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I recently purchased a 1953 m38a1 project that was was about 3/4 of the way completed and the owner passed away before he could finish it.
It appears that he was doing a first class job,overhauled motor and tranny,new tires(balanced)),new wiring harnesses,new brakes, new fuel tank,new points condenser and rotor, etc. etc.
all of the body parts are primed with a red primer and are in great shape and all fasteners are bagged and marked and most are new.
My question is, how can I tell if the body tub is original or aftermarket?
It is in great shape with only a small rust spot at the floor pan on the passenger side.
The patent plate is missing but the mounting holes are there in the correct spot.
I don't have a patent plate in any of the boxes of parts that came with the project but I do have a original and accurate data plate for the dash.
I guess it really doesn't matter but I really would like to know what I have here.
thanks for any insight

I don't have a repop M38A1 tub to compare to my original tub so I'm not sure what the diffs would be. But if your tub is absolutely perfect with no extra holes, dents, rust outs, bondo or rough spots where holes have been welded over and ground down - its probably a repop. I'll bet few original M38A1 bodies have survived to today without some signs of age. Expert rebuilders might be able to hide some of the blemishes but not all especially if your tub is still in primer.

Not an expert...

Not a sure sign but check the hat channels for wood inserts.

Maybe also if the front floor boards have pressed ribbing and correct locations for drain holes.

Is the rear panel already drilled for the spare tire carrier and the gas can holder?

An original tub is made from 18 gauge mild steel.

Is the fuel inlet pressed, cut or only an indentation. Originals would be cut out and have a separate fuel tank inlet pressing.

Does the tool box lid have 6 pressed ribs? Only the M38A1 had 6. Does it have the correct emergency brake location mount on top of the tool box lid frame. Is the tool box frame a separate metal pressing spot welded to the tub?

Does correct the fuel tank well exist?

Does it have the removable heater plate mounted to the front passenger toe board

There are many more details I am sure.

I am not an expert either but, You said you have no patent plate but the holes are there for it, repops do not come drilled for this, also consider the po may have had the body professionally restored, or blasted repaired and primed. Are there rust free tubs out there, absolutely, they do exist.

Lee

if it is an MD Juan body it would have the serial number on the toe board gusset, see the link below for pictures and how to read the serial. Not sure if there even is anyone else who makes complete tubs.
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... c&start=15