M38A1CDN2 Left Rear Wheel Splash Panel

[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

[rob love]

There are some nice stamped replacement panels for the rear wheelwells on the market these days. But if you are happy with your Jeep now, and keep it away from the eyes of the rivet counters, then why bother?
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/wheel-w...-71-cj-5-m38a1