Joined: Jul 18, 2022 Posts: 6 Location: Washington State, USA
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:29 pm Post subject: Identifying my M38
I am a new M38 owner and I am working to fill out Wes' registry survey.
Today I found the Patent Plate on the passenger wheel well. It was buried in layers of paint. So far stripping back the layers has revealed the serial number as recorded on my title. But nothing more - that I can read. The "bottom layer" seems to be a tan colored - almost vinyl looking - paint.
The numbering seems to be embossed into the tan layer. Are there any recommendation as to how I might find additional information from this tag? Or is S/N the only thing of interest here?
Joined: Oct 02, 2014 Posts: 1909 Location: South Carolina, Dorchester County
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:52 pm Post subject:
Hi John,
The number is supposed to be stamped into the plate.
I suggest not using sandpaper or wire wheel to get the paint off the plate.
If you spread a layer of DOT3 brake fluid over it and let it sit for a couple of hours it should peel away without damage to the plate.
Rinse and repeat if needed.
There should be a "MC" in front of the 55206.
MC is Willys' serial number prefix for the M38.
Do you also have the Army serial number dash plate with matching number?
Photos of the M38?
Good luck! _________________ Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51
“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari
Joined: Oct 02, 2014 Posts: 1909 Location: South Carolina, Dorchester County
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2022 1:46 pm Post subject:
Nice! More photo's please!
As mentioned, the serial number is stamped into the metal.
Removing paint (without abrasives) won't remove the numbers.
It should be a "MC" prefix not "M38" in front of the number.
I'm not the expert, but don't recall hearing of any M38 Patent Plate that used "M38" instead of "MC".
Here's what one looks like without paint:
Good luck! _________________ Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51
“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari
Joined: Jul 18, 2022 Posts: 6 Location: Washington State, USA
Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2022 11:21 am Post subject:
RonD2 wrote:
Nice! More photo's please!
As mentioned, the serial number is stamped into the metal.
Removing paint (without abrasives) won't remove the numbers.
It should be a "MC" prefix not "M38" in front of the number.
I'm not the expert, but don't recall hearing of any M38 Patent Plate that used "M38" instead of "MC".
Here's what one looks like without paint:...!
Thanks again!!
Nothing is working against that tan coating, so far. I've tried HD paint stripper, DOT3, Acetone soak, gasoline soak, and I am back to the brake fluid. Not sure what that stuff is, but it is very durable.
Re more pictures: I keep taking things apart and so the M38 sits more than drives. I am currently replacing the timing chain (Pontiac/Buick V6).
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Forum FAQ
Search
Usergroups
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
