M38A1 CDN in goat pasture

[TonyRoper]

Thanks for the input. No worries, currently entries to the list are welcome as I am ignorant of most details, and am here to learn.

In the upper rear portion of the driver rear fender, I do see a covered hole that was possibly for the trailer wiring connector:



It does have a convoy lamp switch, but it is mounted horizontally under the instruments towards the passenger side. Looking at the holes, I suspect it may have been mounted where the headlight switch currently is.



Underneath, I didn't get a very good shot since there were ants present...

[TonyRoper]

Update: My copy of Mr. Iarocci's book arrived today which gives me some idea about the various markings. There are a few examples of in-service vehicles with the spare tire relocated, so maybe it happened during service.

I did pull the front bumper to see if I could locate any stampings on the frame horn. They're either too faint to read or don't exist. There was a "283L" on the outside of the rail, and a "283R" on the opposite rail. Back to the drawing board.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Andrew's book is sadly a little light. There are a couple of M38A1 Facebook Groups which are populated (polluted?) with strong willed folks kicking life into their now 50 plus year old rides. Yours, of course gets another generation added!

[TonyRoper]

Originally Posted by maple_leaf_eh

Andrew's book is sadly a little light. There are a couple of M38A1 Facebook Groups which are populated (polluted?) with strong willed folks kicking life into their now 50 plus year old rides. Yours, of course gets another generation added!

Due to work constraints, Facebook and most other social media is not an option for me. Hopefully I can find what I need on regular forums.

The book did answer one of my first questions, now I know which front bumper to fit.

Maybe one day I can track down a service number. Failing that, I may just use "53-3xxxx and fudge the last digits of the VIN or some such.

[David Dunlop]

Tony, your vehicles Canadian Army Registration Number 53-3XXXX would normally be stamped in approx. 1/4-inch numbers on the top of the left side frame rail somewhere forward of the grill assembly. I think the reasoning as that the frame rail would be a reasonably permanent location. The frame horn could get damaged and be replaced, taking the number record with it.

David

[TonyRoper]

I managed to drag the front bumper off and went at the driver frame horn with a wire brush. The only impression I can see is what appears to be a punch mark.

This area was directly in contact with the bumper above and may have been pitted into oblivion.

[TonyRoper]

I saw an example of frame horn stamping that doesn't look as if it got much past the paint. That number may be long gone.

The data plate is very damaged, presumably from sandblasting. I have been trying ink and polish to get some contrast out of the numbers but results have not been encouraging.

I think the serial number may be 20065x. Is there anyone skilled at reading the damaged plates that I can send this to?

Edit: Got out a *good* camera with an ED macro lens and took a bunch of photos using different light and angles.
I am about 85% convinced the last digit is an 8, making the serial F-200658. Will that get me any closer to a service number?

Thanks - Tony

[Andrew Iarocci]

Originally Posted by maple_leaf_eh

Andrew's book is sadly a little light. There are a couple of M38A1 Facebook Groups which are populated (polluted?) with strong willed folks kicking life into their now 50 plus year old rides. Yours, of course gets another generation added!

At the time I wrote the book, the word limit for Service Pubs pamphlets was (sadly?) just 6,000 words. I did my best to work in a reasonable sampling of the available archival materials for the sake of the hobby. Anyone who wishes is free to order up the archival materials at Library and Archives Canada and attempt something more comprehensive.