Frame Year Identification M38A1

1952 - 1968, M38A1, M170, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38a1 series.
Post Reply
stoopidnick
G-Private
G-Private
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2021 8:23 am
Location: Riverside, CA

Frame Year Identification M38A1

Post by stoopidnick » Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:01 am

Howdy folks. I'm looking for some help in identifying the model-year that my M38A1 frame came from. I'll summarize the distinguishing features below, and include pictures. Please ask any questions that might lead us to narrow it down.

It's a Jeepenstein, but I plan on registering it as an A1...I just need to narrow in on the model year. Here's the photo gallery on Google -

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9Fu2ABenmJAZyiAeA

- Definitely an M38A1 with the machine gun mounting brackets under the tub, fold-down grill
- it has a mid-70's CJ5 tub and dash from god knows where, so the original markings on tub and dash are long gone.
- original engine/trany gone
- original Dana 18 T-Case is still there
- Dana 25 front axle...so likely '52-'60 according to this site (https://blog.kaiserwillys.com/willys-m3 ... gn%20sales).
- Front bumper/frame features match those shown in the "Rt_frt...jpg" attached
- WHEN DID THEY CHANGE THE FRAME TO THE DESIGN SHOWN IN "Lt_frt...jpg" attached???

What other features on the frame or front end can I look for in order to narrow it down to a model year? Thanks everyone!!!

stoopidnick
Attachments
Lt_frt_frame_late.sized.jpg
what year did they start using this design?
Rt_frt_rail_sm.sized.jpg
what year did they stop using this design?


stoopidnick
G-Private
G-Private
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2021 8:23 am
Location: Riverside, CA

Re: Frame Year Identification M38A1

Post by stoopidnick » Tue Mar 09, 2021 12:31 pm

Also, the front fender seam is at an angle, like in this image (http://www.m38a1.com/images/details/1fender.JPG). I've read that means this part came from A1's delivered in '52-'53. Maybe that's as close as I'll get with an age. Thanks in advance for any added help!

Joe Gopan
Jeep Heaven
Posts: 49841
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:37 pm
Location: Proving Ground

Re: Frame Year Identification M38A1

Post by Joe Gopan » Tue Mar 09, 2021 12:45 pm

Long Bumper-Short Bumper? Does it have the bracket on the front center of the front cross member for the grill? All M-38A1's had the threaded provision for the early fold down grill.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO

stoopidnick
G-Private
G-Private
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2021 8:23 am
Location: Riverside, CA

Re: Frame Year Identification M38A1

Post by stoopidnick » Tue Mar 09, 2021 12:57 pm

The front bumper is 48" wide exactly. This picture shows the front bumper. Do you see the bracket you're referring to?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bVVhZ4CSmkCgcmfw6

Thoughts?

Thank you.

Nick

Joe Gopan
Jeep Heaven
Posts: 49841
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:37 pm
Location: Proving Ground

Re: Frame Year Identification M38A1

Post by Joe Gopan » Tue Mar 09, 2021 4:54 pm

You have a late 52 thru mid 53 Chassis and the body appears to be 69-71 CJ-5 Body is not military. Fenders indicate 52-mid 53.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO

stoopidnick
G-Private
G-Private
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2021 8:23 am
Location: Riverside, CA

Re: Frame Year Identification M38A1

Post by stoopidnick » Wed Mar 10, 2021 6:10 am

Thank you guys very much. I'm sure I'll be back to learn more as I tear it down and put her back together.


Post Reply

Return to “M38a1 Technical Knowledge Base”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 33 guests