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This is probably a bad idea. My 1952 M38 appears to be in fairly original shape including paint. I'd like to keep it looking that way but someone sanded down the hood to expose the numbers so it looks pretty bad where the marking are. I'd like to repaint the hood. Now I can get the paint matched but will need to distress it. Has anyone tried this? I don't want to mess it up as it looks neat old, but the hood does not look good. Any suggestions are appreciated. Including "Do nothing, don't mess it up". Thanks

That's a sweetie for sure. Looks like two sets of numbers. Can you carefully remove the USA and Numbers and save the green paint? Then re-paint just the numbers? John

Matching the color will be a challenge. If you get close,
paint with flat paint, including the white lettering.

If you really want it to be close, overspray everything that is
horizontal with flat clear.

Or color and letter and instead of clear coat with flat, sand lightly
with 600 to 1000 grit paper, just enough to scuff the paint.

M-38 looks great, Is that a Bantam behind It?

The easiest way to keep the current look is to spot paint new numbers without painting the rest of the hood. It would simply appear that the motor pool had an issue with the appearance of the numbers and oversprayed them then repainted new numbers.

I would first sand those obviously civvy owner added numbers 2850601 off and try to ascertain the real original 208XXXXX or 209XXXXX.

Thanks for the suggestions. There is this yellow paint undercoat which I am assuming is primer under the numbers which is showing through. I think I will lightly sand just the area where the numbers are and try and match that with some OD matched then paint the numbers over it. If I cant find the original numbers when I sand should I just use the serial number on the data plate? Thanks to all of your suggestions.

That car behind it is 1934 Ford with a Flat Head built new from an all metal body.

Here are a few pictures of the data plate and hood to help with the numbers.






M38 (1952)
M151A1 (1967) Ford

That has to be one of the nicest original M38s I have seen. Suggestion with paint. It is fairly easy to "age" paint. I would sand the number area to give it some "scuff". Then repaint the OD, then the correct USA and numbers. Then go back to scuff pad. You can feather the edges of the new paint and letter, then use a semi gloss clear to feather it into the original paint. I have done this with pretty good success and I am certainly no body guy.

Dan

I can see at least three versions of the lettering.

Yellow paint under doesn't lead one to a possible successful
number hunt....

I like Wes' suggestion but it all hinges on what's under the yellow.

Regarding the hood number. If I cannot determine the original hood number I am going to calculate one based on the info in the serial number database. At least more accurate than what is on the hood..

Mine is the 57713. Figured that number has to be pretty close. Maybe I am "in the weeds"...

Serial Manuf Hood Number
35099 Jan-51 20903265
57713 Mar-52 20906697 calculated
58766 Mar-52 20907585
59319 Mar-52 20908058
60851 Mar-52 20909358

The Army did not use that 285&0601 number on any M38. The registration. Numbers used on M38's were 236XXXX, 238XXXX, 208XXXXX & 209XXXXX.
Since your jeep,s serial is 57713 DOD 3/52, I suggest you combine your serial number with the first 3 numerals used during March 1952 20957713.

Thanks Wes. I will follow your suggestion.

I'm wondering if this Jeep was a "follow me" Jeep for the Air Force. Could explain the yellow. Is the paint chipped or worn anywhere else where yellow might be showing? Do you have any history on this baby? Good luck.