M-38 What year?

[vetteman]

What year M-38 is this? The body tag behind the passenger seat has MC 18813 stamped into it. There are no data plates, etc on the dash. It is titled as a 42 MB Willis, but we all know it's not. Also, where would the serial # be located on the frame? Thanks All. New member trying to learn about the M38 series. AL

[Ryan_Miller]

Hey,

That would be a 1951 M38 during the month of May. Front frame rail lift shackles changed and moved to the forward edge of the front bumper during that month - which do you have?

The serial number was not stamped onto the frame.

The data tag behind the passenger seat on the wheel house and another data tag on the dash will have the serial number (dash one will have month/year of delivery). These tags are attached via screws.

[wesk]

Well since you do not have any dash plates you'll have to assume the serial plate on the right rear wheel house is correct and you have a May 51 unit tub. Since it's titled as a 42 MB it may be a M38 tub on a MB frame. The easiest way to resolve this is for you to post some photos of key parts of the jeep.

Some simple frame checks are:

1 - Does the front bumper bolt directly to the front tip of the frame rails or is it fastened to gussets and the rails with rivets?

2 - Does the brake/clutch pedal support assembly bolt to the frame or is it riveted?

3 - Are the front frame rails boxed from the bumper to the master cylinder or are they open?

[vetteman]

Thanks Wesk, I'll take a gander at the frame this weekend and let you know. I know the rear crossmember doesn't look like an MB, and the engine that is currently residing in it is a Supersonic Willys. I do however have a MC engine that I can put in it. I'm thinking about selling the jeep-- my wife says I have too many projects to work on and not enough time for her--AND she's 100% correct! AL

[vetteman]

Wes, I looked at the frame on the jeep and it is a M 38 frame. Bumper bolts to the frame, frame rails open, has a drop down type of trailer hitch. I was also able to observe another M 38 on Sat. for comparison. Thanks for your help in id'ing my jeep. AL

[wesk]

M38 frame rails are NOT open. They are boxed closed from the bumper to the firewall. They are open from the firewall aft. The M38 does not use a drop down civilian type hitch


This is an M38 frame.


This is the right front area of the M38 frame showing the right front engine mount and the two support brackets for the 24 volt voltage regulator


M38 Frame. Note boxed in rail.


M38 frame. Note boxed in rail.


Rear of M38 frame