M38A1 data plates from about 1963

ikalimnos · Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 12:41 pm Post subject:

Hi Wes,

Since you are talking on data plates what you can make out of mine?

Thanks!

wesk · Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 1:43 pm Post subject:

Hello ikalimnos,

I split your post from Tom A's post because your 1963 M38A1 data plates are totally unrelated to his M38 engine overhaul plate.

You have two plates.

57148 91444 is for a M38A1 built between Dec 1962 & Feb 1963. It is the patent plate found behind the passenger seat.

Your second plate has been modified to represent MD 91397 which would be a Dec 1962 thru Feb 1963 M38A1.

The date 5-63 belongs to the original serial number on that plate that someone overstamped with 91397. You may be able to sort out the original serial by looking at the rear side of the plate.

At any rate those two plates did not leave the Willys factory on the same jeep. So you have a mix and match which will always be a problem when trying to title or sell.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

ikalimnos · Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 1:48 pm Post subject:

Thanks Wes, thats really helpfull,

When I sandblasted the jeep I found on the front chassis crossmemberstamped the "91397"

If we suppose that this is the true S/N for my jeep would we know if this would be a USMC jeep or any idea for service history?

wesk · Posted: Tue May 02, 2017 2:14 pm Post subject:

When these jeeps went thru an overhaul facility they were completely disassembled just as you would a frame off restoration. The frames would normally get stamped with the serial number or hood number of the jeep. The rest rolled thru with no ID accept the tub often still had one or both plates on it. As they jeep got towards re-assembly often no attempt is made to match anything. I assume most tub serial plates were removed and left with the motor pool records which are the same records that would follow that chassis with that serial stamped on it matching the motor pool record book.

It is still possible that all the switches in ID plates occurred on your jeep after it left the military.

Your only good choice at this point is if you have a title or registration with a serial on it then make sure you use the plates that show that serial. Or buy new plates and stamp them to match the serial on your title/registration.

The only I can help you with is based on the two serials you have shown us it is a Navy or USMC contract jeep produced sometime between Dec 1962 and Feb 1963.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

ikalimnos · Posted: Wed May 03, 2017 12:17 pm Post subject:

I got my M38A1C directly from an aution from greek army. Together I got all the supporting paperwork. the chasssis number in the paperwork is the 91397.
Following your information and if the 91397 is my real chassis number which would most propably be the manufacturing date?


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