M38 CDN information

[Owen Evans]

Originally Posted by James "Jim" Patterson

I must say though that with everything your saying it's looking like an American build/assembled one but just really strange to have a number stamped on the chassis.

If it is a US-built one, does the number stamped on the chassis match the number on the body plate (on the wheelhouse, behind the passenger seat), if you have it?

Originally Posted by James "Jim" Patterson

I'm trying to get hold of the M38 book that everyone calls the m38 Bible to see if it mensions any other production runs.

M38 Reference guide is a bit expensive, but for me worth every penny. I think Peter DeBella in the US still has some copies available.

Owen.

[James "Jim" Patterson]

Hi pal it had no plates atall when I bought it I'm just going through old photos to find the jeep in its original condition when I bought it. It had some parts in Greek camo wings and bonnet if I remember right.
I'm definitely going to get that book. I've heard from Mark Askew that a new print is out later in the year.

[Owen Evans]

Originally Posted by James "Jim" Patterson

I'm definitely going to get that book. I've heard from Mark Askew that a new print is out later in the year.

Now that's interesting. Wonder if it's just a reprint, or if it includes some new information too? I didn't get to see Mark at Newark last month (due to it's COVID-19 cancellation)…

Owen.

[charlie fitton]

Here is a sample of the Canadian ser no, not the best quality, but the shape and pattern work..


Another Canadian clue is this inspectors' acceptance stamp, again, blown up from my own poor picture..

[James "Jim" Patterson]

Originally Posted by charlie fitton

Here is a sample of the Canadian ser no, not the best quality, but the shape and pattern work..

The font looks exactly the same if my memory is correct.
Looking at the picture the number is on top of the chassis.

My number is on the side of the chassis near the front passenger RHS wheel

[James "Jim" Patterson]

Right guys an update. Just been over to the lock up now and I was wrong the number is on the drivers side between the grill and the bumper. See pics
In my eyes the 3 looks different I kkow it looks like a light stamp but it looks a diferent font to what I've been shown by another user on here of his CAR number.

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. The chassis number doesn't seem to have any other numbers just those 5.

Also took a picture of the dash.

Please note that I have never drilled any holes on the dash but I have utilised some holes which were there for stuff like horn button and key ignition.
Like I said when I did this vehicle I was 20 so I did what I could without having a lot of knowledge about the vehicle.

Hope these shed some light and await your responce.

Cheers Jim

[James "Jim" Patterson]

It won't seem to let me upload the pics guys what am I doing wrong?

[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.