1953 M38A1 Radiator Support Rod question

Mike_B · Post by **Mike_B** » Mon Dec 23, 2019 8:47 pm

I just noticed that my 1953 A1 radiator support rods are covered by a thin rubber covering. Is that factory and if so, why?

Thanks,

Mike B

Post by **wesk** » Wed Dec 25, 2019 12:14 am

I don't recall seeing any rubber layer on mine. It just may be an attempt by a previous owner to make the rods fit snugger and without rattling.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Wed Dec 25, 2019 8:58 am

Wonder if it’s undercoating.

Is that a Marine jeep?

danrothe2001 · Post by **danrothe2001** » Wed Dec 25, 2019 9:46 am

Mine had a thin layer of some kind of thin plastic coating on them. I redid it with plasti-dip like for tool handles. I assumed it was factory.

Dan

1953 M38A1

keats · Post by **keats** » Wed Dec 25, 2019 2:51 pm

my m170 has the rubber coating on them

Mike_B · Post by **Mike_B** » Wed Dec 25, 2019 8:35 pm

danrothe2001 wrote:Mine had a thin layer of some kind of thin plastic coating on them. I redid it with plasti-dip like for tool handles. I assumed it was factory.

Dan

1953 M38A1

That what I was thinking about using if it was deemed factory. Mine were covered end to end including both ends...the only holes in the rubber were for the cotter pins.

Mike B

wilfreeman · Post by **wilfreeman** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 7:08 am

Both of my Army a1s (53 and 54 models) as well as my 64 USMC had a rubbery coating on them. I Plasti Dipped the ones on the 53 that I restored but didn't have to do anything to the USMC ones - they were almost perfect.

Mike_B · Post by **Mike_B** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 7:57 pm

Anyone know WHY they were rubberized???

Thanks,

Mike B

Post by **wesk** » Sun Dec 29, 2019 8:10 pm

Since the attachment points cannot be actually tightened up to prevent movement it is a safe assumption they are rubber coated to prevent rattling and prevent corrosion caused by rattling and rubbing steel on steel.