willysmjeeps.com

Ok guys After sanding on my 51 m38 hood i found these numbers and markings on both sides of the hood

number = 2209281

Then there is a space with this beside the numbers
1 then a box with a slash then a 7
I took pics if anyone would like to see, oh yes above the numbers was u.s.a. If anyone has any info please shed some light.

Not USMC. Sounds like Army.

Looks like someone put an earlier than 1950 hood number on that hood. The lowest numerically hood numbers for the M38 series is 236XXXX. Your jeep may have been restored many years ago by someone who wanted it to represent the late WWII to 1949 period or unit they were in.

Here are some pics, maybe you guys can see something i don't the second two i thought i saw very well could be a three. As always thanks for the info fellas!!!

Supertomp,
What is your jeep's serial number?

Looks like you have two separate layers of numbers separated by a coat of paint. Earl first layer numbers are lower on the side of the hood and further aft. They also appear to be a heavier coat of white paint. The later set of numbers are higher on the hood and further forward and appear to be a lighter coat of paint. The stencil styles are also different.

As a 1951 M38 my best guess on a hood number from what I can see is 208_8117. But that is shakey. I need to see a better photo of the entire left and right sides of the hood.

Here ya go wesk, Hopefully we can get something figured out on a number series. I would like to have something to put back on it, any suggestions?

mc28668

If your contract number is DA-20-089-ORD-4601FS then your first four digits are 2089 so knowing that and knowing the last three are 117 we can safely assume the number on your hood should be 2089_117. Can you confirm that the numbers I put in red are in fact the oldest numbers? That is to say they are closest to the bare metal.

Wes, The ones in red do appaear to be the oldest, I was going to get you better pics but, the person i have helping me sand sanded the numbers away. I do appreciate you r help in this matter. I just don't know what number to put in the missing digit spot.

The best I can guess from the photos is a 3, 6, 8 or 9 because all the photos showing the 1's seem to have a little piece of the curve seen in the lower right of those four numbers ahead of the 1"s.

Thanks Wes!!!