Need help with serial number

1952 - 1968, M38A1, M170, questions, discussions, regarding anything related to the M38a1 series.
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Gary Turman
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Need help with serial number

Post by Gary Turman » Thu Aug 24, 2017 8:47 pm

I have had this M38-A1 for over 20 years. I always knew that the dash data plates didn't match the title. The data plate behind the passenger seat was not legible. I want to get things straitened out. My title says the vin (serial number) is D101266. I'm assuming they got this off the engine and left out the "M" before the "D". The engine number that is above the water pump is gone, (block was replaced). Can anyone tell me if that number is true to a M38-A1 and what year it's supposed to be. I think it's a late 53, (no hinged grill and single clamp for battery cover). Dash data plate says it a 1954 with serial #73745 with a dod of 6/54.
1941 Dodge WC-7 Command Car
1942 Ford GPW
1968 M151-A1
1967 M416
1945 Gemco 1/4 ton trailer
US Army 1979-1984
Houston Police Officer 1984-2016 (Retired)


MASH_4077
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Re: Need help with serial number

Post by MASH_4077 » Fri Sep 08, 2017 4:40 am

Gary Turman wrote:I have had this M38-A1 for over 20 years. I always knew that the dash data plates didn't match the title. The data plate behind the passenger seat was not legible. I want to get things straitened out. My title says the vin (serial number) is D101266. I'm assuming they got this off the engine and left out the "M" before the "D". The engine number that is above the water pump is gone, (block was replaced). Can anyone tell me if that number is true to a M38-A1 and what year it's supposed to be. I think it's a late 53, (no hinged grill and single clamp for battery cover). Dash data plate says it a 1954 with serial #73745 with a dod of 6/54.
Lift up the passengers side seat. You should see a tag that has four screws holding it in place. If it hasn't been painted over your SN# is on that tag as well. It should read MD 73745. If the tag has paint on it. Remove the screws and use paint thinner and something to carefully scrape the paint off. This tag should match the SN# on the data plate on the dash. It should read MD 73745. Hope this helps.

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52 M38A1 8/52 MD17418
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61 M101 4/61
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MASH_4077
Sergeant Major of the Gee
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Re: Need help with serial number

Post by MASH_4077 » Fri Sep 08, 2017 3:34 pm

Ok, sorry for my reply telling you to look behind the seat. I just skimmed over the post.

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Indiana MVPA Vice President
52 M38A1 8/52 MD17418
52 M100 9/52
61 M101 4/61
FOR SALE 54 M38A1
1/54 Build Date
MAKE OFFER!

Joe Gopan
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Re: Need help with serial number

Post by Joe Gopan » Fri Sep 08, 2017 10:02 pm

I usually refer to the ORD 9 and search for sheet metal and chassis features that refer to installation before and after Chassis Serial numbers. Information is kind of scanty, but sometimes I get lucky and can confirm a DOD.
I know of no official list that ties chassis and engine numbers, plus the official records are discarded at the time the Jeep leaves the Property Disposal yard due to sale or transfer to a civilian agency such as GSA. From time to time I find old forgotten 50's-70's DRMO Sales catalogs that list Chassis , DOD and USA number and put them aside only to lose track of them for a few more years.
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

Gary Turman
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Re: Need help with serial number

Post by Gary Turman » Sun Sep 10, 2017 7:17 am

Should the serial number on the dash data plate match the number on the data plate behind the passenger seat?
1941 Dodge WC-7 Command Car
1942 Ford GPW
1968 M151-A1
1967 M416
1945 Gemco 1/4 ton trailer
US Army 1979-1984
Houston Police Officer 1984-2016 (Retired)

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

Re: Need help with serial number

Post by Joe Gopan » Sun Sep 10, 2017 11:01 am

The dash and wheelhouse plate Serial Numbers should match.
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


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