Question about M-38 machinegun mount

dv3468 · Post by **dv3468** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:46 pm

Wes: When I was doing my frame off restoration on my 1952 M-38 (Serial #52473) I noticed two steel tabs welded on each side of the frame just forward of the center line of the rear tires with a steel bar mounted across both of them. At the time, I thought that they were a floor re-enforcement for a heavy steel gas tank that was installed when the jeep was "modified" sometime in it's civilian life! I happened to see a picture of a pedestal machine gun mount that contained the same steel bar that was fastened to the two tabs. My question is, if my jeep was equipped with the under floor machine gun re-enforcement could my jeep been deployed overseas? Were any state side/ National Guard M-38's equipped with the mounts? I was just wondering?

Regards to all, Dennis

Post by **wesk** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:49 pm

I suppose quite a few had gun mounts. Their location of assignment had very little to do with it.

This M31A1 is the correct mount pedestal for the M38.

This M31C is correct late WWII and with some subtle changes was also used on the M38A1.

dv3468 · Post by **dv3468** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 12:26 pm

Thanks Wes.

ECVJeeps · Post by **ECVJeeps** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:17 am

Hi Wes

Would you have any further information on the M31A1 mount and how
it is mounted to the M38 frame.
Possibly where on the frame the brackets were located, welded or
bolted?
I am looking to install a weapons mount on my M38 and what better
time than before I install the body.

Thanks in advance

Pat

Post by **wesk** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:38 am

Pat,
I'm afraid that to do a proper job of it the tub must be fitted correctly to the frame to determine the correct position of any brackets. Note the top photo above is the mount you are needing. It does not have the large frame support brackets (A303165) that the lower mount used on the MB and the M38A1 has. Also the M31A1 side braces use a single bolt at the floor not 2. The drawings for the M38's M31A1 install don't show any hard attachment to the frame. The two below the floor stiffeners are all that's under there. This is why I find it hard to believe the Army would mount the M2's on any M38 with this mount. If you want to tie in to the frame on each side you will need to have all the show parts already installed on the tub then you can locate a proper support bracket on each frame rail and mate it to the long flat under the floor strap's ends.

ECVJeeps · Post by **ECVJeeps** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:24 pm

Thanks Wes

I will take the pictures that you have supplied and it is should be easy
enough to mount and dismount the tub to line everything up till I am
satisfied that everything fits as close as possible.

Thanks again.

Pat Newman

hillbilly21 · Post by **hillbilly21** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:21 pm

anybody got one for-sale..I could use another