Front bumper question ?

Stir-stick · Post by **Stir-stick** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:24 am

My 52 M38-a1, ser.#17xxx , Has the short front bumper. The bumper is in excellent condition.It still has all the markings on it. Is it correct for this jeep? It does not have the large hole in center. There is one hole between frame and end of bumper on both sides. There is also a hole at end of frame on both sides.Is there suppose to be a bolt in this hole , securing it to frame on both sides? I know it sounds nick-picking , but I have seen all kinds of configurations. Politically correct, how many holes does the short bumper suppose to have ?? I am really enjoying this web site and all the available information. Thanks, Stick

Post by **wesk** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 1:09 pm

If you look closely at the illustrations in TM 9-804A (July 1952) (early) M38A1 operations and Maintenance manual on pages 4, 5, 6, 129 and 219 the short bumper had the large center hole and what looks like 6 small holes in addition to the mounting holes. In the M38A1 Ord 9 the early short bumper part number is the same as the M38 bumper which had those 6 small holes for the wood reinforcement stock behind the bumper. Both the M38 and early M38A1 bumpers are the same and you can see this when you compare photos of the installed bumpers which barely fills the space between the centers of the front tire treads.

Stir-stick · Post by **Stir-stick** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 9:02 pm

Thanks Wesk, I have another 46 inch bumper that is exactly like the one you showed . The one without all the holes came with the jeep with Unit markings under the paint(same on bumperetts ).Do I need to install the wood also?Wonder what this other bumper( 46 in. without all the holes ) should go on? Is the bolt to the frame through the front of the bumper supposed to be a carriage bolt or regular bolt? Thanks Stick

Post by **wesk** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 11:07 pm

The M38A1 parts manual does not list the wood filler and the 4 fastener sets for it. So I assume it was not used. The bumper uses six 3/8-24NF-3x7/8 hex head bolts.

Stir-stick · Post by **Stir-stick** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 8:43 am

Thanks Wesk,I'm good to go ! I appreciate the help and all the good information that is acquirable on this site.Thanks again! Stick

bl5211a · Post by **bl5211a** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 5:00 pm

hey Wes, Any information on how far into 52 production the short bumper was used?

Post by **wesk** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 10:24 pm

Not yet.