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M38 body reinforcement
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:23 am
by oilleaker1
I have 3 body tubs for a '51 M38 flatty. All have the upper right rear and left rear sheet metal plate welded to the upper rear panel. All three were welded by someone different. Some crappy, some good. I've read where this was a military added requirement, but what was the purpose? They must of had a problem there with something causing the need for it.
John
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 8:38 am
by wesk
It was from the factory in 52. The field modification of earlier M38's was directed by MWO ORD G740-W6 14 May 53. It only provided a simple photo of a plate installed, spec'd the material dimensions for the plate but offered no technical drawings.
http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gall ... 6_Pg_2.jpg
The motivation was field reports that those M38's with arctic tops installed were developing damage at the corners from the weight of the top during off road poundings.
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 11:54 am
by oilleaker1
Thanks for clearing that up for me. "field Modifications" That they are! A friend looking at the welds said: "are you going to clean up these welds?" I said no, they are original military applied!
John
WELDS
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 1:23 pm
by hillbilly21
` THATS THE EASY WAY JOHN.....
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 2:36 pm
by oilleaker1
If there aren't some waves in the floors and wheel wells, no spot welds showing, no runs in the paint, poorly welded rear supports, Then you don't have a original looking restoration. They look too good. By the way, took off the original Willys Overland plate on the wheel well and the original paint was a perfect match again to Rapco/Gillespie 33070. I love that color. John
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 3:34 pm
by davem201m38
Hi all.
does anybody have a picture they can post of this mod? please.
Thanks, Dave.
Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2013 4:37 pm
by Bill_F
When in 1952 did it get done in the factory?
Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 9:52 am
by evanso1975
does anybody have a picture they can post of this mod? please
There's one here:
http://s247.photobucket.com/user/64_Sur ... 5062847484
If you have it, there's a better picture on page 152 of Ryan's M38 reference guide.
Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 1:37 pm
by davem201m38
Ah....... thank you.
Mine never seemed to have got done.
Thanks, Dave.
reinforcement
Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:32 pm
by spe
just a quick 2 cents/observation 3/52 m38 never modified or factory installed
Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:38 pm
by Bill_F
Thats good because my 2/52 m38 does not have them either.
Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:45 pm
by RICKG
MC51986 DOD 01/52 yes to reinf.
