Just how accurate are the replacement tubs?

wtb853 · Post by **wtb853** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 7:24 am

I had an interesting day on Saturday and wanted to get other perspectives. First, I have agreed to buy into a basket case M38 with another member here on the board as a parts jeep. He is interested in the radiator, hood, gas tank, motor, etc. I am interested in the body. We began disassembling our new purchase together in his shop this past Saturday.

The other member also owns one of the most complete unrestored M38s I have ever come across -and- another parts M38 with a remarkably straight tub. The 3 jeeps (his two + the new purchase) were sitting in a row in his shop as we pulled the tub. My question centers around whether or not the tub being pulled is a replacement tub.

First, there was no "jeep" on the front of the toolbox. Also, I was not finding OD green in places I should have (under dash, in glovebox, etc.) Here is the interesting part though. I walked back and forth comparing the mystery tub with the known factory tubs. I checked the how seams were welded and arranged in obscure places like up under the wheel wells, etc. The glovebox interior, hat channels, dash, shape of the reinforcing plate for the front DS seat leg to bolt to, everthing - IDENTICAL. Every now and then I would come across a small patch of OD green. To complicate things, the PO had skimcoated the tub in bondo. I don't believe this was a replacement toolbox either. The rest of the bodywork (bad) doesn't match how clean the toolbox looks.

In short, every minute detail I could think of to check matched the factory tubs -except- no "jeep" on the toolbox front. I always hear about how bad the MD Juan tubs are. They couldn't be this accurate (seam shapes, folds, etc), could they????

ECVJeeps · Post by **ECVJeeps** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 7:35 am

The Canadian M38's did not have the script "Jeep" on the front of the tool box. (possibly the first few did)
The Canadian jeeps can be identified by the CAR number stamped into the top D/S frame rail just behind the front lifting shackle and the grill support.
The data plates will have M38CDN stamped on them and there was an axle convoy light bolted to the inside of the P/S rear frame rail just forward of the rear crossmember facing the rear axle.

Possibly you have a M38CDN? Just a thought.

Cheers
Pat

evanso1975 · Post by **evanso1975** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 7:58 am

Check out pages 2 & 3 of my photo album here:
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... php&page=2

Those are MD Juan replacement rear wheel wells, so you can pretty much see how they are assembled.

Btw, I did consider a replacement tub, but couldn't bring myself to scrap the "good" bits of my original tub.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:42 am

Early replacement tubs had the MDJuan serial number to the driver's side of the hood hinge on the cowl. Later tubs had the serial on the driver's side toe board gusset.

Take a close look at the original M38 tub photos in my album:
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... php&page=1

This is a US built tub used to show the location of the MDJuan serials. I have found the numbers up high on early tubs and The MDJuan factory now indicates they are low on the toeboard gusset.

RickC · Post by **RickC** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 8:30 am

I have pics in my album of me fitting a replacement tub. They are close...but need some work...

wtb853 · Post by **wtb853** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 8:34 am

I had not considered the CDN body route. I'll check what you suggest on the next visit. Thanks.