Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 6:54 am Post subject: M38 Production total by year?
I've noticed that many of the M38 I see advertised for sale are described as 1952. I've been searching for production totals for the M38 by year, but all I've been able to find is total production, 1950 - 1952, 45,xxx.
Anyone have information on production totals by year? 1950? 1951? 1952? _________________ 1953 M38A1 (His)
1963 CJ5 w/Tuxedo Park Mk III (Hers)
See you at the Old Jeep Rendezvous in Ashton, Idaho 9:00 am - Noon on the first Saturday after July 4th. All pre-1970 Jeep vehicles, military or civilian, stock or modified welcome.
Last edited by jbjeeps on Fri May 31, 2013 6:00 am; edited 1 time in total
No accurate yearly or monthly records have ever surfaced. 1950 models had a data plate that only showed the year of delivery as 1950. Early thru April 51 units also only had a year date on the plate 1951. Around Apr/May 51 the month and year appeared on the data plate.
There are one set of figures based loosely on factory line records that was compiled by a fellow named Norton in the 70's right after AMC took over.
One set reads:
1950 - 1,563
1951 - 13,317
1952 - 22,972
1953 - 23,571
Total - 61,423
This is very unlikely since we all know M38 production ended in Jun/Jul 52 and M38A1 production started in Jun/Jul 52. It would be more correct based on other research if the 1951 & 52 totals were combined for 51 and the 53 figure moved to 52 where it belongs.
The other set of figures were found recorded in a 1954 production statistics book by the Willys museum curator. They are:
Based on known serial numbers this total is about 800 short.
Eventually by gathering survey forms on all M38's we can find we can come up with some better numbers. That hinges on the participation of our members in submitting the survey form for their M38's and any others they come across.
Identification
1-Is it US or Canadian Built? US
2-Dash serial plate serial number. MC20030
3-For US built the wheelhouse tag serial number.
4-For US Built DA Contract number from left lower corner of dash serial # tag.
5-For Canadian built the CAR registration number. NA
6-For Canadian built the contract number from the dash plate. NA
7-Date of delivery
8-Branch of Service and Country?
9-Are the data plates fastened individually directly to the dash or to a sub-panel which is then fastened to the dash?
10-Original US Hood Number? (Positively determined by owner via paint removal and etc.)
11-Current US Hood Number?
12-If foreign service list any foreign markings.
13-Engine Serial number just above water pump for M38 engines, Earlier Non-M38 engines may be on side behind filter bracket.
14-Engine Casting number (right lower side of block)
15-Is there a oval serial space on the upper right front side behind oil filter?
16-Does the rear flange of the block have 4 or 10 bolt holes?
17-Does the right side of the block have 4 or 2 expansion plugs (freeze plugs)?
18-What other numbers are cast in the block?
19-Are there any add on rebuild plates on the block. Describe them.
20-Cylinder Head casting number. (under oil filter bracket)
21-List any other markings and numbers found on the jeep.
22-What are the dates if any and markings on the case of the: Tranny_________(top left side)Transfer ___________ Frt Diff____________ Rear Diff ____________(Left end of left housing tub about 6" inboard of the brake back plate).
Electrical, Instruments & Ignition
23-Did you buy it with 24 volt electrics and waterproof ignition?
24-Did it have the inter-vehicle cable plug on the right fender?
25-Does your main light switch have one or two plugs on the rear?
26-Did it have a "OFF ON" placard on the ignition switch?
27-Did it have a ignition noise filter (capacitor) on the firewall?
28-Did it have the small accessory plug on the firewall center top near cowl battery?
29-Does it have the 3 circuit breakers mounted on the left side of the battery box?
30-What are the electrical accessories’ part numbers & serial numbers?
Generator part #________________Serial #____________________.
Regulator part #________________Serial #____________________.
Distributor part #________________Serial #____________________.
Starter part #.________________Serial #____________________.
31-Does it have one circuit breaker mounted on the right rear side of the instrument cluster?
32-Does it have the harness clip bracket mounted on the left rear side of the instrument cluster?
33-Does it have a voltmeter or ammeter?
34-Is oil pressure gage 0-60 or 0-120 PSI?
35-Is the horn button early hard push type or late rubber covered?
Accessories
36-Does it have a personnel heater?
Is the heater hot water type or gas fired type or civilian add-on type?
37-Does it have a power plant arctic heat kit?
38-Was the fording kit installed?
39-Was the primer system installed. (hand pump on dash)
40-Was a PTO & winch installed?
If yes what models?
Miscellaneous
41-What is the diameter of the rear drive shaft’s rear (long) tube?
42 Is the grease zerk on the rear drive shaft front yoke assembly at the front or rear end of the yoke’s splined sleeve?
43-Leaf spring leaf count front.
44-Leaf spring leaf count rear.
45-Is the “Jeep” logo on the front vertical part of your passenger seat tool box?
46-Does the passenger toolbox have louvers in it?
47-Front lifting shackles. Do you have the early that match the rear or the later longer bracket with the bend over ring that lays flat against the front of the bumper?
48-Is the steering wheel rim smooth or does it have ringed grooves in it?
49-Were the original seat covers vinyl or canvas?
50-What type seat filling and spring setup were on it?
51-Are the upper rear tub corners reinforced?
52-Oil filter Cuno or Military Junior?
No accurate yearly or monthly records have ever surfaced. 1950 models had a data plate that only showed the year of delivery as 1950. Early thru April 51 units also only had a year date on the plate 1951. Around Apr/May 51 the month and year appeared on the data plate.
There are one set of figures based loosely on factory line records that was compiled by a fellow named Norton in the 70's right after AMC took over.
One set reads:
1950 - 1,563
1951 - 13,317
1952 - 22,972
1953 - 23,571
Total - 61,423
This is very unlikely since we all know M38 production ended in Jun/Jul 52 and M38A1 production started in Jun/Jul 52. It would be more correct based on other research if the 1951 & 52 totals were combined for 51 and the 53 figure moved to 52 where it belongs.
The other set of figures were found recorded in a 1954 production statistics book by the Willys museum curator. They are:
Thanks for the thorough reply Wes. I was thinking, based on my very un-scientific observation of sale ads, that there were many more 1952 than 1951. But, using your suggestion to combine the '51 and '52 totals in the first set, both sets of numbers indicate that there were actually more 1951 produced. Interesting. Also, the 45,xxx figure I found was way off. Thanks for the info. _________________ 1953 M38A1 (His)
1963 CJ5 w/Tuxedo Park Mk III (Hers)
See you at the Old Jeep Rendezvous in Ashton, Idaho 9:00 am - Noon on the first Saturday after July 4th. All pre-1970 Jeep vehicles, military or civilian, stock or modified welcome.
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