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The four right rear tire carrier alternate holes on a M38 were used to mount the spare when a recoiless rifle was mounted and the tailgate removed. When the carrier is mounted on the rear or tailgate, did they leave the holes wide open or did they have plugs or bolts in the holes???? I've seen Jeeps with round headed bolts in there, and also left wide open. What was the norm? John

The picture on page 8 of TM 9-8012 (M38 maintenance manual) appears to show four holes. But, the photo on page 310 of the same manual appears to show a bolt in the rearmost hole.

I'll be putting bolts in those 4 holes. That's just my personal preference though. This period photo appears to show the holes with bolts in (check out the full size photo on page 10 of the "Historic Vintage Photos" album):

I've seen them both ways and was confused. I looked at the historical photos also, but can't see well enough to decide. I keep forgetting Ryan Millers book. I'll take a look there next. Thanks, John

Most likely, as with some of the markings and equipment, this was left up to either the commander or the particular motor pool and is correct many ways.

This Willys delivery lot photo makes it very clear they left Willys with NO bolts in the holes.



Filling the holes with bolts would be ok for a motor pool class resto only.

The pilot Jeeps had no bolts, and the photos in my vehicle TM shows no bolts. There are some with one in the rear hole only. Was this for the fording exhaust? John

No, the fording kit exhaust stack clamps fits in the back panel behind the spare almost.

Ah, always wondered how it mounted. Thanks John