Restoration of a M38A1-CDN3 106mm recoilless rifle Jeep

[Martin Dauphinais]

Rob, you spent way too much time for me with this Jeep. If you start looking up for some parts number, I'll be very embarrassed. However, it could help me a lot with the NAPA guy! If I go to NAPA, which model of Jeep do I have to use? Is it M39A1 or something like CJ3... Does the civilian side of the business use M38A1 as designation or this is only a military thing. If I need an oil filter (do not even know if there is an oil filter... mechanic looks like pretty basic on this Jeep!) which model of Jeep I should use?

I was also looking for some parts over eBay and elsewhere. many of them are coming from the US. I would like to know if it would be possible to get some parts from your favorite surplus yard when you'll go for yourself?

I will wait for Jim's response but if I can buy from people here, I much prefer giving my money to people who need it to restore another Canadian piece of kit instead of a huge shop.

I will need:

- 2x front tow clevis
- 1x spare rim
- 1x light switch (the one I have seem to be broken as the upper selector is turning free)
- Numerous cotton straps (One for the Jerry can, one for the axe, one for the shovel)
- 1 x metal bracket to hold the shovel blade
- 1x original shift knob
- 1x driver's side mirror
- 1x wiper handle (no idea how to call it... the little part that helps moving the wiper when the assy is not working. The one on the Jeep has the little handle broken)

That's pretty much what I need to change so far.

My guess I can do myself the small brackets to hold the straps everywhere on the Jeep? They seem to be aluminum made?

Thanks for your patience guys, you probably answering beginner's questions again...

[Ed Storey]

Glad to see my photograph is getting a lot of uncredited exposure, which is the reason I now watermark everything and post very few images.

[rob love]

The little brackets for the straps are known as footman loops. Not something you hammer out yourself, and there are two or three variations used on the Jeep. Don't know why yours is missing so many.

The light switches are still used today on many military vehicles. If you know of any Iltis/MLVW etc in scrapyards, they will have that same switch. Otherwise, ebay or many of the US dealers will likely be your best source. I'm afraid it's getting a little late in the season for me to be heading out to the scrapyard again...winter approaches.

For the mirror, ask NAPA for a 12072 made by Grote. It will come in black. List price is $34.55, and our trade price is $18.99.

When you go to civilian parts suppliers, do not bother to say M38A1....they will not have a listing. Use the equivalent year of a Jeep, or research the part numbers yourself first. I usually use a 1968 CJ5 for a search on parts....by 1971 the Jeeps underwent a lot of changes, however for your Cdn3, the 71 listings will have the appropriate brake and axle listings.

Civilian suppliers are good for things like seals, bearings, filters, U joints, and gaskets. But for any of the 24 volt stuff, use the part number off your old part, or else go to the military suppliers. Some good suppliers here in Canada include Brian Asbury out of Acton ON, and Willys Acres, also out of Ontario.

[chris vickery]

Salut Martin! Il est possible que j'ai quelques pieces pour toi.
J'ai deux M38A1 Canadien aussi, 1970 et 71.
I will check for you on the weekend when I am home.
Go camo!

[Martin Dauphinais]

Oh well... I've just been told that I should have not use Photobucket to post the pictures. Didn't know that, sorry to have not read the rules... just not enough time to do it!!

I would like to edit the post but apparently I can't do it this way. Next pictures will be uploaded on the server directly.

[Martin Dauphinais]

So, what could be the best way to save these seat belts? I think I will just clean them in a washing machine. We'll see the final result!

They are a bit stiff… I do not know if it's because of the sun or the dirt. I was very surprise to find two different and complete seat belts. They are the black ones. If the originals are not good enough, I will swap them with the black ones.

What would you do with these belts?

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by Martin Dauphinais

So, what could be the best way to save these seat belts? I think I will just clean them in a washing machine. We'll see the final result!

...

What would you do with these belts?

Several members of MLU are now single because of creative thinking like you demonstrated. Use a scrub brush, soapy water and a sink, not the family laundry equipment. Besides, the buckle will scratch the expensive enamel that keeps the tub from rusting.

A few years ago on one of the gun forums, the topic of cleaning packing grease off Chinese rifles came up. The conversation was to put the oily wooden stock in the dishwasher to remove the gunk and oils. Someone started reading halfway through and put his rifle in the dishwasher. To his credit, he shared his shame with the internet. Don't be THAT guy.