New build on M 38 Kansas

[gardaws]

Hi guys just bought a M 38 with no title or data plates on the dash. Have been getting a few numbers where I can. So far this is what I have.

Motor SN: mc 84884
head# 800376 2-848 2 19
Front and rear tag w 38 over 8
2 soft plugs on the side of the engine
these were on front frame horn

W 50
W44
W6

G 1 W 43

G 1 W 35
G 1 W 54
G 1 W 63
G 1 W 85
G 1 W 88

G 7 40 W 7
G 7 40 W 8

First time posting so I hope that this is close to doing it right.
Wondered if I could find a title with data plates so I could maybe get a title for it? Was going to use for patterns or parts. To good for that, now going to rebuild the whole thing from the ground up. I have it down to the frame know. Will try to learn how to post some pictures in the future, will try to get other information if you are interested.

Thanks Gary
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[wesk]

Hello Gary & welcome aboard.

Was there no patent plate on the front vertical surface of the right rear wheelhouse?

Your engine is a spring 52 engine and the later reinforced rear flange design that was used with the late bell housing and late closed nose, large frame starter and the 129 tooth flywheel. Head is correct and the 848 should actually read 6.48 for the compression ratio.

Axle tags say 5:38.1 gears.

I opened a photo album for you:
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album343&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

And here's a tutorial on how to load the album:
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album53&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php
_________________
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

[gardaws]

Thanks Wes

There was no tag on the wheel well either.
You opened a album for me a month ago. Just put some pictures in a week ago.
Do you know what the numbers stamped to the frame would be?

thanks Gary

[Kendall]

For title purposes in Kansas, they use the serial number stamped on the engine. All you need for a title in Kansas for a jeep that old is a bill of sale. When I bought two project jeeps I took them to the DMV in Wichita and procured a Non-highway title so I could be sure that were no problems with titles and I did not have to buy insurance while I was restoring them. After I finished the M38 I took it back down to the DMV with proof of insurance and got a regular title. The Highway Patrol in Goodland should be able to do the same thing.
Good Luck,
Kendall
_________________
1951 M38
1952 M38
1952 M38A1
1942 Dodge WC-55
1951 M100 trailer
1942 Ben Hur trailer

[gardaws]

Thanks Kendall.
I will try that.
Thanks Gary

[wesk]

The frame stampings are interesting. Often during depot rebuilds of jeeps the serial & or hood number was stamped on the frame by the depot shop. What I see in your stampings are the parts of service publication notices. I think they are the permanent recording on the frame of Military service bulletins and work orders accomplished on the jeep.

[gardaws]

Thanks Wes.
I will check some of those out, on the frame, the body is out back in the horse trailer, to cold to look. Will get back to you.

Thanks again
Gary

[oilleaker1]

Very interesting! I'll be blasting a m38 frame soon and will keep a eye out for those! When I built my '45 MB, I found the hood number stamped in it's frame. Thanks for the info. John

[Kendall]

Gary,
Does your M38 have evidence of those listed modifications?
Very interesting.
Kendall
_________________
1951 M38
1952 M38
1952 M38A1
1942 Dodge WC-55
1951 M100 trailer
1942 Ben Hur trailer

[gardaws]

I saw on the seat that it had some kind of door latch like on a gate.
The rear shock brackets were welded.
Patch reinforcement hasn't shone up till maybe I blast it. Pass corner rusted out bad.
Lube fitting do not what it is.
Trailer rexceptacle missing
Timing have not figured out where it is yet.
Oil gauge out side, to cold to look.
Castel nut outside
Do not know on the clutch rod.
Sealing on front hubs looks like a thick gasket.
Do not know on the battery hold downs yet.

Have to figure out how to post pictures here.

Gary

[gardaws]

Trying to post pictures here. Think I have it figured out.

[wesk]

[Bretto]

I think I need to redo my battery hold down after looking at this pic.
_________________
Brett
'51 M38
PHOTO DIARY OF MY BUILD

[circleburner12]

was all m38 reg and serial number stamped on the frame rail. or was it just done by the depot if it went there for a rebuild?. thxs
_________________
1953 m38a1 1953 m100

[wesk]

There was no set procedure for marking the frames at a depot rebuild facility. Some just used tags wired to the part. Some did nothing and treated one jeep frame just like another. Some would stamp the serial on the frame rail and some would stamp the registration number on the frame. The registration was the most common used stamping. Remember these jeeps were tracked their entire life in the military by their registration numbers and not their Willys serial numbers.
_________________
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