MC Numbers

Bobber · Post by **Bobber** » Sun Mar 27, 2016 10:24 pm

I have two different MC numbers. One was wrapped around the steering column, and the other was on the tag behind the pass seat. The one behind the pass seat was not riveted, but attached with screws. Do they represent serial numbers? They are very far apart from each other. Not sure what the MT numbers are either. Thanks

Post by **wesk** » Sun Mar 27, 2016 10:41 pm

The patent plate is the original serial number of your jeep's tub. The two straps off the column look like Montana DMV VIN assignment plates and I will guess the number MT DMV decided to use was the engine's serial number. There are no 6 digit M38 chassis numbers. It was not unusual for many DMV's to use the engine serial number for titles before the 1970's. I would also venture to say that Montana DMV decided not to use the R that preceded that engine's serial number because they assumed it stood for rebuilt when actually it would have been a brand new Willys built "R"eplacement engine RMC175416.

jeeperjoe · Post by **jeeperjoe** » Mon Mar 28, 2016 8:13 am

Bobber,

FWIW The Patent plate IS supposed to be mounted by screws and not rivets. It uses 4 #6 1/2" long oval head Phillips screws IIRC.

My DMV examiner wasn't happy to see screws either but they let it go when they saw that my data plate had the same SN number.

Bobber · Post by **Bobber** » Mon Mar 28, 2016 11:17 am

That's great, cause my motor was decked and the number was machined off. Now I have a serial number to this motor....maybe. I have a brass ID plate attached to the block where it was rebuilt in Texas back 1953. I can't really see those numbers because of the location. I'll try to compare numbers sometime down the road. Thanks.

rgmutchler · Post by **rgmutchler** » Wed Mar 30, 2016 2:00 pm

I think the most important question is what number is on the title and does that number match any of the numbers on the jeep. Along those lines does your state assign VIN's or use existing numbers and what number do they use. Your Motor Vehicle division at the state level can answer what number should be used. All the other vin plates, patent plates etc mean nothing if the identifying number used by your state used on the title is the engine number, or the other way the engine number means nothing if the data or patent plate number is the one your state used on the title. All of them make no difference if you state assigned a 17 digit number affixed to the vehicle someplace that is now used to identify that particular vehicle.
I don't know if you have restored your jeep yet or not but it is nice to clarify the numbers and title issues prior to spending money on one.

jeeperjoe · Post by **jeeperjoe** » Wed Mar 30, 2016 4:09 pm

R G,

The number on my title, bill of sale, receipt, etc, etc DID match the number on the Patent plate in my jeep. Still the examiner wasn't happy that the plate was mounted with screws! I did come prepared for that and had the applicable manuals with me that showed that they did originally use screws to secure the PP but as I said, once he looked at the data plate and saw that the numbers matched then he was satisfied. I guess he never noticed that the Mounting Plate for all of the data plates was also held on with screws!