M-38 CDN (history)

[BCA]

Gaetan, It is interesting that you only found 3 mounting holes for the master plate that normally holds the brass dash plates. Perhaps one of the sheet metal screws was broken-off in the hole?
Your CFR number 51-30035 strongly leads me to believe that you have a Willys Overland M38 that was delivered about or after October 1951 (10-51). I have information on at least 6 Willys Overland M38's that were delivered to the Canada. While my information is incomplete, in general:
1. Their serial numbers ranged from 37378 to 38852.
2. The only documented delivered date is 10-51.
3. the CFR's are often 51-33xxx but also like 51-30xxx and 52-30xxx.
4. At least three examples have Vehicle Repair Data Plates dated 1-59 or 4-59 from "23 BW". I do not know where 23 Base Workshop was located.
5. There are variations in the brass dash plates that deviate from standard American Willys M38 plates: there can be either "M38" or "M38 CDN" as model numbers. Also there are references to the Canadian "Operators Manual CDN OM 9-804" and "with Canadian Supplements" on the data plates.

For those of you with Canadian Willys M38's, I am curious to know if there is a there a patent plate on the wheel well behind the passenger seat?

In summary, my opinion is that:
1. Canada received numerous Willys Overland M38's in the latter part of 1951. The brass dash plates often differed the from typical American M38 Willys plates with the addition of references to M38CDN and to Canadian publications.
2. The first 100 Ford M38CDN's were made in January 1952. The earliest documented delivered date is 2-4-52 (F-100006:February 4th, 1952). 2165 units were produced, ending November 27, 1952 but with delivered dates extending until Feb. 25 1953.
There were 2 contacts: Contract E-20 LV7 639 ARMY extended to include roughly the first 300 M38CDN's. The balance were contract E-20 LV7 742 ARMY. Other than the data plates reference I have not been able to determine any difference between the jeeps of these 2 contracts. It might be relevant that approximately the first 300 or Ford M38's did not have the CFR stamped on the front left frame rail but documented simply by a painted stencil on the body.
Any additional information would be appreciated: I have a detailed questionnaire that I can PM to anyone with a Canadian M38.
........... Brian

I have compiled a questionnaire of M38CDN details and appreciated any new information. PM me for details if you have an M38CDN. ......... Brian