Post by Archangel on Jul 7, 2007 17:20:27 GMT -5
On the recent TOR run "Saturday Night Special", I drove my M38-A1 straight to hell, breaking the frame in two places, and causing 4 other stress cracks I found the following day. Needless to say, the frame is done for. There is nothing I can do to salvage it, nor would I want to...I think this photo says it all..
So, with that being said, and the original build thread deleted, I'm starting another thread to document the progress. Before I get into what I am going to do, let me set some goals here in writing....(so I don't keep changing my mind)
1. To rebuild the M38-A1 to its current looks and status, with a rebuilt, strengthened frame. The frame will be boxed, braced, gusseted and painted completely on completion.
2. To increase the safety and security of the occupants of the vehicle. (5 point harnesses and proper seat mounts.
3. Upgrade the current 1 3/4" springs to a full 2 1/2" YJ spring setup. I'll be keeping the 3/4" elliptical setup, but I will build a full traction bar, as well as a method to pin the 3/4" elliptical springs in place for moderate / extreme climbs.
4. To have a reliable, safe, strong vehicle that I can take to any trail and wheel without the fear of extreme breakage. Snapping an axle shaft is one thing....snapping a frame, in two places is another....
4. Paint the exterior / interior of the M38 OD Green, with white military decals to match, to resemble an original M38.
So far, I've obtained another frame (thanks again Ryan - Willysm38a1). I've cut off the majority of pieces and parts I don't need and I've pressure washed the frame down to as clean as I can get it. Currently the frame is residing in my back yard on jackstands, awaiting the next step.
The next step is taking the frame down to Precision Powdercoating (Park & Ajo) and getting the entire frame sandblasted down to bare metal. This will allow me to weld to the frame much easier with no grease, dirt or other contaminants to deal with.
Once I get the frame back, I'll be boxing the entire length of the frame, filling all holes that are not required, and fishplating and required points.
Unfortunatley, this process will not really start until I move into my new house in Avra Valley. We are being told that our house will be ready in September, and I'd rather not disassemble the M38 until we've moved into the new house. Even though my M38 is not driveable, it will roll onto a trailer and transport. If I tear into it, I'll have parts everywhere. Not to mention that I really don't have the room at my current house.
The intent of this thread is to document the progress, as well as to help others learn while I am learning. Also, this thread will be used to give thanks to all who have helped along the way!
So, with that being said, and the original build thread deleted, I'm starting another thread to document the progress. Before I get into what I am going to do, let me set some goals here in writing....(so I don't keep changing my mind)
1. To rebuild the M38-A1 to its current looks and status, with a rebuilt, strengthened frame. The frame will be boxed, braced, gusseted and painted completely on completion.
2. To increase the safety and security of the occupants of the vehicle. (5 point harnesses and proper seat mounts.
3. Upgrade the current 1 3/4" springs to a full 2 1/2" YJ spring setup. I'll be keeping the 3/4" elliptical setup, but I will build a full traction bar, as well as a method to pin the 3/4" elliptical springs in place for moderate / extreme climbs.
4. To have a reliable, safe, strong vehicle that I can take to any trail and wheel without the fear of extreme breakage. Snapping an axle shaft is one thing....snapping a frame, in two places is another....
4. Paint the exterior / interior of the M38 OD Green, with white military decals to match, to resemble an original M38.
So far, I've obtained another frame (thanks again Ryan - Willysm38a1). I've cut off the majority of pieces and parts I don't need and I've pressure washed the frame down to as clean as I can get it. Currently the frame is residing in my back yard on jackstands, awaiting the next step.
The next step is taking the frame down to Precision Powdercoating (Park & Ajo) and getting the entire frame sandblasted down to bare metal. This will allow me to weld to the frame much easier with no grease, dirt or other contaminants to deal with.
Once I get the frame back, I'll be boxing the entire length of the frame, filling all holes that are not required, and fishplating and required points.
Unfortunatley, this process will not really start until I move into my new house in Avra Valley. We are being told that our house will be ready in September, and I'd rather not disassemble the M38 until we've moved into the new house. Even though my M38 is not driveable, it will roll onto a trailer and transport. If I tear into it, I'll have parts everywhere. Not to mention that I really don't have the room at my current house.
The intent of this thread is to document the progress, as well as to help others learn while I am learning. Also, this thread will be used to give thanks to all who have helped along the way!