Need Help sizing up a potental purchase (M38)

[IRQVET]

So I've been on the hunt for a minute or so. My buddy sent this one to me today. I know it has after market suspension, wrong motor (F-Head) and its not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. But I'm looking for a running project that my family can restore and turn into a parade rig. I'm not looking for perfect, or 100% period correct, as I can change that stuff over time.

With that in mind, give me your thoughts. Seller is asking $4,800. In my mind, it seems like a $3,500 project car but I could be way off on my evaluation. (I know its tough to make a decision with only two photos)

Thanks in advance. I appreciate all the experience and knowledge on this forum.

 

[bikeman]

I'm concerned the frame isn't an M38 frame, that it's just an CJ. Thus everything you do will be jerry rigged. I'm taking this from the front horns that don't look to 'dip' as deep or have bolt holes in the right spot, like m M38.

Obvious other issues: Front bumper, hood, (engine) gas tank, lighting system, wiper system, paint, whatever those two toggle switches are...

 

[sigo]

Agree with bikeman. If you’re looking for a M38 I‘d either spend more to get closer to right, or hold out for something that has more M38 left in it. Unless you get this one for super cheap, I would pass. $4800 is high for a M38 that doesnt have much M38 left.

 

[IRQVET]

I was going to check it out tomorrow, but it sold today.

Oh well, the search continues . . .

 

[hndrsonj]

M38's are kind of spendy. I'd call John at Midwest Military and see what he has in stock. (he usually has a couple)

 

[fasttruck]

Someone did you a favor by buying this beast out from under you. It is difficult to find something as old as a M38 that isn't either rusted out, abused to death, or hacked and modded to death by POs. Gee, I wonder what this wire does ? And so on.

 

[timntrucks]

i to dont believe it was a original 38.. i have one and i can see some stuff missing or not there.

 

[Fifty]

That was a POS! There are real M38s to be found. John is a good place to start. I do know of a very nice M38 for sale. Send me a pm and I can give you contact information.