Hood Numbers

magnum · Post by **magnum** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 10:47 am

Wes,

Is there any way to find the history or where a particular vehicle was assigned by the hood numbers?

Thanks,

Post by **wesk** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 11:58 pm

No. The military destroyed motor vehicle records as the vehicles were surplused out. Sometimes you can get lucky by reviewing hundreds of museum and other period photos that are dated and sourced.

magnum · Post by **magnum** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:38 am

Thanks Wes.

Post by **wesk** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 12:42 pm

While perusing the many photos out there keep in mind that the jeeps when brand new were moved in lots and shipped to each first assignment in lots so a hood number very close to yours (say within 50) in a photo dated close to your DOD will be a good indicator that the probability that your jeep went to the same place would be high.

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 9:10 pm

I am starting to think about adding some of the finishing touches to my M38's exterior, and also was wondering how to come up with a hood number. Mine was manufactured 3/51 and has a serial # of 15591. Also, any opinion on the preference of stencils vs decals?

Thanks Much,
David

Post by **wesk** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 11:53 pm

Stencils were original. Decals the Army started using in the field in the late 60's and early 70's.

Your March 51 would be 238XXXX so I would use 2385591.

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Sat Nov 19, 2011 1:46 am

As usual Wes your amazing knowledge is much appreciated! I will make sure to send you some photos of my M38 with the suggestions you made painted on her! This jeep is coming along just fine.. needs some electrical attention and a proper tune up and it will have a new lease on life!

Thanks Much!
David

Post by **wesk** » Sat Nov 19, 2011 10:15 am

You are welcome David. Also send me photos of the data plates as well. Have I received a M38 survey form from you yet?

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Sat Nov 19, 2011 10:25 am

I'll send you some photos, and work on the form over the Thankgiving weekend..
Regards,
David

warsawillys · Post by **warsawillys** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 11:41 am

Hi Wes,
When sanding my M38, I could not find any readable numbers on the hood but found 20893965 on the passenger side rear bumperette and USA on the driver side. I also found a date mark on the front axle of 7 51. Since the dash board where the data plates go is solid it seems to be an early model. There are no data plates at all on the vehicle. From reading various posts, the number looks right. Do you think that number is for real? And do you think July or August 1951 is the right vintage?

Thanks again for an awesome site...I also got Ryan Miller's book for Christmas...I highly recommend it .....it was my my favorite gift!

Don

Hood Numbers

Hood Numbers

Another Hood Number Question