Yikes! It's a 24 volt system!

I recently purchased (still do not have in my possesion) a 1974 CJ5, or so I thought. I just spoke with the previous owner and he informed me it has a 24 volt electrical system and an extra large fuel tank. Doesn't this make it a military Jeep? Should I be concerned? Should I convert the system to 12 volts (what's needed) or leave it alone? How much grief will this cause obtaining replacement parts?

 

What replaced the M38A1? M151 or something like that? Maybe it's one of those....do the slats on the grill run vertical or horizontal?

 

X2. As I have learned with these old CJ's, you never know what you have just based on what the owner (and even some times the title) says. You have to do some research or if you can get some pics someone on here might be able to tell you more about what it is.

 

I will try and submit the picture. I purchased it recently for $400. Did I get ripped? It is mechanically sound except for the electrical and lack of gas tank. No rust holes in the floor or on the exterior. I think I did good. Anyway, the grille has verticle slats as you will see in the picture (hopefully). Thanks for the help.

 

Didn't somebody post the ad for that on here a while back?

 

Let me guess, it's the one of a kind plywood doors that gave it away! R)

 

Hard to tell much from that picture - except that it isn't an M151. It's a CJ-5, but there are conflicting signs that it's a '74. It has the right windshield and maybe the right fenders for a '74. The fuel filler under the driver's seat is 1970 or earlier, but could have been added. The fenders have been cut back. Front crossmember and grille looks right for '74, but again, the picture is too small and at a bad angle. I very much doubt that it was delivered as a 24V system.

 

Here's a few more. Sorry they are so small.

 

Found the ad. It said it was a rare 74 M38A1 but it looks like it is a M38A1 tub on a 74 frame. Still think you got it for a decent price either way though.

 

Yep, that's it. What was he asking for it? He's really pi$$ed I got it for only $400 off Ebay. He wanted WAY more.

 

I don't know what he was asking for it. The link we have is for the ebay ad and it says you got it for $405. You got it worth the money from what I can tell no matter what it is.

 

Soooo, are ya gonna keep that half cab???

 

Yup, I hear they'll keep ya afloat in those windrock mudholesR)

 

I kinda liked the way the front fenders were cut, especially if I was going to build a trail rig out of it.

 

Maybe you'll be lucky and it not really 24 Volts but just has 2 batteries. I have never worked on a 24 Volt system but I would think you could change it to 12 volt sytem. If the wiring and all of the switchs are OK are then changing the altenator and all the lights wouldn't be too bad. Not sure about the coil and the guages. Good luck with you project.

 

If it is a true M38A1 24 volt system all the components will be extra heavy duty and waterproofed. If they are functioning, I would keep it 24 volt, they are super reliable, and you can drive underwater!

Look for radio-shielded plug wires with threaded connectors, waterproof spark plugs, distributor, etc.

There is a web forum for military "willys M jeeps" that will help with identification photos etc.

Pete