M38 Serial # Data Base

rgmutchler · Post by **rgmutchler** » Sat May 28, 2011 8:48 pm

I was looking through the info you have collected for the M38 data base. I notice that you have a column for Ser No. and Engine No. I assume the Ser No. is the number on the date plate, MCxxxxxx, do you not list the serial number from the patent plate on the right fender well? Any particular reason? I know on both my M38's that there are different numbers on the data plate and the patent plate. What percentage of other vehicles that these numbers have been reported on match or don't match?
Thanks

GPA · Post by **GPA** » Sun May 29, 2011 12:56 am

Patent plate #s are not listed, because they are same as the data plate ser.#. If not, than somebody had replaced one of them from another jeep.

Post by **wesk** » Sun May 29, 2011 10:06 am

GPA is correct. If you have different numbers on your dash vs patent plate then someone after the factory has manipulated the plates. You must decide which is most likely the correct serial number and limit your use of chassis serials to that one.

If you must have a scoreboard about one in 50 M38's have mixed up plates. I see no sense in providing a place in the data base to list erroneous plate numbers.

If you properly complete the jeep survey form and provide the requested photos of the data plates and patent plates it can usually be determined which plate is the true serial for the jeep.

rgmutchler · Post by **rgmutchler** » Sun May 29, 2011 11:02 am

Wes,
Thanks,
I have two with different numbers and when I was looking I never saw one that had matching data and patent numbers, I know the sample is small but I was curious if what I had seen was an anomoly.
As to the survey, if by "properly completed" you mean answering all the question asked on the survey with the info available and returning it to you I have done so. Unfortunately the pictures of the data plates will have to wait until I can get them done.