M38 Serial Number

[Big Spur]

My M38 came with no data plates and no tub plate. On top of that, there is no serial number on the frame, that I can find. The only number I have is on the engine overhaul tag on the lower passenger side of the engine. It says "serial number" with MC 77328 stamped on it. Could this be the vehicle serial or is it related only to the engine? If it is the vehicle number, how could I determine the year or any other info about my vehicle. I'm new to the hobby.
Thanks

[Jeeps4Brains]

On that engine on the flat area on the head area of block right behind the water pump is there a number? I bet the number in that area will match the number on the plate on the side of the engine. That would be the engine serial number and that's not the same as for the body.

These M38's did not come with a stamped number plate. So if the original serial number plate is gone from behind the passenger seat on the surface right behind the seat on the wheel well, it's hard to know what the serial number was. Sometimes you can get lucky and find the number engraved on the body when a rebuild happened so they could keep straight which Jeep was which. So look around in the paint behind were the original plates were or the inside of the dash door.

Alan

[4X4M38]

Willys shipped the M38 from the factory with two MC numbers. One on the dash plate
the same number on the patent plate, and a different number on the engine.

They were different because the engines were stacked in the factory and pulled for
installation in jeeps and other things like power plants with no regard to matching
the numbers.

You may be fortunate that the rebuild tag has an engine serial number.
Before VIN numbers states began titling vehicles using the engine number.
If you are lucky that's what's on your title.

There is a wealth of information over on the WillysMJeeps site including
Serial numbers and production dates.

Welcome to the disease!

[Big Spur]

Thanks to all for the info. Unfortunately I don't have a title either, so I'm trying to come up with some form of I'd number.

[Gummy1950]

Big Spur,

You have a non-original motor in your Jeep. Not to worry, many have them. The last serial number for production of M38s is MC 72329, so you can see that there were more engines made than Jeeps. If your title says 1950, your true serial number is somewhere between 10009 and 11544 - or it isn't a '50. Check the boss on the front of the block above the water pump. It should read MC (number) or RMC (number). MC stood for the Model C from Willys-Overland. The RMC stood for Replacement Model C. Today they're called crate engines.

There are lots of things to check to help age the vehicle. First you should log on to http://www.willysmjeeps.com website. They are dedicated to solving problems and helping M38 and M38a1 owners. They also have a partial list of serial numbers with dates of manufacture. The next step would be to purchase a copy of Dr. Ryan Miller's reference book on M38s. It will help you determine your Jeep's age according to the parts on it and when they were changed during production. You probably have lots of later parts and maybe some civvy parts, but there may be enough original parts on it to zero in on the date of production.

Welcome to the party, pal! (John McLane)

[Shakes]

I have a 52m38 only I'd can find is dash data tag, also only engine number stamped on block drivers side behind water pump X #### any advise please

[dpcd67]

Ok, instead of bringing this dead thread back, best to start your own; more guys will read it. I read that you have a dash data plate and an engine number; right? What are they? putting these, ###, won't help you.
First post I see; welcome. Post some data and start a fresh thread.