53NavyJeep.com

A Frame Off Restoration

Pulled the Drive Train

Pulling the engine
The engine was our first target for restoration. It is not the original engine, it’s an L-134 “Go Devil”. It was in good running order so we will use it for the first build, then the plan is to swap it out for a period correct F-134 “Hurricane.”
The only things we needed to do to the L-134 was t0 fix two broken manifold studs, one on the exhaust manifold and one on the block and add a mechanical fuel pump. You could see the original OD paint color under the yellow coat. The next task was to remove the old paint and repaint the engine in its original military colors.
1953 M38A1 Navy Jeep

Phase I Restore

Phase I focused on dismantling each component. It was important to take a lot of pictures, organize the pieces in plastic baggies, plastic shoe boxes, and larger containers. It was years before we put it all back on, so time spent organization paid dividends later. One piece of advise we read and now experienced; take more pictures!

Click the Phase I link below and scroll to the bottom to see the progression.