M38A1CDN2 Left Rear Wheel Splash Panel

[rob love]

I can get you a measurement on Monday when I am back at the shop. But if you look at the photo, you can see that the two elongated holes for the plate are just forward of the bow storage bracket.



There are footman loops on the top of the fender well. I believe they are for stowing the side-curtains when not in use. Note there are also the plugs over more holes. I believe those are for the radio tray if it is installed on the left fender.



What was the history of your M38A1? As I mentioned, we got a bunch of Jeeps from Petawawa as a fleet rationalization program that were full of these patches.

[Retsarge]

Hi Rob,
My jeep started out at CFB Wainwright till 23 June 1981, then VMO’d to Petawawa till 9 June 1982, it left for CFB London till 30 March 1984, then
CFB Valcartier until disposal 4 August 1987…sold 2 September 1987..$1184.00
Both side wheelwell tops are flat and have no rivets or extra holes in them. The also do not have any loops installed. The wheelwells have clean rounded edges and looks to be one complete piece.
Overall the jeep body is in great shape with no dents or rust. Except for the right front 1/4 panel, which at sometime had a quality major rebuild which is only visible on a close inspection. I have had to replace the original Cdn engine, block cracked inside distributor tube and sent antifreeze to oil pan. New engine also set up with the original 3 belt system.
Richard

[rob love]

Are you saying that the top of the fenderwells is just flat plate sheet metal? That they do not have the ribs stamped into them? Definitely a sign of either patches or bodywork.



As I recall, the re-life was closer to 1980 or so, and Alberta vehicles generally did not suffer from much rust. And by 84, the end was in sight for the M38A1 fleet as the Iltis was starting production. The patches likely did remain in the system until stock was exhausted or the Jeeps were disposed of and stock was disposed of, so the patches may have been installed as needed after the re-life. I can't remember if the patch kits had the proper stamping on them. Brian Asbury used to have components of the patch kits so he might know better. As well, the guys out easy would also be more likely to have seen them.

[Retsarge]

Rob,
The tops of both fenderwells are completely flat with no ribs, and are identical. The edges are all rounded and look to be factory stamped as a complete wheelwell piece. There is 1 hole on the top rear that allows water to drain down. On both fenderwells, there are no dents. All of the edges were welded to the main body tub and tub floor. The welds do not look like an amateur did it, but by someone who knew how to weld did it.
Richard

[rob love]

Sounds like yours had new wheel-wells either during or post service. As to the quality of the welds, mig welding is very forgiving and easy to do. It is not hard to replicate the factory welds, as long as the old metal is cleaned up first.

[rob love]

The holes are 3.5" from the back panel. They are all the elongated type holes.

[Retsarge]

Hi Rob,
Thank you very much for information and excellent information. Now l can start on my upgrading project. I never knew that my wheelwell panels were replaced.
Thanks again!!
Richard Mix Jr