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Is there any way to identify the model of a jeep? M38A1 or CJ? Military or civilian?

I have a 1958 jeep. It's running fine with some changes, but I would like to restore it if it's a M38A1.

Thanks in advance,


Eduardo Fendrich

Here is my check list for some of the easiest things to look for(this assumes some one didn't do some heavy mods to either a M38a1 or a CJ):

1. Is the glove compartment on the drivers side? - if it is on the driver side it is a M38A1

2. Does it have a tail gate? - if it has a tail gate its a CJ

3. Is there a machine gun plate on the bottom of the frame? - if it has this plate located under the tub on the frame then its a M38A1

4. Does it say jeep on the tail gate or the sides? - the M38A1 did not have these markings.

Can we assume you have some solid evidence that the date of manufacturer you are quoting is confirmed?


Questions to ask yourself:

1-Are there any serial number plates on the dash, firewall, right rear wheel house (front end), driver's side footwell or the front end of the left frame rail either inboard or outboard side just behind the bumper mountings? If so post a photo of the plate here or type all the data that you found on the plate here.

2-Are the front fenders flat or curved down at the front?

3-Does it have a tail gate?

4-Does it have separate instruments for each system in the dash or a central round instrument with idiot lites or very small individual gauges built into it?

5-Are there 5 instruments mounted on a separate rectangular panel which is then fastened to the center of the dash?

6-Is the hand brake lever on the left side of the dash, middle of the dash or on the floor by the passenger seat?

Answer these questions and if possible post a front, side and rear photo of your jeep and we can then answer your question.