You are bidding on a 1953 M38A1 that has been restored as a Military Police jeep.  Read carefully.

Understand that a parade-ready jeep is a vehicle that basically runs, painted green and most likely needs work.  This M38A1 is considered a 9.0 rated Motor-pool quality jeep.  Everything is there plus some.  (I’ll explain that later)  Used primarily for parades, I drive approx. 200 miles per year.  Insured with Taylor and has a clear NJ title.

Bought the jeep 4 years ago from a retired military personnel in Texas.  Love Texas vehicles because they have very little rust when from that area.  Bought my M274 mule the same way)  It was somewhat restored but needed a lot of updating.  It does have a panel welded under the gas tank area.  This area usually does rust out and was fixed many years ago prior to ownership of the seller I bought from.  I brought the vehicle to an old-time mechanic who works on antique cars and he gave me a list of parts I needed to order, understanding the restoration level I was going to do.  I wanted a 100% mechanical safe and military M38A1. 

He replaced the following:

• Brakes pads, brake cylinders, and brake lines.
• The civilian fuel pump with a military pump
• Replaced the carburetor – rebuilt from Army Jeep Parts
• New rotor, condenser, coil and NOS distributor cap.  The distributor itself was OK.
• Took apart the transmission and transfer case – new seals where needed along with parts for the clutch area, and main seal.
• Took apart the front and rear differentials and replaced the seals
• Re-adjusted and added parts for the hand brake
• Dropped the lower pan and cleaned the oil take-up mechanism (very important!)
• Replaced rear shackles and greased/lubed all joints.
• Too many more small items to list.  (Weeks waiting and worth it!) 

Recently updated the following:

• Front bearings, both wheels
• Steering mechanism joints– removed the play
• Added front wheel compensator
• Replaced front shackles with NOS
• Updated front main springs and shocks
• Complete gauge package.  I have the original speedometer showing approx 36K miles.  Its included in the sale.
• NOS fuel sender

Everything that could be done to get this 100% mechanically safe, has been done.  So why is this jeep a 9.0 and not a 10?  Look at the pictures below and you will see more accessories on this jeep than you have seen on any 3 vehicles combined at any show.  OK, I went a little over-board but I get the most activity when on display and have the trophies to prove it.  (Trophies not included in the sale)

Items added:

• AN original MP Light for that era – red glass with black lettering etched on the inside of the glass.  I was offered $800 for the light alone!  They are rare.
• Original era siren on the front bumper. LOUD!
• MP signs, front and rear, ordered from  “G503” registered personnel.
• Two different kinds of police sticks. (long one is screwed for safety on the front dash)
• Correct era brass fire extinguisher located between the two seats but not in any picture currently.  A modern fire extinguisher has been added to the side of the driver’s seat using footman and canvas strap. (Not pictured)
• A 24V Federal PA/siren.  I make announcements during the parades.  This was not found on this vehicle for the time period. I can remove if desired.
• A Panasonic CD player/speakers for old-tyme music of the late 40’s-50’s.  This can be removed if desired.
• Late model – 90’s military GPS. Not for this era and can be removed if desired.
• New life canvas top, side curtains, and side doors.
• 24V battery jumper connector.
• A 24V to 110V inverter.  To have for whatever accessory (string of Xmas lights) but can be removed if desired.
• A 24V to 12V inverter with cigarette lighter adaptor to use any 12V accessory up to 10 amps.  (modern GPS or any other 12V accessory.)  Can be removed if desired.
• A connection bus for 24V and 12V connections. (From Humvee) Great for adding 24 accessories and not having multiple cables attached to the battery terminal.
• A dual Gerry can holder.  Look at the rear view.  I have gas and water decaled cans.  I saw this on a jeep during a show, liked it and had one fabricated by a professional welder.  Looks great and the holder looks GI!  (Can be removed for regular holder if desired)
• New hood and dash decals
• The MP light on the rear of the jeep is a repro plastic housing light with decals I placed over the plastic lens that is connected to the flasher unit.  When driving on the road to a parade, I flash both lights making sure other traffic sees me.  This light is included but will have to be mounted else where since the rear tire mount is not included. 

Radio:

I placed a repeater-type setup consisting of the RT68 transceiver, a R110 receiver with the PP112 in the middle located on the passenger rear fender.  The idea was to receive on one frequency and transmit on another confusing the enemy and offering greater single distances.  The RT68 transceiver transmits OK (Ham license required) but does not receive. (tube?) The R110 receives OK.  I was going to get into it to fix but I borrowed a Viet Nam system that I mounted on the driver’s side that had a more narrow bandwidth that I use to keep up to date with the regs of the FCC. This is not included but can contact the owner if desired.  The spare tire antenna mount will also not be included with the sale – it belongs with the Viet Nam era radio.  However, the jeep was used in Viet Nam so it is period correct and will contact owner if desired.

Not included:

• The jumper cable mounted on the front bumper.  I borrow this in case a vehicle needs to be jump-started. (I started a Deuce and a M37 during parade emergencies)
• Hand-made club plaque
• Everything mentioned above regarding the Viet Nam radio and antenna. Will consult the owner if desired)
• M1A Carbine dummy.  Although a dummy, there might restrictions to have with different states.

Jeep particulars:

• I do notice the wipers halting during the swing and varies with engine RPM but since the jeep never goes in the rain, it is not an issue for me.  Probably new vacuum hose is needed.
• Does not like cold weather.  (Typical Texan?)  Starting:   I pull the mechanical throttle out ¼ inch, and pull the choke out all the way - crank 2-4 turns.  Then push choke in halfway and when it starts, push on the gas pedal several times.  Starts all the time.  Once running to temperature, choke is no longer needed that day.
• Anticipate your breaking.  Old mechanical break systems do not stop on a dime and I always downshift ahead of the stop.
• There are a few dings in the rear probably made by a previous trailer hitch or something.  These are hidden by the Gerry can holder and spare tire and not visible unless you look for them.

I believe everything is listed to the best of my ability and you can always email should you have any questions using the eBay method. 

#1 question I will most likely receive:  Why am I selling it?  I spent 4 years getting this jeep to this level and I’m now buying a Humvee at a much higher price and having different goals at this stage of my life.  Will use it to tow the M274 mule to the parades as I do now with the jeep. That’s it. 

No warranties implied and sold AS-IS.  Vehicle is available for inspection anytime if you are close to the 07652 zip code area after working hours and by appointment.

Payment and Sales Terms:

• No outside US sales.  Have someone buy it for you.
• No sales to anyone with negative feedback unless they contact me first for clarification.
• Vehicle will be available to pick up after Memorial Day holiday due to prior parade commitments.
• $1000 Paypal deposit required at the completion of the auction within 24 hours and balance by Certified Bank Money order or personal check after it clears and/or we agree on payment terms ahead of auction closing time.
• I have the right to close this sale prematurely before auction ending date as I have this listed locally.

You’re getting a great jeep and hope I don't regret the sale afterwards.   I can’t tell you how many hours I have spent tinkering with it. I know I will miss it.  Good luck to all.