M38 axe clamp

evanso1975 · Post by **evanso1975** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 1:14 am

A couple of questions on the rear axe clamp for the M38 (the hinged bracket that holds the axe head in the sheath):

1. I've seen vendors selling the rear axe clamp with 4 holes or 2 holes. Going off page 295 of the ORD 9, I'm guessing the 2-hole type is correct for the M38. Can anyone confirm?

2. Does anyone have the dimensions for the hole positions in the body tub? The bottom 6" of my tub had been replaced by the PO. The replacement quarter panel (MD Juan's finest) does have the holes drilled, but based on the fact that I had to remove the axe sheath and re-weld it in the correct position I take nothing for granted.

Thanks in advance,
Owen.

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 4:23 am

Here's my post from over a year ago.
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... hlight=axe

evanso1975 · Post by **evanso1975** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 4:37 am

Thanks for that, Bretto.

Looks like 2 holes is correct, and they're about 1-1/2" above the base of the tub. Doesn't look like the bracket is centred on the axe sheath though; I guess it just needs to be in line with the footman loop above the sheath.

Thanks,
Owen.

evanso1975 · Post by **evanso1975** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 5:43 am

Further info:
After doing a few searches on the "G", the M38 rear axe clamp should have 4 holes; only two bolts are used though. I guess this allows for adjustment when using different length axe heads?

The 2 hole brackets were apparently used on the slat-grille willys and early MB's & GPW's until about mid-1942 (so it says).

One headache cured; onto the next one.

Bretto · Post by **Bretto** » Thu Aug 23, 2012 7:31 am

[quote=One headache cured; onto the next one.

[/quote]

amen brother