willysmjeeps.com

I have an early 51 M38 and I noticed that it has visable seams on each side where the body panels overlap. They go straight up and down where the body changes direction and bends in towards the cowl. It would be under the doors, on each side if my jeep had doors. On the passanger side it goes right through the middle of the axe and shovel indentations. I looked at a 52 for sale locally, and I noticed that it was smooth on both sides so I thought maybe it was a reproduction body or filled in with bondo or something. But then I looked at pictures and they seem to have been built both ways. Is one way incorrect, or is it a difference in the years on the bodies? Thanks.

If those seems do not show then the joint has been doctored by the builder of the jeep not Willys.

The jeep pictured on the back of the book looks pretty smooth and doesn't appear to have a seam. But I think it's that the seams just don't show up well in pictures. Anyway, I'm glad I asked. Thanks for letting me know.