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Vin Location on an M38A1

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 5:09 pm
by goin myway
Hi, a buddy of mine wanted to know were to find the vin or serial number on his M38A1. The data plates are missing. Is it stamped on the frame or body somewere or is it on a metal tag attached to the frame? Thanks for any assistance on this.
Dan Bever

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 5:41 pm
by Rod
Dan,

On the M38 and the M38A1, the VIN was only stamped on the data plates on the dash and the little data plate mounted on the wheel well directly behind the passengers seat.

Sorry the frame is not stamped nor is there a data plate on the frame.

The only other things is if you could find the original hood numbers on the hood then you can back in to the estimated DOD and approximate VIN.

M38A1 VIN

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 8:33 pm
by Rich Saylor
Your only other choice for a real serial number would be to check out the surviving chassis/body/equipment list to determine about what year the Jeep was manufactured, according to various production changes over time, then see if you can obtain an approximately correct serial number from a scrapped A1 and use it for the data plate and DMV listing. If you have a legitimate serial number new plates can be made, but it's not kosher to just make one up. What is the current serial number, according to the title or any other surviving paperwork?

The correct serial number would start with MD, followed by (at least) 5 digits, the earliest of which would be somewhere around MD10000 to MD12000 (June? 1952) or so, and the later ones having a serial number some 90,000 to 100,000 later- like MD100000- going into the later 60's or maybe beyond a bit, I don't know- very, very roughly as I don't have exact start/end build dates or serial numbers. Remember also there's no correlation between similar-sounding engine and body numbers.

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 3:40 pm
by Guest
Thanks Guys, I will pass this information on to my friend. Dan Bever