Perusing Willys Jeep M38A1 Parts & Accessories

Above, the Willys Jeep at home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the past half hour or so, I was perusing around different Army surplus vendor websites and Willys Jeep specialists for what parts and accessories are available for my 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1.

There's plenty of places out there. There was one that caught my attention last month as I was driving to Swan Valley, Idaho. As we were driving through Idaho Falls, I spotted a huge surplus store, Army Surplus Warehouse alongside of Interstate 15.

Although I didn't have the Jeep then, I was still tempted to stop in to look around for the fun of it. It saddens me that I didn't. But, at least they have a website for purchases.

I found this information on the Jeep at Midwest Jeep Willys:

M38A1 1952-1966 - F-Head Engine - 2 PC. Windshield - No Tailgate - Originally 24 Volt Ignition System - Serial No. Located at Right Side of Wheel House 

F-134 "Hurricane" 4 Cylinder Engine | Spark plug gap: 0.030 in. (0.762 mm) | Spark plug torque: 25-33 lbs. ft. (34-44 Nm) | Firing order: 1-3-4-2 | Distributor rotation: Counterclockwise | Point gap: 0.020 in. | Dwell angle: 42 degrees | Ignition timing: 5 degrees BTDC | Bore and stroke :3 1/8 in. x 4 3/8 in. (79.37 mm x 111.12 mm) | SAE Horsepower: 15.63 | Weight: 470 lbs. with fluids | Max. Horsepower: 72 @ 4000 R.P.M. | Torque: 114 lbs. ft. (15.7 kg-m) @ 2000 R.P.M. | Compression pressure: 120-130 psi (8.4-9.2 kg-cm2) | Compression ratio: 6.9:1 (7.4:1 high altitude option). 

In 1950, the first post-war jeep, the M38 (or MC), was launched, based on the 1949 CJ-3A. In 1952 it was quickly followed by the M38A1 (or MD), featuring an all new "round-fendered" body in order to clear the also new, taller, Willys Hurricane engine. This jeep would later be developed into the CJ-5 launched in 1955. Similarly, its ambulance version, the M170 (or MDA), featuring a 20-inch wheelbase stretch, was later turned into the civilian CJ-6.

I am considering getting a Jerry gasoline can for when I take a drive through places like Six Mile Canyon in Cibola National Forest, near Jamestown and Fort Wingate, New Mexico for extra fuel. The Jeep does have 2 carriers. I would need to get hold-down straps for it. 

Idaho Eclipse Traffic Preliminary Numbers

Above, The Beast at the viewing area off I-15 near Roberts, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The traffic jam after Monday's eclipse on Interstate 15 was horrendous. It took me four and a half hours to get from the northern part of Idaho Falls to Lava Hot Springs.

The traffic started snarling up just north of Idaho Falls and it continued at a snail's pace (sometimes not even that fast) until I reached the northern outskirts of Pocatello. That jam had a length of about 50 miles.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department:

UPDATE: Tuesday, August 22 

Here are the preliminary numbers of total cars traveling to and through Idaho for the 2017 Solar Eclipse:  Our traffic counters near the state borders counted 449,530 cars entering the state between August 18 and August 21. This number was an increase of 71,140 during that same time frame last year when 361,270 cars were counted entering Idaho at those same locations.  ITD estimates more than 160,000 visitors came from out of state for the event (see methodology below). 

The bulk of the visitors came from Utah and Oregon. Areas where the traffic was busiest include I-15 between Utah and Idaho Falls, US-93 near Craters of the Moon, US-20 near Arco, ID-95 from Payette to Riggins, and ID-55 north of Eagle.

I noticed that most of the license plates in the traffic snarl were from Utah. There had to have been more than 160,000 more visitors from out of state.

To read more, go here.

Great American Eclipse Day

Above, the Portneuf River and the Lava Hot Springs City Center KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Okay, it is almost 4:00 AM on the day of the Great American Eclipse. I was planning on waking up at 4:30 in order to drive 70 miles to the Idaho Falls/Rexburg area to view it. But I woke up at around 1:30 (I went to bed at 9:00).

Above, Sierra enjoying the view. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was wondering why I woke up and then I glanced at my phone. It indicated that a voice mail message came in at around 1:30 (12:30 Pacific Time) from Asya in St. Petersburg, Russia. That explains it.

Above, the commemorative t-shirt I picked up in town. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I tried going back to sleep, but that was a fruitless endeavor so I stayed up to put things away for the drive. I will be heading out in about an hour or so.

It will be interesting to see how the traffic will be. Luckily, the area of Idaho is pretty spread out where the eclipse path takes and that should help with possible traffic congestion.

Fingers crossed!

Lava Hot Springs Base Camp

Above, The Beast at the Lava Hot Springs City Center KOA The river is at left in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The base camp destination has been reached.

I am currently at the Lava Hot Springs (Idaho) City Center KOA Kampground. I got here a bit early, so I spent some time wandering around the down's main street.

I have a nice riverside campsite and I am next door to a family from Santa Clarita, California (we're practically neighbors). The daughters went gaga over the black onyx/sterling silver ring I bought in town and they invited me to float down the river with them. They are here for the eclipse as well.

I had to decline (reluctantly) as I had too much wine and was a bit buzzed.

Above, some people floating by on the river past my camp. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

But, since I have a riverside campsite, I have been relaxing and enjoying the show of people floating down the river (particularly the bikini-clad ladies).

I will be getting up early tomorrow morning so I can avoid the traffic (I hope) to secure a "beachhead" to experience the eclipse.  I will be going to somewhere near Idaho Falls and Rexburg.

The Wi-Fi here is weak, so I will end this now.

Eclipse Map

The August 21 total solar eclipse that will be seen across the continental United States is being described as an "event of the century". Given the rarity of solar eclipses, especially in the U.S., it will be.

The best map I've seen so far that shows the path of the eclipse is in the EclipSmart Solar Shades kit by Celestron that arrived in the mail yesterday. It is in the Solar Eclipse Observing Guide that came was included in the kit.

I am heading up to the Idaho Falls, Idaho area to experience the eclipse. (Just hope the skies are clear that day.) I recommend getting one of these kits. I got mine from Adorama through Amazon.com.

Here's the map: