Trying to date my M388A1D

[TomHoover]

I have an M38A1D that has a data plate that says KIT.XM28 NO. 7973401 SER.NO. 108. The number on the motor is RMC124372. Any help would be appreciated. I have the hinged grill, 8 thumbscrew battery cover.

[wesk]

The date of the A1D conversion is probably not any help with the date of the jeep. You describe an A1 built before late 53. Without the dash data plates or the pass side wheel house patent plate you won't get a lot closer than that. If you are in the process of a resto then you may luck out and find tranny, transfer and axle assembly dates that agree and help get you closer. The factory replacement (RMCXXXXXX) engine is no help. What are the serial numbers of the starter, generator, voltage regulator? They have an integral date code and if they all agree they may help with better dating.

[Zane]

shouldnt an m38a1 engine have a rmd prefix? I was under the assumption that the m38 replacement l head engines were the only ones with rmc?

[TomHoover]

Is it possible that a left over motor from an MC was put into an MD? Cause the serial number on the motori ndicates its a 1952.

[wesk]

No. That Flathead found it's way in there by a prior owner with a tight wallet. Anyone else including the Army would not swap out a 72 HP engine for a 60 HP engine. In 1952 Willys had plenty of both engines in production still. The flat head 134 was produced up to 1968.

[TomHoover]

Thanks for the info. I have determined that my jeep is a 1952 or early 53. The data plates on the dash and wheelhouse are missing. The kit tag is where the serial number on the dash should be. The registration I have says its a 55 theserial number on it is from the kit plate which is only 3 digits. I would like to make it as correct as possible. Where would I find the correct serial number or data plates with serial numbers?

[wesk]

I have determined that my jeep is a 1952 or early 53.

On what physical evidence did you reach that conclusion?

I would like to make it as correct as possible. Where would I find the correct serial number or data plates with serial numbers?

Not sure what you are asking for here? The data serial plate on the dash and the patent plate on the rear right wheel house are the only serial numbers that Willys put on the jeep. If you don't have either of those plates you will never be able to ascertain that jeep's original serial number. The DMV would frown on any attempt to make up a false serial number. You can purchase blank data plate sets but legally all you can stamp on them is the serial shown on your title.