Is this unusual 1961 M38A1 missing a bumper?

[madmike]

Just to qualify any ignorance the reader may detect, I am new to this site and new to military jeep restoration. I purchased a very original 1961 USMC M38A1. The original color was USMC green with yellow wheels. Further investigation (called sanding) reveals a hood number 94-40137 and above that US Navy, all in USMC yellow. I wish to restore this vehicle and need to know if anyone can verify the air wing this was attached to and if there would have been a rear bumper in addition to the bumperettes, as seen on other USMC M38A1's. There is some damage to the rear body that was repaired by the military and I think it's possible the bumper may have been left off. Also, what other markings would be on an air wing vehicle? I found the US Navy and the number on the bumperettes but no where else. Any help much appreciated. An acquaintence of mine found one picture of an all yellow A1 on an air base circa 1969. It had a similar number which pretty well places it on an air base. Does any of this trigger memories? Thank you.

[wesk]

I can't imagine a missing rear crossmember and still having properly installed bumperettes. Two of the four bolts for each bumperette go into the crossmember and the rear of the frame rail and the other two only go into the crossmember. There was never an actual rear bumper like you would find on a car. You'll need to post a photo.





The USMC rear crossmember reinforcing involves boxing in the original crossmember by adding the "C" channel infront of it and fastening them together. Then moving the shackles to the outboard tips of the crossmember and re-installing the bumperettes in the original location.

[madmike]

I can't imagine a missing rear crossmember and still having properly installed bumperettes. Two of the four bolts for each bumperette go into the crossmember and the rear of the frame rail and the other two only go into the crossmember. There was never an actual rear bumper like you would find on a car. You'll need to post a photo.





The USMC rear crossmember reinforcing involves boxing in the original crossmember by adding the "C" channel infront of it and fastening them together. Then moving the shackles to the outboard tips of the crossmember and re-installing the bumperettes in the original location.

Wes,

It is the C channel that is missing on my vehicle and it is butt ugly without the channel. The shackles are installed inside the bumperettes. I have been told that only the USMC used the C channel but if all the M38A1's had them, then this is a no-brainer. Since mine was a USMC, assigned to the US Navy, perhaps it was ordered differently. If it does not matter how I restore this one, I would rather have the channel. It just looks better. Also, if you know of a source for those, please advise.

Mike

[wesk]

Do you have a photo you can post so I can see clearly which piece you are missing?