M38 body reinforcement

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:23 am

I have 3 body tubs for a '51 M38 flatty. All have the upper right rear and left rear sheet metal plate welded to the upper rear panel. All three were welded by someone different. Some crappy, some good. I've read where this was a military added requirement, but what was the purpose? They must of had a problem there with something causing the need for it.

John

Post by **wesk** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 8:38 am

It was from the factory in 52. The field modification of earlier M38's was directed by MWO ORD G740-W6 14 May 53. It only provided a simple photo of a plate installed, spec'd the material dimensions for the plate but offered no technical drawings.
http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gall ... 6_Pg_2.jpg

The motivation was field reports that those M38's with arctic tops installed were developing damage at the corners from the weight of the top during off road poundings.

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 11:54 am

Thanks for clearing that up for me. "field Modifications" That they are! A friend looking at the welds said: "are you going to clean up these welds?" I said no, they are original military applied!

John

hillbilly21 · Post by **hillbilly21** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 1:23 pm

` THATS THE EASY WAY JOHN.....

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 2:36 pm

If there aren't some waves in the floors and wheel wells, no spot welds showing, no runs in the paint, poorly welded rear supports, Then you don't have a original looking restoration. They look too good. By the way, took off the original Willys Overland plate on the wheel well and the original paint was a perfect match again to Rapco/Gillespie 33070. I love that color. John

davem201m38 · Post by **davem201m38** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 3:34 pm

Hi all.
does anybody have a picture they can post of this mod? please.
Thanks, Dave.

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Sat Apr 20, 2013 4:37 pm

When in 1952 did it get done in the factory?

evanso1975 · Post by **evanso1975** » Sun Apr 21, 2013 9:52 am

does anybody have a picture they can post of this mod? please

There's one here:

http://s247.photobucket.com/user/64_Sur ... 5062847484

If you have it, there's a better picture on page 152 of Ryan's M38 reference guide.

davem201m38 · Post by **davem201m38** » Sun Apr 21, 2013 1:37 pm

Ah....... thank you.
Mine never seemed to have got done.
Thanks, Dave.

spe · Post by **spe** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:32 pm

just a quick 2 cents/observation 3/52 m38 never modified or factory installed

Bill_F · Post by **Bill_F** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:38 pm

Thats good because my 2/52 m38 does not have them either.

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:45 pm

MC51986 DOD 01/52 yes to reinf.

M38 body reinforcement

M38 body reinforcement

WELDS

reinforcement