M38a1 tailgates

M880 · Post by **M880** » Sat Apr 18, 2020 6:14 pm

Hi All,
Did any of the later M38a1 jeeps come with tailgates?

Since your question was of a technical nature and offered nothing "For Sale" I moved it from the "For Sale" board to this Technical Board.

Post by **wesk** » Sat Apr 18, 2020 10:56 pm

No. All the 1952 thru 1971 US & Canadian built M38A1's came with NO tailgate.

BobW · Post by **BobW** » Sun Apr 19, 2020 5:54 pm

Of course the military did test a tailgate kit in 1953, so there was at least one out there.....

Post by **wesk** » Sun Apr 19, 2020 6:44 pm

This of course would be an M38A1 delivered by Willys without a tailgate then modified and tested in the field at the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground.

DJ · Post by DJ » Sun Apr 19, 2020 10:08 pm

Bubba also did a few,I'm sure. Seen one on ebay, Bubba was real proud,claimed it improved the vehicle, and of course he wanted more money. It was not very pretty looking.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Apr 20, 2020 7:04 am

That APG vehicle would be an interesting unit to do, though. Looks like you have all the necessary markings.

I can see it now when it shows up at a meet.

“Never had one.”

“Here’s a pic....”

As has been said, a period photo trumps nearly everything else.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Apr 20, 2020 7:07 am

Interesting photo. Standard civvy tailgate.
No reflector right side, obvious dents and dings here and there.

Thanks for sharing Wes. Any more of this unit?

Do you think they used a CJ5 or M38 surround?

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Apr 20, 2020 7:10 am

Sorry Bob! I see now it was your photo!!

M880 · Post by **M880** » Mon Apr 20, 2020 10:22 am

Here's the story I got from the seller.
He said his cousin had got it from a base in Oregon. It was 24volt he changed it to 12V. It had a windshield that had a slot down the middle and he chanced it to a 1 piece. Also on the id plate it say's M38A1C. I posted it over on another site, looks as if it would have had a cannon on it at one time.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Apr 20, 2020 10:53 am

Where is Bob's Photo Brian is commenting on?

WillysMotors · Post by **WillysMotors** » Sat Apr 25, 2020 8:54 pm

Thanks to Bob W for the photo. I suspect Bob has the report that went with it...

I also suspect the engineering/testing of the Tailgate was related to later use on the MD-A/M170 Ambulance.

The M38A1C body modification details are detailed on the TACOM drawings that are in the MVPA archive. As I recall the body mods were done after the Jeeps left the factory. Maybe I'm wrong. I just don't recall seeing any Willys or Kaiser drawing number references on the TACOM drawings.

keats · Post by **keats** » Sat Apr 25, 2020 10:46 pm

interesting that its described as a kit install

Post by **wesk** » Sun Apr 26, 2020 12:32 am

Yes Keith, the majority of the M38A1C conversions were done at the Army's Albany Depot.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sun Apr 26, 2020 6:31 am

That A1C would me much more valiuable restored as such.