M38 Data Plates

Brumbach · Post by **Brumbach** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 10:04 am

Affixed to my data plate, are six individual plates attached by rivets. At the bottom center, there are four rivet holes but no plate. Is this space suppose to have a plate, and if so, what plate is it? Looks like it would be 1 1/4" X 1 1/4"in size. Lastly, what is the procedure to restore these plates? Thanks

southpw · Post by **southpw** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 10:18 am

That extra space is for a winch plate which most Jeeps did not get installed at factory so that is typically left blank like yours is.

Post by **wesk** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 10:28 am

Winch plate

Brumbach · Post by **Brumbach** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 10:47 am

The data plates attached to the dash has a serial number different than the one listed on that patent plate. Are they suppose to match? I'm the first owner after it was removed from military service. The vehicle is original excluding the engine which was blown when I purchased it.

Post by **wesk** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 11:11 am

Contrary to what some folks think this is not common. Nor is it a factory screw-up. A mismatch in serials on those two plates will 99% of the time be traced to one or the other:

1-Most common switch occurs when a used tub from one M38 is placed on another's frame where the owner, unaware of the presents of the patent plate only moves his old dash set of plates to his new/used tub.

2-While in the service the dash plate set was often removed for restamping changes on the plates like the tire pressures and most GI privates had no desire to make sure the same plates set got back on the same jeep.

Brumbach · Post by **Brumbach** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 11:27 am

I found my error. I've been cleaning up my deceased father's data plates from his M38A1. Now where in the world did I put my plates? Back to the barn.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 12:17 pm

My early M38 that did not use a data plate,
and had the individual plates screwed to the
dash did not have the four holes for the winch
plate. That plate was also not included with
the purchase. Also, there is no evidence of
the PTO having been installed.

Brumbach · Post by **Brumbach** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 1:00 pm

Okay, I've found my plates. Yep, they're individual and not attached to a larger plate. The dash data plate serial number matches the number on the patent plate. With my plates, I also found a metal band which is approximately 1/2" X 6". The band has the following data: STK-62740 835 8318. I removed it from something on the jeep but that's been 39 years ago. Anyone know what it is? There are three holes for attaching; one on each end and one in the center.

charlesfitton · Post by **charlesfitton** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 3:58 pm

On the topic of data plates, do we have a file or photo album of all of the different data plates?

Brumbach · Post by **Brumbach** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 4:50 pm

No but I'll create one.

Post by **wesk** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 9:15 pm

Actually those albums already exist in my photo album. The second album on the first page of Member's albums. I have two sub-albums that address the ID'g of the m38 and the M38A1 with samples of the different plates.

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php

Post by **wesk** » Thu Apr 07, 2016 9:33 pm

Don't recall what that prefix was for but the ordnance PN 8358319 is for the whole jeep.