49 M38?

[wilber]

Greatings,

This is my first post here. I have a "new to me" M38 which which is titled as a '49 CJ-3A. It has the large fuel filler, oversized oil filter and single wind shield so I do believe it to be an M38, but all literature I see shows the first year to be 1950...

The data plate says: MC 34211.Any one know which year this machine really is?

Thanks in advanceI

Will

[4x4M38]

We like photos!
Hi Will,
The CJ3A and M38 used the same basic windshield frame. The differences were in what was bolted on them. For instance, the CJ used a vent that opened whereas the M38 had a cover that was bolted shut. More differences, but again the basic frame was identical.

MC xxxxx on the data plate indicates an M38, which began production in 1950. Is your engine serial still visible?

There are all kinds of differences between the CJ and M38, yet many similarities. Photos can help us determine the actual base vehicle.

Things like the dash plate could have been swapped between vehicles as well.

There was another plate other wheelhouse front behind the passenger seat. Is yours still there?

Take care,

[wesk]

MC34211 is a Sep 1951 M38. Willys did not make any attempt at matching chassis/body serials to engine serials. There is no current database that allows guessing DOM for a M38 based on an engine serial.

This board is for folks to list continuing progress on their projects. If that is your intent then the routine is to add to this particular post each time you want to show recent progress on your project. That way this is your thread throughout your projects build period.

If this post is to only ask the serial question then it would be better posted to the Technical Knowledge Board.

[wilber]

well I see why there is not much participation here.

My intent was to find out more about my M38.

I am also in the middle of a four wheel disc brake conversion (with help from another website...) and am about to start a Kabota engine swap...


I just wanted to know if my paperwork on the Jeep was correct in that it was a "49 M38.


It is definatly an M38... however I will go back to the other web board.

Salute!

[wesk]

For a post in this section, "Jeep Project Threads" one most continue to post project progress notes. You have not posted any progress. I also mentioned above the Year of your M38 based on the chassis serial number is 1951. The two posted replies to your original querry fully answered your requested information. Your jeep cannot be 1949 M38 because they first started production in September 1950. There is activity here on this site when a post is made. There have been hundreds of posts since your post in March 2021. If you wish to see interaction then you must post something or reply to someone elses posted topic.

[Ryan_Miller]

I agree photos help a lot. Data tags are easily swapped around but some of the smaller details can help confirm a SEP 1951 M38.