Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 11:13 pm Post subject: Help identify please
Help please???? I have just purchased what I was told was an M38 with a ramsey 50 winch, I have checked the winch and the PTO they are definately original ramsey. The data plate has thrown me a bit it says 12/52 but says it is a MD M38A1 with serial number 32953. I found a frame number mid way stamped into the chassis on the left side it is: USM3475CM and is stamped as a chassis number would be. Also just found the engine number 2PE24171 It is a 24Volt system and looks exactly right for an M38. Can any one shed any light please? I was also advised jeep came from Korea.
First off pictures help an awful lot when asking for ID help.
If the jeep has flat front fenders it is probably an M38 with the wrong plates on the dash.
M38 Dash
M38
If it has rounded front fenders it is probably a M38A1.
M38A1
M38A1 dash
Ramsey 50R military winch
Willys did not stamp any ID numbers on their frames on M38/M38A1. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Joined: Apr 18, 2005 Posts: 458 Location: Rhode Island
Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 9:26 am Post subject: Frame
In the 1970's a company was selling reproduction frames that had a USM serial number stamped on the passenger side frame rail, below the drivers feet, facing outward. These frames were sold by Acme jeep parts and others. The quality of the steel was high but I do not know about their accuracy for fitment or origin. A phone call with Acme indicated they were made in Minnesota. I have nothing to confirm this info.
I purchased an unused USM-stamped frame that looked like an M38 frame. It had the hinge pieces for the grille, boxed frame horns and did not include the pedal mounts (M38 bolt in). It also did not include the welded bellcrank mount on the front cross member.
My purchase in 1998 was from the original purchaser who had old paperwork along with the shipping tag still attached to the frame. It had been stored in his garage. I have since sold and can access it for pictures if wanted.
It would be great if you could email me some photos of the Acme frame and the serial. I can ad them to the model ID photo guide. Is the frame still tub free?
Mainworry,
Since you have a repop frame, you may well have a repop tub or body kit as well. Check the top lip of the cowl to firewall joint on the driver's side for a MD Juan serial number. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
Thank you everyone for the responses the vehicle is a flat fender I have some photos in "my gallery" (page 10) under mainworry it is the light coloured one with the winch. Hopefully this will give you guys a better idea of what I have, The body has all the tell tale signs of being an original not an MDJuan.
I will do some more probing whilst prepping the body for some work THANKS
The frame appears to be not boxed from the bumper to the area just below the firewall which is what it should be for an M38 frame. I agree with Tom's analysis that it is an old repop frame.
The winch and the PTO are not original M38. They are Ramsey civilian issue.
The engine appears to be a PE series power plant engine that has some M38 accessories on it but a WO type carb and a civvy oil filter. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
That would depend on what level of restoration you are contemplating, the quality and quantity of tools you have, the time and funds you have to spend on it and your mechanical skill levels. _________________ Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100
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