the day came when the engine was started. What a beautiful sound hearing those 4 cylinders purring. Then another big day arrived when the test drive was to be completed. The Jeep performed beautifully. We all were so excited; the hard work and perseverance had paid off. There is no description of the excitement that the restorer experiences with the successful test drive. Full restoration was then completed.
The restoration of this Jeep brings back memories of my Father who fought in WW2; my Father-In-Law who served in Germany during the Korean War; my Brother who served in Korea just after the Korean War; and other family members who are serving or have served our country.
The restoration of this Willys M38 Jeep is dedicated to the men and women (TRUE HEROES) who are serving, have served, were wounded, and died in the service of our country. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are heroes and truly appreciated and loved by all who love this country.
“I am not a hero, but I have walked among heroes”.
Just want to thank you for the honor of your consideration of the Jeep. It means a lot to all involved with the restoration of the Jeep and our family.
- Robbie Gray Jr. Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – If you would like to share your Willys Jeep Story please send us a line. We’d love to meet your Jeep.
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