One of our members sent me an email and asked this question so in the interest of sharing and learning together on this web site I have reposted it here:
claudio.simoes@leme.com.br
To Mefabionordical@hotmail.com
Today at 3:19 PM
Hey Wes, good evening,
A friend of mine and recent owner of a 1963 M38A1C asked me information about the material of the dash panel plates and the manufacturer of the vehicles produced during the sixties, namely informed on the nomenclature plate.
Please pay attention:
1 - I am owner of two M170. One is manufactured by Willys, year of mfg. is 1962 and the material of the plates is brass. See dash plates photo attached.
2 - the second M170 I own has year of mfg. 1967 and has Kaiser identified aluminum plates. See dash plate attached.
3 - My colleague's recent purchased M38A1C is year of mfg. 1963, has aluminum Willys plates. See also dash plates attached.
So question: what is true and false about Willys x Kaiser for the period of 1962 to 1967? Did Willys/Kaiser shared identification for some reason?
Material of the plates: from the photos and statements, there is no specific explanation about the choice of these two materials, correct? Any other explanation?
Thanks all best!
Claudio
I sent him this answer:
To claudio.simoes@leme.com.br
Hello Claudio,
Kaiser bought out Willys Overland in 1957. They left Willys on most data plates through the early 60's. As a rule of thumb if the patent plate on the front of the right rear wheel house has MD XXXXX (M38A1) MD-A XXXXX (M170) then the dash plate will have Willys on it. If the patent plate has 57148 XXXXX (M38A1) 57248 XXXXX (M170) then it will usually have Kaiser or JEEP on the dash plate. Those later plates were aluminum.
Thanks Wes. It seems that late USMC orders of M38A1 and M170 from Kaiser/Willys are dated back to early 60's correct? maybe last vehicles order of A1s/170, no?
From the M170 registry that I have records, the SN 14619 of my M170 (mfg. 1967) is probably from one of the the last released. Oh boy, I am very proud of this!!!
All best and have a nice week!!!
Claudio
