Military vehicle restoration.

[TrickyNicky]

Anyone have any recommendations for someone who specializes in working on military vehicles? My dad has a 1952 M-38 he is looking to restore. It is 100% complete, including fording equipment. It needs at least routine maintenance to get it running. Charge batteries, check points, plugs, condenser, etc. It should run great, but will also most likely need to have the timing looked at. Once started, it needs some basic restoration such as recover seats, new tires (has originals) and new top canvas (frame, including door frames, 100% there).

Please keep in mind that with all due respect, he's specifically looking for someone with experience working on military vehicles, the little details real history buffs can point out are going to matter. Ideally he would like to ship it to and possibly from, depending on distance to Nashville.

He knows a guy up in Indiana that he's very tempted to go with. I guess based on reputation, but he'd rather keep the money here. Recommendations from east and west Tn are appreciated, though middle TN is preferred.


I'll try to get some pics this weekend if anyone's interested. Edited May 24, 2014 by TrickyNicky

[Monkeyman2500]

Very cool. Me and the wife love those old trucks.

[Clod Stomper]

Try this forum.

http://steelsoldiers.com/

There is most likely someone there who can point you in the right direction. I've checked it frequently since I bought a CUCV a few years ago.

[fstbk65]

I had a M38 as my first car when I turned 16. I loved that thing. Sounds like this one is in much better shape.

 

I've restored a couple of cars before. Military vehicles are easier because of their simplicity. The biggest problem if finding the correct military parts. Not all civilian parts were the same on the M38. There was a guy (if he is still alive) in Tracy City, TN that had a military junkyard. I got a few parts from him before.

 

If you can still read all the original markings, take pictures. Mine was barely visible in a cross light when I first got it. By the time I sold it, they were indistinguishable. 

 

The steel soldiers site has a lot of great guys on there that could point you out to a good shop. I've been on there a lot when I was looking for things.

[peejman]

You might shoot a PM to Mark @ Sea.  He had several.