M170 information

[Linechief4]

Recently purchased a very complete M170 ambulance in very good condition.

SN#: 10747
DOD: 5/54

Seeking expert advice concerning the approximate registration number. From researching various sources, it appears that the US Army transitioned to a
number letter four number registration number pattern in mid 1954. I have not yet started to sand the hood for any original numbers yet.

Hopefully from the serial number and date of delivery, it can be determined an approximate number. Will advise if any numbers still exist after sanding.

Appreciate any help. Will fill out the survey form in the near future.

CW4 Jerry Steber
US Army Retired

[wesk]

Hello Jerry,

Hopefully you will uncover the remains of the original hood number from your hood.

If on the down side you cannot find a complete original number then you will do what most folks due and create a derived hood number.

Having spent over 45 years in this hobby and for the last 20 years I have been trying to maintain a website with several serial lists/databases which I try very hard to keep them honest and accurate. With honesty and accuracy in mind I prefer to encourage folks to use a derived hood number that is very obviously contrived and not necessarily accurate in estimation of distance from other known honest original hood numbers near your jeeps serial to help us keep our records/databases honest and accurate. One way to do this is to use the appropriate hood number prefix and then paste all or part of your jeep's serial after it. This way years from now it will be obvious to record keepers that your number was a contrived number.

The earliest M38A1 in our database with a 2A 8448 hood number is MD 74343 DOD 07-1954. Your serial number MD-A 10747 DOD 5-1954 if it was US Army would have had a hood # 20100XXXX. I would suggest you use 201010747 as your hood number.

[Linechief4]

Thank you Wes! As always you are a great help. Will diligently try to get the original hood number. As promised, will get you the survey in the near future.

All the best!

[Linechief4]

Hi Wes,

As promised, I am providing what numbering i found on my M170 hood.

U.S.A.
7310486

Looks original to the US Army markings, but who knows. Any thoughts?

Appreciate your assistance.

[wesk]

Can't help with that contrived hood number. The Army only used three number arrangements during 1953/54: 209XXXXX, 201XXXXXX & 2AXXXX. Is it possible that number matches or is close to your engine's serial number or the state assigned serial number?

[Linechief4]

Hi Wes

The number is not even close. The Pennsylvania title lists the vehicle serial number. I am in agreement with you that it is contrived. Will be going with the registration number you suggested:

U.S.ARMY
20101767

Per your guidance, that is the best route for me to follow at this point. Will complete the survey for you so you can add my M170 to your database.

As always, thank you for the kind assistance.

Jerry

[Linechief4]

Correction:

201010767

[Linechief4]

Wes,

The engine number is: RMD 141604

It is painted a light green similar to Seafoam Green as used in my aircraft maintenance S-280 shelter interiors. Didn't know that they were painted this color by either Willys or the US Army. Perhaps to identify them as replacement engines at depot stocks?

[wesk]

Wow, That is a very light green. FS 595 # color # 24552.