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The correct USMC stencils for my M38A1? I plenty of "US Army" ones, and Beachwood Canvas has the yellow paint, but I need the actual stencils. I would help too if I know which specific ones to get.

I shot them an email yesterday and haven't heard back yet. They don't have the USMC stencils on the site.

They don't show them but if you go to the M38a1 set, there is a drop down that lets you choose USMC for the service branch.

http://www.militarystencils.com/M38A1-J ... 242C9.aspx

I talked to him on the phone today. He can do it, no problem, I just need to know what hood number I want to go with. I have no idea what to use. The patent plate on my vehicle says the serial number is "MD 17386" The data plate on my dash says MFR. SER. No 17386 Dat Del 9/52 Ord Stock No G-2758-6800361. On one of my bumberetts it has HQ3 in white letters, and on the sides of my hoods it has TP25.

I just need to know what hood number I want to go with. I have no idea what to use.

A check through previous postings (and Google!) suggests that usmc jeeps used a 5 or 6-digit number. Here's an example from 1960:

http://i.imgur.com/SBKFR.jpg

On that basis, maybe a suitable number for your jeep (incorporating your serial number) could be:

USMC 217386

Just my thoughts......

why the "2" before the serial number?
Do you know what other stencils were on it?Like on the front bumper and rear bumperetts? I've seen a "cation" one near the gas fill neck, and a "max speed" on the dash, but I have no idea if those are correct

I may be able to help you with the number without sticking my foot in my mouth.

Your A1 is early and there are no known contracts for a Marine Corps Green A1 at that time that I know of.

So, you need to pick a number that goes with the time period you wish to be in.

Here are some examples:

This one passed thru Lloyd White's hands some time ago... he said it is a contract jeep with original markings


Another:




Both the above are from this thread that may be of some help.

http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=84&t=165751

The number range may be found on this thread. http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=84&t=78894

Look in the post war group towards the bottom and you will see M38A1 numbers starting at 124214, one at 190356 and others at 311380 and up.

There are lots of examples if you do a search...


This photo was taken in Korea abt 1953. The Jeep is a communications Jeep at the K-2 airbase for the First Marine Air Wing.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/493147 ... tml&page=2

That last jeep could almost be the one I have. I have a 1952 M38A1. I have been told it was most likely a radio jeep, it has a higher output generator than normal. That is a 1953 USMC radio jeep. I undercoated my jeep and installed a locker in the rear-thinking I would go as original as possible (with a few minor, easily alterable upgrades like an overdrive and 11" drums) and I know that was something the marines did. So I want an early USMC number, but I don't think I should just pick on out of a hat at random, should I? I would like to know what else besides the hood was marked as well-like the bumperettes, maybe the inside dash, and so on.

Even when the Army was the primary procurement agency for wheeled tactical vehicles from 1948 through 54 the Marines still made sure their stuff was marked Marines. The responsible agency plate on a Marine corp M38A1 built from 52 thru 54 would have an entry on the procurement side of Ordnance (meaning Army Ordnance and on the depot side of USMC meaning a Marine maintained vehicle.

The suggested hood number was a combination of the approximate beginning digit for that time period and the serial number of your jeep. This way researchers trying to build accurate data bases don't have to foul up their research with numbers that folks pull out of their arse since they will easily recognize your effort to use your serial in your hood number.

So, Wes, maybe I should put a "1" before the hood number? I have read that the marines undercoated the frame, underbody, wheel wells, and the inside of the hood. is this correct?

Yes.

The earliest USMC hood number in the M38A1 data base is 198330 on MD28653.

Guys, forgive me for jumping in here, but the thread is almost identical to my situation. My Del Date is 10/52; serial number from Dash Plate and Patent Plate are MD26784; and Responsible Agency for Depot Maintenance is MARINE CORPS. This jeep somehow found its way into the US ARMY inventory with hood N. 2B6426, but I am inclined to put it back to its original USMC paint and markings. Can we agree that the Hood Number should be "USMC 126784" ? Also, any other info about this vehicle would be appreciated. Thanks, David

Yes that would be an appropriate number.

Have you all looked at the most likely locations on your hood, body and bumperettes to see if the original USMC numbers are there, or are we taking this from Army to USMC?