1962 and 1964 USMC M38A1 Jeep Characteristics.

[BullRun]

Hopefully this can help people in their restorations of their 1960's USMC M38A1 jeeps. These jeeps are a little different from the 1950's M38A1's in the details. I'll list the things I have found that are unique to them. Some are obvious, some not, some are like the '50's M38A1's. I have never seen this in print anywhere and it is not intended to be definitive or comprehensive.

1) Aluminum Data Plates that are photo etched not pressed brass. Although the Fording Valve Plate is pressed brass. The wheel arch plate is aluminum.

2) Power - Loc locking differentials front and back axles.

3) Flat Top Air Cleaner likely from the early Willys M151 production for '62.

4) Pressed Rings Top in Air Cleaner from the later M151 production for '64.

5) M151 style dash lights. All Red, no Blue lights.

6) Reinforced Rear Cross Member with USMC Style lifting rings on ends and USMC style lifting rings on front bumper.

7) Late Style front fenders and grill.

Late Style body tub with clamping strap on the battery box lid.

9) Late Style top bow brackets.

10) Steering wheel has grooves running around the top surface. Not smooth like earlier steering wheels.

11) Rubber covered gas pedal.

12) Dull / Matt USMC paint as original base paint.

13) Hood number has 6 numbers beginning with 3xxxxx

14) Late Style Wheels have a flat spot on them like CJ5 wheels but are 16".

15) Round or Rectangular rear view mirror, not sure which is original. I have seen both. Mine is rectangular.

16) Douglass and Packard connectors used on wiring harness.

17) Way more instructional markings on body almost like earlier Army jeeps.

1 Horn might be M151 program too.

19) Hose from air cleaner is black cloth covered wire coil spring.

20) Inboard drain holes on front floor boards.

21) Grooved leaf springs as possibly original.

22) Fording system.

23) USMC on left rear bumperette.

24) 3xxxxx on right rear bumperette.

25) Generator gauge is the later style like the M151.

There are probably other details but these are the major ones I have found on my 1962 model. The 1964 version probably has more unique details.