cj3a build - what would you do with $10k?

Hello,

What would you do? Read on...

I'd like your thoughts. Here's the scenario... I just acquired this '52 cj3a. It runs, the body can't be saved (not by me at least, way too much rust), the mechanicals all work, has a solid frame (despite a fair share of surface rust), and is fairly complete and mostly stock (except the weird gas tank - yes gas tank - set up on the windshield frame and a couple of other do-dads). It was used on a farm for most of it's life.

I won't touch it for another year (have other projects in line first). But I want to start the planning and part accumulation now. This won't be a DD and I don't want to build up a rock crawler. But should I resto mod, resto, or??? Since I think I'll be buying a new body anyway, I thought of maybe converting it over to a M38 and make a tribute vehicle to my dad (Navy) and step dad (Marines) who both served during the Korean War. I have a photo of my step dad in an M38 on tour. He spent many months on front line action in Korea. So that's one idea. Or maybe I convert it over to a 3b (I love the way those things look) - I know, just buy a 3b then, right? Or maybe some cool 3a resto mod project. One thing is for sure, I will start at the frame. Full sand blast and powder coat the frame - did the same for me ecj5, great way to start a project.

So with a budget of $10k and already owning this jeep, what would you do?

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

 

If you have a budget of 10K but an already restored m38 and have the real thing.

 

Ahhhh, come on Bill. Where's the fun in that?

You do have a good point but I don't think I'd try to create an exact replica anyway.

No, I think I'll wrench on this project. I like to build mine - not buy them.