Serial number question

[bamaj]

I bought my jeep without the data plate and the plate on the fender also thinking it would be on the frame obviously I was wrong. I spoke with the previous owner tonight and he gave me an Id number of 7813694C is this a willys serial number or any number that would be correct for a m38A1 at all for that matter he said it was the only number he had for the Jeep I'm not sure where he got it. Thanks for the help Jeff

[capescw]

I am by no means the resident expert, but here is my humble opinion!

All M38's were assigned 5 digit serial numbers at the Willys factory, starting at 10001 in 1950. The last recorded # in the willysmjeeps.com data base is 73xxx (it can be looked up). Total production was around 60,000.

A true 'VIN' (Vehicle Identification Number), by today's standards, is a 17 digit alpha-numeric mix, manufacturer specific.

Hood numbers (the Military way of ID'ing the vehicle), were strictly 8 digits, no letters, 1st 3 designated year/month of release. Later on, the USAF (maybe others) had a different technique, like 53K3644. Still not like your number.

Therefore, unless one of the other members has a better idea, your number has a definite problem!

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Modified the next day
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OK, TWO major errors on my part !!

You asked about a M38A1

I keep forgetting about the two letter prefix found on Willys jeep serials #'s:

WWII MB
M38 MC
M38A1 MD

Database is somewhat sparse, but it seems the numeric range was the same or sililar.

As Agent Don Smart said: "Sorry 'bout that, Chief'

[wesk]

That number is no help to you.

This is what should have come on your jeep:


MD + 5 numbers = valid Willys assigned serial number.

What is the listed VIN on the title you recieved with the jeep when you purchased it?