Correct Jerry Can Holder for 1952 M38

[thomasarnold]

While sandblasting a few more parts I noticed some miner differences on the two Jerry can holders that came with my project.

- One holder has 4 drain holes, the other has 6.

- On one, the front part is spot welded to the back part, the other one has a regular bead.

- On one the holes for the strap are reinforced, the holes on the other one are plain.

- No stamping or marking on either one of the holders.

Can someone please tell me which holder is the correct style for my 1952 M38?


Thanks - Thomas

[kenperkins]

the one with the reenforcements appears to be of heavier gauge steel and looks like one of the ones I have. there are several cofigurations of weld patterns on can holders over the years but the gauge of steel is a good indication of a government can holder.

[thomasarnold]

You are right, the steel on the one with the reinforcements is a little thicker. I think they are both government issue since both were painted OD. I am just curious about which one would be the correct one for my Jeep.

[wesk]

Brand new repops came with OD paint.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[grantj]

For my 2c worth, my 52 has the one with the 6 holes and reinforced top loop. My jeep came to me unrestored and original.....grant j

[Jim]

An excellently pictured set of can holders! I have no idea
as to which, if not both, are correct, as the one on my M38
is non-reinforced. Perhaps the same holders as were on the
WW II jeeps was used, if they were the non-reinforced type,
until the supply was exhausted, and then the stronger type
was introduced into the supply chain. Perhaps Wes, with his
stable of vehicles, could ascertain if this possible scenario is
what may have occured. I wonder when spot-welding was
begun in military vehicle contracting?

Jim in Darkest Arkansas

[wesk]

Neither of my projects came with can carriers.

Spot welding on government production contracts pre-dates WWII. The MB was full od spot welds.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[kenperkins]

another thing I noticed, the seam laps inside the rear on all the brackets I have and are spot welded. I see that the welded one in the picture laps to the outside

[thomasarnold]

Thanks to everybody for the input. I think I will go with the holder that has the reinforcements installed. I took a closer look in the TMs and noticed that they picture can holders that have the top of the side pieces rounded. The sides on the one with the thinner metal go up and form an angle instead of being rounded off.

Anyway, I will prime and paint both of them for right now. It will be some time until I get to that point in my restoration.

Greetings - Thomas

[davem201m38]

Drain holes, I always assumed those round holes were for bolting it down, like on the M35 step.
These things were rebuilt so often I imagine the non factory issue was reguarlly bolted back on as to the GI it makes zero difference so long as it does the job.
As a by the by, I have seen a great field mod.... on truck steps another jerry can holder is fixed to the step where the batteries are carried but it has a welded hinge so it folds over below the step and allows access to the batteries. I've never seen a TM for it. This allows the truck to carry a jerry can of water.
Darn good question, well spotted sir.
All the best,
Dave