Data plate question

[bobassel]

Hi All,
I recently bought an M38A1 Jeep.
It is an ex. Dutch Army Jeep from the first series.
I don't think it is a Nekaf ( Dutch assembled Jeep) but a original American build one.
It is a Jeep with hinges grill / front and early fenders.
I think this is one of the early production Jeeps that went to the Netherlands to be tested.
Year of build is 1952 on papers, and for as far my knowledge goes, this is correct.
The Jeep got a civilian licence plate in 1971 and I think this is one of the first that got in privat hands.
The Jeep was bought in parts and with a Perkins engine.(civilian modification)

There was an early drivers instruction plate with it, so this gives me more prove in what I mentioned before.

Unfortunately, there were not the original dash plates with it, but behind the right front seat a Willys plate with the number: A 13817.
This number is also stamped in the right chassis beam, in front of the grille.
I always see the numbers MD ****** instead of the A number??

Does anybody know more abouth this ?
My intentions are making this a civilian Jeep.
Regards, Bob

[Joe Gopan]

The number may be the correct "MD" Number but I do not have confirmation. The Data Plate itself is the correct period as it is aluminum trim on a cream color background.

[skyjeep50]

"MD" is the Willys designation for the M38A1. MA was for the pre-production model introduced before the start of WWII. MB was the production WWII jeep from Willys (GPA designated the Ford produced model). MC was the post WWII M38 from Willys. And MD was the follow-on model. I'm not familiar with your "A" plate but a jeep in civilian hands since 1971 may have had many changes including replacement of id plates.

[bobassel]

Hi all,
Let me put my question in an other way:
Who has a M38A1 Jeep with the original white tac, like mine behind the rear right seat?
And if so, what does this read: a "A" number or "MD" number?
I am just curious if my M38A1 reads "A " because this is an early one.
And if the original dash instruction plates are there, what is on those plates, an "A "or
like the later ones the "MD" ?
The Dutch "NEKAF"Jeeps have also "MD" in front of the serial number.
I informed at some government agencies, but unfortunately all info concerning issued serial numbers is gone
Bob

[skyjeep50]

Let me put my answer another way, you don't have a M38A1. I looked again at the pic of your jeep and it has some characteristics that don't fit a military jeep. For one, it has a tailgate, military M38A1's did not unless they had been modified for specific weapons systems like a recoilless rifle. Also, I zoomed in on the passenger side and there is the word "Jeep" in what looks like embossed letters where the electrical plug would be, ONLY civilian jeeps would have that lettering there. The military did not allow the brand name to appear on M38A1's. Here's a web page that shows various M38A1 models plus a nice pic of a CJ5 complete with the word Jeep embossed in the metal, just like your jeep. http://www.m38a1.com/Models/model_differences.htm

[bobassel]

Hi sky Jeep,
Thank you for your reaction.
I am in the hobby of military vehicles for more than 40 years, so I know a bit abouth the differences.
You are correct abouth the differences, but this vehicle is already modified to the things you mentioned
to make it a model CJ5 Jeep.
These modifications are my intentions to!
The letters "Jeep" is welded in the left and right side.
The tailgate has been installed, the electric startercable connector has been removed like the two battery's
on top and more.....
I already sold a lot of the military items that came with this Jeep.
Bob

[Joe Gopan]

I have NOS 800766 PLATE, name, patent, and serial numbers, right wheel house panel (less serial no) they are blank when unused. The 800766 plates normally have just the 5 digit serial number, no prefix. I have the original from 1955 M-38A1 USA 2A-5177,it is stamped 82622, no prefix.
The G-758 JEEP was manufactured in two basic models, MD (M-38A1) and MDA (M-170).
Normally the Manufacturers Model "MD" is embossed on the brass 809637 PLATE, w/o winch (Army, Air Force, Marines) that is mounted on the dash.

[bobassel]

Hi Ben, thanks for your answer,
If I understand correctly; it is possible that my Jeep was delivered with this plate
without the number stamped.
The "800766" is the (partnumber) of this plate.
And maybe the Dutch army stamped this plate with A 13817 ?
Regards, Bob

[Joe Gopan]

My first impression is that the "A" has been added at a later date.

[gianjeep]

confirm,and i confirm a cj5 body.,,lol