Identifying my M38

Johnve · Post by **Johnve** » Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:29 pm

I am a new M38 owner and I am working to fill out Wes' registry survey.

Today I found the Patent Plate on the passenger wheel well. It was buried in layers of paint. So far stripping back the layers has revealed the serial number as recorded on my title. But nothing more - that I can read. The "bottom layer" seems to be a tan colored - almost vinyl looking - paint.

The numbering seems to be embossed into the tan layer. Are there any recommendation as to how I might find additional information from this tag? Or is S/N the only thing of interest here?

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:52 pm

Hi John,
The number is supposed to be stamped into the plate.
I suggest not using sandpaper or wire wheel to get the paint off the plate.
If you spread a layer of DOT3 brake fluid over it and let it sit for a couple of hours it should peel away without damage to the plate.
Rinse and repeat if needed.
There should be a "MC" in front of the 55206.
MC is Willys' serial number prefix for the M38.

Do you also have the Army serial number dash plate with matching number?

Photos of the M38?

Good luck!

Johnve · Post by **Johnve** » Thu Oct 13, 2022 1:31 pm

Thanks Ron!
I can see an "M" . There is something faintly next to that "M" . I assumed "M38" with the "8" missing.

I cannot see the numbers stamped through the plate. So I fear that removing the tan layer will remove the numbers.

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Thu Oct 13, 2022 1:46 pm

Nice! More photo's please!

As mentioned, the serial number is stamped into the metal.
Removing paint (without abrasives) won't remove the numbers.

It should be a "MC" prefix not "M38" in front of the number.
I'm not the expert, but don't recall hearing of any M38 Patent Plate that used "M38" instead of "MC".

Here's what one looks like without paint:

Good luck!

Johnve · Post by **Johnve** » Fri Oct 14, 2022 11:21 am

RonD2 wrote:Nice! More photo's please!

As mentioned, the serial number is stamped into the metal.
Removing paint (without abrasives) won't remove the numbers.

It should be a "MC" prefix not "M38" in front of the number.
I'm not the expert, but don't recall hearing of any M38 Patent Plate that used "M38" instead of "MC".

Here's what one looks like without paint:...!

Thanks again!!

Nothing is working against that tan coating, so far. I've tried HD paint stripper, DOT3, Acetone soak, gasoline soak, and I am back to the brake fluid. Not sure what that stuff is, but it is very durable.

Re more pictures: I keep taking things apart and so the M38 sits more than drives. I am currently replacing the timing chain (Pontiac/Buick V6).