willysmjeeps.com

1952 M38
I borrowed the top bow from my M38 A1. Seems like it should lay down on the rails and tailgate , but the tire carrier has a protrusion at the top that blocks the top bow. (See photo).
All I can think of is that I need some spacers at the top of the tire carrier, or the M38 A1 top bow is larger than the M38 bow.
I looked at posts, Wes'es albums and more, but I have not been able to figure out the solution.
Thanks to all.

Sorry, cant seem to post a photo.

Looks like someone welded the crescent piece to the top of the tire carrier...my vertical brackets are straight.

Mike B

Thanks for your response. The crescents have been cut off. Top Bows are much happier.

Ahh You mentioned M38A1 but you also said you had a M38.

If you truly do have an M38 with a tailgate that crescent tab welded to the tire carrier was probably put there to keep your bow brackets at the height that would keep the outboard edges of the tailgate from cutting the fabric when the top was thrown back & down temporarily since the bows would allow the canvas to rub against those sharp metal edges.

Yes, I know when the bows are laid down the canvas is suppose to be removed and strapped to the fender wheel house for storage but that's a lot of work if you intend to put the top back up in a short period.








TM 8015-2 Pg 240 Fig 162

The M38 does not have all the detailed photos of the bows in the down position that the A1 has.

do you have the spacers at the top of the carrier between the carrier and tailgate?they go on the top mounting carriage bolts