Sixty-seven pattern Jeep progress log

[maple_leaf_eh]

As a test of the theory that an M38A1 can't be too different from a CJ5 I took a windshield base screw around to the dealers. From a physical look see and reading the military parts manuals, it is a Phillips head, flat head, torque grooves underneath, 5/16 - 24 pitch about 3/4" long. The Jeep online parts system only goes back to 1984, and isn't very descriptive. My screws were not at one place, but apparently at another. No, out of luck - ghost in the bookkeeping.

But the old guy behind the counter had 2 well thumbed illustrated parts cross reference manuals. Line drawing across the top of the page, four or six columns wide and about 30 rows high. After a dozen CJ2, CJ3 and CJ5 versions, down near the M715, were the M38 and M38A1. Identify what you need, and order (or at least identify) the commercial part number. Everything from pitman arms to jerry can holders and windshield weatherstripping. This should come in handy for some of the consumables like gaskets, bearings seals and electrical bits I may need to replace. I noted the name, toll free number and address of the company. I'll see if anything comes up in a search ... It may be fruitless because that company's consolation to progress was a TELEX address! Does that network even still exist?

I found screws, nuts and toothed washers for $4.50 at the industrial fastener store on Bentley Ave. Allen heads and not Phillips, but I don't really need a full set only 2 replacements. One side will look a little mismatched, and I have some modern spares.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Today I stopped by Frisby Tire on Industrial Ave, Ottawa and asked about Jeep tires. Yes, said the counter man at Frisby Tire and pulled out a Firestone Antique and Specialty tire pamphlet. Skinny Model T Fords, classic 50's convertibles, fancy motorcycles tires, etc. Sounds pricey already. Flip flip flip and there they were, a choice of NDT or NDCC Jeep tires! He called an order desk, and says each will be $150 to $175, plus $40 per order for shipping. (I couldn't remember the exact dimensions off the top of my head.) I gulped at the thought of no less than $750 for 5 tires, but remembered buying new rubber for the family daily driver and it was $600 for very ordinary tires. He said they were going to put in a big order because the prices will go up 6% at the end of the month.

Unless someone talks me out of it, next week I'll roll an oxidized, cracked-sidewall 38yr old Jeep tire through their front door and place an order for 5 new ones. Anyone else want in?