cj-5 vs m38a1

I am currently working on my father-in-law, trying to get him to give me this old jeep he has sitting around. I'm pretty sure it's just a cj-5 but it has the cut out in the hood and the access panel just in front of the windshield both on the passenger side. like that of the 38a1. I am also not certain of the year. other than old.

It doesn't have the slave cable recepticle. It doesn't run a 24v system, but that's not saying that it didn't at some time.

It has a complete koenig pto winch set-up.

I guess I'll try to get to a question here.

I read some where that the earliest of cj-5's were produced with 38a1 parts. explaining the hood notch. or was that an option?

is this a good score if I can get him to let go of it?

I'm going to go and visit him for christmas. anything I need to pay closer attention too? I'm going off of memory here.

thanks in advance.
Rio

 

ANY Jeep is a good score! Even if it's only good for parts. If that one is an M38A1, that cover on the cowl should open up, I believe. That's where the batteries lived. On CJ5's, that cover is welded shut. I think you're right about the early 5's using A1 hoods with the snorkel cutout, my '56 has one.

I'm not sure of all the differences between the A1's and the CJ5's, but I'm betting the A1 would be distinctly military looking in the little details, and I'm sure the dash would be a lot different.

There's a lot of M38A1 owners here, I'm sure a couple of them will fill you in. I shouldn't even be poking my nose in the subject, but that's just how I am.

By all means, get more details and some photos!

 

Dash is different one big guage or five smaller? Recessed headlights? Other differences also, pics would make id easier.

 

No doubt, a couple of pics and we can tell you right away.

 

I believe M38A1's had the shackles reversed from the factory.

 

sorry guys but no pics at this time...

You'll all have to wait till after christmas...

I know the suspense is killing me too.

I'm pretty certain that it doesn't have a shackle reversal.

and it does have one big gauge rather than the cluster.

but I really appreciate the input.

Rio

 

So did the early 5's. I think '57 is when they changed it. Speedy has the factory 'reversal'.

 

IIRC doesn't some of the A1's have a sort of hinge mount for the bottom of the grille also? Cam

 

Rio, There should be a VIN tag on the fire wall write that number down and post it here for results.

 

I learn sumpin' new here everyday!

 

M38A1 glove box on driver side (because of the battery box), cj5 glove box on passenger side. Also if original, M38A1 fuel tank opening wider than cj5. M38A1 has no tailgait. :hurrican:

 

next time I talk to the father in law...I'll try to get him to read the vin off of it for me...


thanks though lots of good info.

Rio