Diamond T serial numbers

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Pigtrician
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Diamond T serial numbers

Post by Pigtrician » Fri Oct 29, 2021 10:38 am

Can anyone help me decipher these serial numbers. My HT is a Diamond T.
These numbers came from the data plate on the dash.
Serial number: M38229
Ord. Serial Number: 24486
The number on the top of the left side of the frame at the frame just behind the frame matches the serial number, M38229.
The halftrack was converted to a M3A1 at some point.
Can the numbers be used to determine any history about the halftrack. I’m new to the site and trying to figure out how to maneuver around on it. Thanks, Pigtrician


jesse
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Re: Diamond T serial numbers

Post by jesse » Fri Oct 29, 2021 1:52 pm

Welcome to the site. The Diamond T data base at the top of the Tracked topic page will answer a lot of questions about the serial number, and you can derive your registration number on the hood from the information there. As far as your vehicles history, you may get lucky and see it in a picture somewhere.

Pigtrician
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Re: Diamond T serial numbers

Post by Pigtrician » Fri Oct 29, 2021 6:53 pm

Thanks for the info. When I look at the data base I see that the M3A1 ordinance numbers numbers run from 23831 to 26940. So my ord. Number falls in that range. Adding my serial number and the key number would make my hood # 4062747. Am I calculating that correctly? I did’t see any ord. Numbers for an M3 that would include my number. The data plate on the dash shows the MFRS. serial number M38229. Would that be correct. Did the M3A1’s serial mfrs. serial no.’s just have an M and not M3A1? All the numbers look to be original. I apologize for all the questions but I can see this is a great place for information and guidance. Pigtrician

m3bobby
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Re: Diamond T serial numbers

Post by m3bobby » Thu Nov 04, 2021 1:28 am

I think you have the M3A1 frame numbers confused with hood numbers. 23831 to 26940 are frame numbers not ord numbers.

To highlight the point, this is in the registry,
M3 8027 4062545 24284.

There are 202 numbers between this frame and Ord number and yours so just add 202 to the USA number to work out yours (this is based upon them being kept in frame number order).

So yours will likely be M3 8229 4062747 24486.
Ford GPW 6008, in slow process of restoration.

Pigtrician
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Re: Diamond T serial numbers

Post by Pigtrician » Thu Nov 04, 2021 7:05 pm

Thanks for the response. The number stamped in the frame is M38229, same as the MFRS. # that’s on the data tag on the dash.
Should the frame number be a different number? I found the number on the drivers side at the top of the frame just behind the wheel.

m3bobby
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Re: Diamond T serial numbers

Post by m3bobby » Sun Nov 07, 2021 1:40 am

That is your frame number, the sentence in your post I was referring to was this one-

“ Thanks for the info. When I look at the data base I see that the M3A1 ordinance numbers numbers run from 23831 to 26940.”

Those numbers are frame numbers rather than the Ordinance numbers.

My own M3 is very close to yours but it was never modified to A1. It has the later rear idler spring set up, it had fender head lights but was converted to pedestal lights at some point and it retains the early front leaf springs and hangers.
Ford GPW 6008, in slow process of restoration.

Kevin Lockwood
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Re: Diamond T serial numbers

Post by Kevin Lockwood » Mon Nov 08, 2021 6:06 am

Pigtrician:
I added your info to the database. I also modified the original PO information. With your data plate information I feel it is clear that the PO was a mix of M3 and M3A1 vehicles.
Diamond T used the model of the vehicle in their serial/frame numbers. No dash or spaces.
So M38229 would be a M3 with roller. This number is the Serial number on the data plate and the number stamped into the frame.
The ordnance number is the second number on the data plate and appears no where else. It can be used to help decipher frame/serial or hood #s.
For instance my M3A1 is frame / serial # "M3A10696W" (stamped into frame) it is the 696th M3A1 built and was a (W) winch model.
Your information helps confirm the "KEY" hood number as 4038261. By adding your ord number 24486 to the KEY your hood number is 4062747.
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m3bobby
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Re: Diamond T serial numbers

Post by m3bobby » Tue Nov 09, 2021 7:28 am

I was lucky in that although my data plate was missing, some kind soul decided to stamp the ordnance number into the front left bumper extension. I think Kevin said that it was unusual to find the ord number stamped anywhere.
Ford GPW 6008, in slow process of restoration.

Pigtrician
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Re: Diamond T serial numbers

Post by Pigtrician » Wed Nov 10, 2021 9:34 pm

Thanks to all for the information on my halftrack. I purchased it several years ago and hope to do a restoration one day. I know of another one I’ve been trying to buy for a few years. It’s a winch model. Between the two I should be able to build one with parts left over. I’m sure I’ll have many more questions when I start the restoration. Thanks again. Pigtrician


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