willysmjeeps.com

I am looking to paint my M38 in Airforce colors. I was not in the military, but my Dad was in the airforce, so I thought this would be appropriate. I know the jeep would have come from the factory OD green and then painted blue. I am wondering what color the running gear would be? I have searched and seen black and OD green. I have also been told both. I like the idea of leaving the frame and running gear green, but I also want it to look as close to proper as I can get it. I can't find any "under the hood" pics of any Airforce M38s.

The frames came to Willys from the frame shop in black. They suffered a lot of overspray in OD as they went down the production line. Starting in early 1952 the USAF jeeps contracted thru Army procurement were painted Strata Blue at Willy over the OD. Prior to that it depended on the unit of assignment in the USAF weather they stayed OD or were painted by the USAF unit Strata Blue. Engines and firewall were OD.

Wesk,
Thanks for the reply. That explains the mix of black and OD on the frame. I have heard and read of several different color schemes. I think I have a plan now. Thanks!

In my world, everything is some shade of OD. Or should be.