M38 potential project questions.

[drewmech]

I spend most of my time over in the CUCV forums lurking and plotting the next fix/upgrade/etc… to my old M1009. Then today a lady comes in to where I work and asks if I like old military vehicles. Old green iron attracting old green iron I guess. The only thing I know about jeep is that it stands for “Just Empty Every Pocket”. Was hoping for 2 kind of inputs. Costs involved to get it going and what to pay for it. Lady is asking $4000. Would be looking to use this for a hunt truck / weekend toy. Crank case is full of fuel, the tub is rusty but the frame appears solid and it has most of the data plates. It’s been sitting for 5 years per the owner and the sticker on the plates agree. Thoughts?

 

[Spot_ll]

I spend most of my time over in the CUCV forums lurking and plotting the next fix/upgrade/etc… to my old M1009. Then today a lady comes in to where I work and asks if I like old military vehicles. Old green iron attracting old green iron I guess. The only thing I know about jeep is that it stands for “Just Empty Every Pocket”. Was hoping for 2 kind of inputs. Costs involved to get it going and what to pay for it. Lady is asking $4000. Would be looking to use this for a hunt truck / weekend toy. Crank case is full of fuel, the tub is rusty but the frame appears solid and it has most of the data plates. It’s been sitting for 5 years per the owner and the sticker on the plates agree. Thoughts?

I don’t know much on the M38s either, but I will say $4k seems high. Here in GA I watched a complete 1952 M38 with winter top, in better shape body wise and non running go for $1500 on FB market. But that’s just my opinion, based on things I’ve seen recent.

I myself have spent all my time around the Squarebody era trucks, but I have a desire for a M38 to diesel swap.. maybe someday..

 

[GopherHill]

I just bought a 1969 CJ5 that runs and drives for $2,000. About that rusty, no brakes.
Let your wallet and desires be your guide. Seems expensive to me.

 

[NDT]

$1500. Needs a lot to fix it.

 

[Crazyguyla]

Is she willing to haggle price. Make a list and give reasons why the price should be lower. There's a better parts source for mil jeeps than the older big stuff.

 

[drewmech]

Is she willing to haggle price. Make a list and give reasons why the price should be lower. There's a better parts source for mil jeeps than the older big stuff.

Yeah I went thru the jeep with her and pointed out the major issues. Also let her know that there isn’t a thing on it that doesn’t need to be redone / replaced. Turns out it was her fathers jeep and she’s convinced it’s a true combat veteran from WW2. Showed her the data plate that says accepted in February 1952 to which she didn’t have an answer to. Based on the comments here I offered $1800 and told her I’d take her on a ride when I got it running properly. Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[bikeman]

It's not bad... it's got a few parts that go missing. but it's been converted to 12v. has an aftermarket (non-OEM) air filter/inlet, and carb, and obv the fuel tank.

Honestly, it probably would be a good restore candidate, but it definitely wasn't worth $4k. Would be good for $1-2k. Best thing to do would be to get a repop tub just go from there.

 

[exhogflyer]

M38's are sorta scarce, but that is a parts vehicle. $1500 maybe.