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Hi Guys,

So I'm reading thru one of the manuals on how military vehicles are to be painted and it says a 3/4" red circle is to be put on each lubrication point. I remember reading this from my M37 days as well. But here's my question.........was this something that was only done once.......maybe when a new vehicle was made ready for operation and delivered to units.....or was this done on the assembly line? Reason I ask is because I now own 3 military vehicles and have never found a trace of any red markings on any lube points on any vehicle. I would think the red paint would be wiped off pretty quickly if maintenance schedules were followed...........so did the mechs just not put it back on if they wiped most of it off? I would think if this was something the Army followed rigorously I'd be finding at least some traces of red circles at some lube points. I see some folks put the red circles on for some motor pool class restorations........but I've only seen that online........never in person at a military meet. So what's the real story on these 3/4" red circles at lube points?

thanks,
bob

My 52 m-38 has red on all the lube points. Just like you are describing. It is pretty original other than the body has been repainted several times. The underside has most of its original paint. I am putting the red back on as I rebuild parts.

Per Wes: The red was applied in the field. If you want the jeep the way it left Willys do not use red.

Per another entry on this same subject... my oil drain nut was painted red....
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its a holdover from ww2, discontinued per TM5-05 ( 10-1952) and TB9-265 ( 12-1958)

TM 9-8012 dated Jan 56 says to paint the red circle, so there was conflicting guidance.
I have owned a few M37s, M38s and two WW2 jeeps; and have seen several others; NONE had any red circles on them.
It was a "suggestion" that was implemented at the discretion of the Motor Sergeant, etc, I suspect. Is there a PS Magazine article on it?

You would have to review the PS Mag articles: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... _album.php