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In prepping my M38A1 for paint, we noticed there was a mix of reflectors on it.
-One with the Oval base with a completely enclosed reflector circle.
-and another shape...Oval like the first one, but the circle of the reflector in the center extends beyond the oval...called the A-2 Guide...# 506101 or A1306.

The parts manual photos shows photos of A1s with the second type, so that's what I bought.
But a couple of parts sellers say both are correct for the A1.

Anyone know more?
Or am I getting essays to obsessed here?

Hi JB,
I sure don't know more, but here's my opinion.

My instinct tells me that the reflector is a very common part used on all motor vehicles and the U.S. Army had a lot of reflectors in their supply system inventory made by different vendors, and because the bolt hole spacing was the same on them all, it probably didn't matter much which reflector was used on which jeep, deuce truck, or tank while in service.

Naturally, what was put on any particular vehicle when it rolled off the assembly line is a different matter.

If you're doing a factory restoration, I guess using all the same part numbers would be correct?

Good luck!

Page 370 of the September 1956 ORD9 for the M38A1 only lists Ordnance Part Number 506101 for the reflector. I believe these are the oblong metal body reflector.

Page 333 of the September 1955 ORD9 for the M38 only lists the same Ordnance Part Number 506101, but also shows it with Willys part numbers WO-800995 and WO-802382 for the same reflector.

Haven't seen any reference to A1306. Maybe that's MB-GPW? Aren't the WW2 reflectors round metal body?

I have a box of new reflectors that are red. They are modern surplus but look nice. The color matches 24087 pretty good but you could paint them if you are using a different color. The bolt holes line up. If you are interested, I can send you a few. Just pay shipping.

Dave

Dave

Thanks for the offer, but I bought some.