data tags

[Johnbates]

was wondering if the data tag on the dash n a 1952 m38A1 and the tag behind the pass. seat serial numbers suppose to be the same?

[wesk]

The dash plate is the military ID plate and contains the Make, Model, Manufacturer's model then is stamped in the three stamping fields with the 5 digit serial, the Date of Delivery and the Inspector.

The plate behind the passenger seat is the Willys or Kaiser Patent plate and it shows the patents applicable to that jeep that year and in the stamping field they stamp their model letters MC or MD or MD-A and the same 5 digit serial number.

Yes these 5 digit numbers were always the same from the factory. The usual explanation when you find them different is there has been a tub swap, the original civvy owner did not have a dash plate and was unaware of the painted over patent plate and bought a used plate for the dash.