New to me '53 M38A1

AAHUNT · Post by **AAHUNT** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 6:53 pm

I realized I should have started this here...so let me start over.

Hello, new guy here and I just recently acquired a '53 M38A1. Its in nice shape with most all of the parts still attached. Typical rust in the front floors, hat channels and tank well. Currently the transfer case is out...needs some sorting.

Here's what I know so far:

Willys #: MD74416
MFR serial #: (very light stamp) 38828
Date of Delivery: 1/53
Inspected: crossed cannon stamp with EPM
Hood: US ARMY 2A8544

Working on pictures this weekend.

My 3 sons and I are very excited to be starting on this jeep journey!

Thanks,

Hornsgalore · Post by **Hornsgalore** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 11:28 pm

Would love to see pictures! I just inquired one as well yesterday in about the same condition as yours

Post by **wesk** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 6:56 am

MD74416 is a JUL 54 unit.

MD38828 is a JAN 53 unit.

All od the inspector's boxes had the crossed cannons through about 57.

Where were the two numbers above found?

AAHUNT · Post by **AAHUNT** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:29 pm

MD74416 is the Willys patent plate on the wheelhouse.

38828 is on the dash data plate

Delivery date 1/53

I have some pics of the tags...I'll post them up.

Hood numbers are 2A8544...I had to go to bare metal on the right side to find them...you could actually see where the ghost of the numbers oxidized into the metal. Who knows if this is the original hood...but I'm pretty sure it left the Army in the config I received it in. It has the later battery lid but earlier fender(s) (drivers). Evidence of a radio at one point. Rod braced radiator. Non folding grill. Vacuum wipers.

Some of the history that I know:
I believe that I'm the 4th owner. After the Army it went to Metamora Township (North of Detroit)...for how long is unknown, but they didn't make any changes (except for paint). Next it was owned by the Detroit Area Boy Scouts and kept stored inside at a Scout Camp. They added some turn signals and a civy carb and civy wheels/tires. The previous owner to me had it for 10+ years in dry storage and he left it basically untouched...He swapped out the civy wheels/tires for NDCC's on a pair of early and late rims.

I my hood number search, I found darker OD over a light OD over OD/green primer (like aircraft primer). That first OD paint layer really is light.

-Andy

AAHUNT · Post by **AAHUNT** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 3:27 pm

Here's my photo album:
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

Post by **wesk** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 8:22 am

Either the later tub was installed on an earlier jeep and the early dash plate set was moved to the tub. Or the jeep is later and someone used the early data plate set to register it. The 2AXXXX hood number system started in July 1954. I suspect from your photos that the jeep is a 1954 unit with an early 53 data plate set.

AAHUNT · Post by **AAHUNT** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 8:54 am

Interesting. No matter, I'm just happy to have it.

I added a couple more pics...side shots, engine #, and tx case tag. I'll look and see if I can see a # on the frame.

BTW, Thanks for the info Wes...and this site is awesome!

-Andy

Post by **wesk** » Sat Jun 07, 2014 9:10 am

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 6:57 am

Wes, where else could I find a frame number on an M38 besides
top of the left front frame extension?

Also, hopefully not ot, where can one find a tutorial on brazing
or welding sheet metal replacements? Does anyone use lead
for body filler anymore? Seems it would have less shrinkage
issues than Bondo.

Andy, congrats on the find. Looking forward to your
refurbishment.

Brian

Post by **wesk** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 10:54 am

Willys only put three serial numbers on their military jeeps after WWII. The dash serial tag and the right rear wheel house patent plate which are matched and the engine serial on the flat above the water pump which has no useable relationship to the other two serials.

In the field many US jeeps when overhauled completely often had the hood number or body serial number stamped on the left front frame rail by the overhaul depot. No rule as to where and which number used.

Canadian M38's and M38A1's had their CAR number stamped on the left front frame rail.

AAHunt Get me that frame rail photo and I can tell you which of the two serials you have is the real one for that jeep!

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 11:12 am

Hi Wes,
My engine for MC11481:
The flat behind and above the water pump is blank.

The engine does have a rebuild tag.

Brian

Post by **wesk** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 11:21 am

Brian, That's not uncommon if the engine is overhauled the block deck is often ground to true it up loosing most if not all trace of the serial. However if you can talk your local PD into demonstrating how they find a serial number where one used to be you may get lucky.

AAHUNT · Post by **AAHUNT** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 8:21 pm

I'll be able to get to that bracket tomorrow and get that info to you Wes.

-Andy

AAHUNT · Post by **AAHUNT** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 12:13 pm

Wes, I added pics of the frame horn you requested.

Also, Do I or rather you (admin) need to move this thread to a different forum?...ie: Technical?...Or, am I ok to continue this prelim investigation here? Just want to follow the rules.

Please advise.

Thanks,
-Andy

AAHUNT · Post by **AAHUNT** » Mon Jun 09, 2014 7:38 pm

Adding up all the evidence...it's looking like the MD74416 # may be the correct one.

Would the 2A8544 hood number jive with the MD#?