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myself and a friend were in a discussion about the side curtains and the top back curtain straps buckles.

it seems the modern canvas comes with the spring loaded buckles. so this is the question.
is the original strap buckles for the m38 and m38a1, the slide buckles or the spring loaded buckles correct for the jeeps? thxs

Correct for which jeep? Factory resto jeep or motor pool class jeep?

The original factory installed buckle at Willys/Kaiser is correct for a factory class resto.

The replacement type buckles are only correct for a motor pool class resto.

When did they start putting those spring buckles on the 38A1 replacement canvas?
Thanks!
Joel

Anybody know the answer to this question?

thanks,
bob

That will be a tough if not impossible question to answer.

The later issue field replacement tops and side curtains would often come from a different vendor but still qualify under the milspec for that assembly. The milspec is often met with different materials and hardware by different vendors.

To pinpoint an introduction date will be nigh impossible without access to full contracting records for that period. Personal testimony is not reliable here since many folks would have used them for the first time at varying dates at different locations.

The simplist method to narrow down the period of introduction is to have each member in possession of an original government or Willys provided canvas top part provide photos of the part & it's hardware and a photo of the part #, Contract number and DOM usually stenciled on the fabric.

Understood and thanks. Not trying to beat a dead horse, but having not served in the military I'm just trying to get a feel for when the later strap buckle started being used. Would you guess as to decade........1960's? 1970's? Were they used on new M151s or did those come with either style buckle? Heck..........I don't even know when canvas strap material was replaced with nylon!

thanks,
bob