willysmjeeps.com

Tigger wants an answer to this question:

I have purchased a 1952 M38A1 all there and all works and runs. I am in the process of a full frame up restoration keeping it all original as possible. I am wanting to find it's history. I am aware of fine sanding the paint off to reveal any numbers on the hood etc. I have not done that yet. I have in process restoration pictures if needed to share.

There is a sticker on the dash "Department of Defense State Of Minnesota"
MN No. 80-1866-76
DCPA No. (6) 097 (76)

The Dash Data Plate:
Serial. No. 28139
Delivery Date: 11/52
Stamped on Speedometer May 27 1952
Jerry Can 8 52

I look forward to your reply.

Tigger

Hi Tigger and welcome!

At some point we have all been in your situation with regards to the "wanting to know" on a plethora of topics, more than you would think could ever be asked or thought of.... Well not really..... Including the history of ones vehicle.

Being relatively new to the site myself, here is what I have found. Most EVERY question has been asked here before. In the forums, you are provided the opportunity to search using a keyword/keywords, forums etc. then from there you'll have to read many entries but in due time you'll get your question answered. While I have a very long way to go, I find it rewarding and educational when I succeed in finding my answer. As I did when I found and shared the hood numbers on one of my jeeps! See link.

http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php? ... od+numbers

So.....to answer your question. The answers are in your hands via the hood, the bumperette, etc. The government didn't keep the documentation on your jeep when it was Surplused. Use the search capabilities of the site to see how others traced the history of what they could of their Jeep!

Enjoy and Good luck!

Hi Tigger. On the dash sticker, the "DCPA" could refer to the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency, a short-lived replacement for the Office of Civil Defense. My quick internet search came up with dates of 1972-1979. After their military careers, many jeeps were passed along to other government entities, such as forestry, rural fire departments, and civil defense. I hopes this helps with one piece of the puzzle.