M38A1 Rear Panel Ribs?

madmike · Post by **madmike** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:41 pm

Gentlemen. I have come across another oddity during the restoration of a 1961 M38A1. The rear of this vehicle was hit during it's service to our country and as I don't have another vehicle to refer to, I cannot determine the correct original shape(s) to the rear panel. What I do see now are two diagonal depressions that are each eight inches long and are in a 45 degree line between the inner bumberette bolt holes and the tail light housing. I called a friend of mine who checked the rear of a 1964 and no depressions are there. These appear to be strengthening ribs but could have been placed there during the repair. However, they are VERY uniform in appearance and I have doubts that a body man would go to that much trouble. Before I pull these and fill them, is it possible that the ribs are factory?

hill · Post by **hill** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 6:28 am

I have A 1953 M38a1 and it does not have any ribs like that on the rear panel it's shooth all the way across

Post by **wesk** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:53 am

Have you looked at the rear quarters of an M38A1C? They operate without the center rear panel that replaced the tailgate on an M38A1.

madmike · Post by **madmike** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 2:25 pm

Have not looked at the C model and no, it's not a brace. It's what I would call a strengthening rib. The area you pictured is the exact spot. The depressions are concave, about one half inch wide and rounded. Imagine if you took an 8 inch long kingpin and beat it into the panel about one quarter inch deep. I have a 1956 Willys wagon and the panels have these types of ribs all around the body, but they are reversed, being from the inside out rather than outside in.

This rear end was hit hard enough that power pulls were used to bring out the lower rear bumper brace. I can see the attachment points underneath on the channel. It also pushed the spare tire holder in and that was pulled out with a dent puller except in the area of the vertical braces inside the tub. These are still recessed and I am considering investing in one of those spot welders that weld a pin to the metal and then you pull the dent out. (Can you read in justification for a tool here?)Can't get to it otherwise without drilling a LOT of holes.

So if enough metal was stretched out, I suppose the body amn could have put these depressions in the metal, but as I said before, they are very uniform in appearance.

Post by **wesk** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 7:10 pm

I've never seen any divits in that area on the M38A1 or the CJ5. Post a photo of yours.