1952 M38a1 footman loops question/ help

[hifim37]

OK, now that I am welding up the body and repairing all the body issues I have found that I maybe have some extra footman loops. I saw a picture in the Galley of a M38 footman loop layout but I have the a1 so now what. I searched through the galley and looked at all the M38a1's and found only one that had the loops on the lower quarter panels like mine has. It looked like the loops were added on the a1 in the gallery after the top was fitted. The original beginning pictures did not show the loops being there, so now I'm stumped. The other a1's I looked at did not have the lower loops as mine except in the very rear above the trailer plug. Looks like the ones in the rear above the trailer plug is correct, but I have 3 additional ones on each quarter the same height as the 2 rears that I know are supposed to be there. I need to know now so I can fill the holes if this was a add on. I don't have the loops anyway so no big deal. My a1 is a 1952 so maybe the early ones had them and I should leave the holes ?

If this was a M series Dodge or WC Dodge I would be answering these questions but this is my first Jeep.
Thanks !

[wesk]

If I recall correctly the A1's were only factory equipped with the necessary footman loops for the top canvas not the side curtains. I have a field canvas top kit instruction set here somewhere that adds the three loops each side on the ledge down just a bit from the top of the quarters.


A1 without the extra 3 loops.


A1 with the three footman loops located down on the ledge.

[Kendall]

I have a 1952 M38A1 that has footman loop placement similar to what you describe. There are three loops on each quarter panel (for the side curtains) that are in alignement with the ones on the rear.
Kendall

[Bretto]

If you need some loops, I know where to get some repops for an excellent price. Pop me a PM for the particulars if interested.
You can take a look at my Photobucket to see what they look like.

[hifim37]

Thank you for the replies !

From what Kendall stated and your layout Wes, it looks like my Jeep had side curtains, Cool, I'll leave the holes and pick up some loops. I like the rear curtains, I just might pick some up someday. This will save me some work ! I finished the rebuild on the Carter YS 950, it came out good, I can't wait to get the Jeep back to running.

I am glad to have found this site, you guys are good for assistance !

Eric..

[hifim37]

Well,

Today I the first thing I did on the Jeep was weld in the questioned loop holes. Yes, it looked to be for the side curtains I don't have anyway. The holes were drilled uneven and the loops were appearantly 'eyed" in. I know this is not a $100,000.00 Hemi Cuda but hey, why not get it back close to it's birth. I would have probally left them it had not been for all of your input. I want it back as original. If this had been a M37 I would have known. It is funny how generic the M38a1 is compaired to other "M" series. The M37 for instance has many pre-punched holes for several different configurations or options, I have seen Jeep a1 vehicle set up Radio or "C" or for the nuclear cannon only. Not much more. The pioneer tools are kinda boring, the flat fendered Jeeps have all the goodies hanging out in the open, too cool. But hey, I like the a1 a lot so I'll make it right, even if it is generic