willysmjeeps.com

Hello,

I have a '53 M38A1 with an engine serial number of MD 95835. Trying to find out an approximate date of Manufacture. I'm trying to find out if the engine is original ( or close to the same MFG date).

I think it is a '54, but not sure. The Body has a number of MD 74341. Both the dash and Willy's plate have the same number. I am thinking this body number is for a 54 as the dash plate says 7-54.


I have not looked for the original hood numbers yet ( that seems to be a common question here).

I am trying to get the title sorted out, and in Texas I think they used the engine number for the "serial number". It came with a spare engine, trans and transfer case out of another M38A1 but I don't have dates on that one yet.

Trying to figure out what to do if I do an engine swap.

Thanks from Texas.

MD74341 is a JUL 1954 unit. The actual engine serial delivered with it could be 10,000 to 20,000 higher. Even the largest M38A1 data base in the world does not have enough M38A1 engine serials to estimate the correct year of manufacture for any M38A1 engine. You did not say which serial number is on your title. For your sake I hope your title says MD74341.

Thanks Wes. The title has the engine serial number on it. In Texas they will not use the body numbers for a vehicle made before 1959. When I swap the engine out, I will have to fill out a form and send to the DMV and give them the new engine number a photo of the serial number and a bill of sale from the person I purchased the 2nd engine from. They will then change the title and issue a new one with the updated engine ( serial number). It is basically the same thing that is s done with Rat Rods and old street rods.

I know it sounds crazy, but it is the Texas DMV.

Thanks again for the reply.

If its not the factory original engine, its close!! I have M38A1 74343 data and its engine number is 95838 just 3 digits above yours. Several A1s engine numbers above and below your A1 also fall in line. Note also the Hood number should you not be able to find yours.

Vehicle Prefix Serial # Date of Delivery Remarks Hood Number Engine # Manufacture Contract # Procurement Depot Maintenance
M38A1 MD MD 74341 MD 95835
M38A1 MD MD 74343 7 / 54 USA 2A 8448 MD 95838

Thank you Harrold. I would think it is pretty rare to find such old jeeps so close in number. Yours was 2 bodies behind mine and the engine was 3 behind mine.

I guess that points to this being the original engine in the jeep after all these years! I wonder if they went to the same unit...