M38 CDN information

[Owen Evans]

A nice looking M38, from what I can see. Can't tell beyond any doubt if it's US or Canadian though.

Originally Posted by James "Jim" Patterson

Also there's signs of some welding but these don't look structural they look like maybe a bracket was welded on at some time.

I assume you mean the 'half moon' bit of welding on the side rail just behind the front shock mount? Mine has those on both sides (see attached). It's where the front tubular cross member welds to the side rail.

Back to the number stamped into the side rail. You say your M38 had Greek camouflage; could it be that the Greek Army stamped their chassis up with the M38 body number? If so, that number could be your Jeep's original serial number. Possibly. Anyone out there have any experience of Greek Army M38's?

Regarding the dash, do the data plates (between the instrument panel and glove box) fix directly to the dash? Or are they secured to a separate plate which then screws to the dash? This was a mid-production change during the US M38 build, and may help to confirm your M38's origins.

Owen.

[James "Jim" Patterson]

Hi Owen,
when i get it out of the corner of the workshop ill get some more pics.

it has a plate that the data plates go on to and then screw on.
i remember buying all the repro plates as it didnt have any on atall.

it also has a big hole behind the data plates if my memory serves me right which at the time i was told it was to accommodate the arctic heater ???? but dunno if thats true.

ive looked all over and cant see any more numbers and as for the position of it i dunno why its there.
like you say is it a greek army thing as i didnt think the us stamped chassis.

is it just coincidence that the number falls in to the M38 CDN criteria?

thanks for all your help and knowledge

Jim

[Owen Evans]

Originally Posted by James "Jim" Patterson

it also has a big hole behind the data plates if my memory serves me right which at the time i was told it was to accommodate the arctic heater ???? but dunno if thats true.

That is correct; see attached excerpt from the personnel heater manual. Starting in September 1951, US-built M38's had this hole stamped out in the factory; prior to this, the hole would have to be cut out during installation of the personnel heater.

Owen.

[James "Jim" Patterson]

So what we really need to know now is anyone who's got a Greek m38 has it got a chassis number in the same place.

So is it looking like a US built one with that hole cut out? Or did the m38 CDN s have these too?

Owen your knowledge is very very informative it's been great getting in touch with you.
There used to be a guy near me called Bernard who had a lovely M38 and he was a good friend of both mine and my uncle.

I'll have to try get his number again

Thanks

Jim

[Owen Evans]

Originally Posted by James "Jim" Patterson

So is it looking like a US built one with that hole cut out? Or did the m38 CDN s have these too?

All the photos of the M38CDN I have seen all have the data plates mounted to a separate steel plate, so I presume they all had the heater hole cut-out?

Owen.

[James "Jim" Patterson]

Anyone else got any thoughts or information?

[Owen Evans]

Jim,

Another way to help you identify when your M38 was built is by looking at the firewall. Can you confirm where the hole for the battery drain tube is located? If you look at the attached photo, on my M38 it is located outboard of the passenger side toeboard gusset.

Can you confirm if it is located in the same place on your M38, or is it located inboard of the toeboard gusset?

Owen.