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  #1  
Old 28-06-21, 22:04
Nate Jaros Nate Jaros is offline
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Location: Ft Worth
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Default M38CDN Questions

Hi guys. I’m new to the forum and am looking for some information on M38 CDNs. There seems to be some good knowledge and discussion here, so I wanted to pose a few questions.

I am considering purchasing a 1952 M38 CDN from a fella here in the States. I have a few concerns as the pics and details he’s sent me don’t quite ‘match up.’ I love to hear what you think about the following potential issues.

1. Data Plates. The original data plates are gone. The ones attached to the dashboard are clearly repops, and the S/N stamped into the plate is the 52-xxxxx Canadian CAR #, and not the typical F-101xxx number from the factory. Seller says there are no other serial numbers anywhere to be found.

2. The seller hasn’t produced a pic of the CAR number stamped into the forward left frame rail, but he says he can get a pic soon and get it to me. I am hopeful.

3. The windshield frame seems legit, but the glass is a split glass setup, which is inconsistent with M38s. And there is only one pneumatic wiper, none on the passenger side.

Aside from that, the M38 looks legit and moderately taken care of. He said it drives great, and operates normally. The 4 wheel drive works well, it doesn’t pop out of 2nd gear, and the carb was recently rebuilt. It does have some tub damage here and there that was poorly fixed with bondo, but otherwise it seems to be a legit M38.

Looking for advice. Thanks guys!
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  #2  
Old 29-06-21, 03:39
Owen Evans Owen Evans is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nate Jaros View Post
3. The windshield frame seems legit, but the glass is a split glass setup, which is inconsistent with M38s. And there is only one pneumatic wiper, none on the passenger side.
The US army had a MWO for re-purposing M38 windshield glass if one half of it was damaged. I've attached a copy.....sorry about the quality! Maybe the Canadian army adopted a similar method? Worth checking close up how the "split glass setup" on your potential purchase compares to this.

And we want to see photos!

Owen.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg WINDSCREEN_01.jpg (67.1 KB, 3 views)
File Type: jpg WINDSCREEN_02.jpg (29.2 KB, 3 views)
File Type: jpg WINDSCREEN_03.jpg (25.7 KB, 1 views)
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  #3  
Old 29-06-21, 21:53
Nate Jaros Nate Jaros is offline
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Thank you. Maybe this particular M38 had that mod done to it. Interesting.

As a side note, the seller did just provide a photo of the Canadian CAR# stamp. It looks pretty good!
Attached Images
File Type: jpeg E20AA8A5-D4AC-4379-BA24-3BB7AC5D2628.jpeg (540.8 KB, 3 views)

Last edited by Nate Jaros; 29-06-21 at 23:30.
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  #4  
Old 29-06-21, 22:49
David Dunlop David Dunlop is offline
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Nate.

Have you got any photos of the front cowl directly in front of the driver?

Quite a number of M38 CDN’s up here were fitted with Southwind Gas Personnel Heater Kits. These mounted on the cowl with a rectangular pattern of bolts right in front of the driver. The windshield assembly then got a major makeover.

The Ventilation Cover bottom centre was removed and tossed. Likewise the two lower gun rack brackets. Wipers were relocated to above the glass and the vacuum feed for same relocated up the left side of the windscreen. Holes were also drilled up the left side of the windshield frame to mount the heater exhaust pipe. More holes drilled directly above the left side windshield clamp to mount the heater control box.

To mount the interior duct work, the plate on the dash holding all the data plates was removed and all the plates drilled off. The plates were then attached to the defroster box that ran along the lower portion of the windscreen. The mounting plate was tossed.

When the vehicles were sold off, all the heater kits were removed prior to sale, so you ended up with jeeps with lots of holes in the windshields and maybe even some rust growing inside the left frame and no data plates. Your vehicle could be one of these. Somebody probably bought whatever windshield they could find to replace the original and get rid of all the missing bits problem.

Another part of the kit was a Safety Valve mounted on the inner left fender, behind and below the horn. The holes might still be down there if this jeep was so equipped.

The last possibility for true Canadian heritage will be signs of a convoy lamp being installed. The toggle switch and data plate were fitted lower left side dash, either vertical or horizontal, below the brake handle and the lamp on the rear cross member under the vehicle, slightly right of centre and aimed at the back of the rear differential case, the centre rear cover of which was painted white.

This would be the easiest explanation for all the odd things you have described.

Best regards,

David
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  #5  
Old 30-06-21, 01:17
Nate Jaros Nate Jaros is offline
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Thanks David. That is some great information! Here are a few more shots from the seller, unfortunately it’s pretty far for me to go have a look easily.

Last edited by Nate Jaros; 30-06-21 at 01:22.
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  #6  
Old 30-06-21, 01:18
Nate Jaros Nate Jaros is offline
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Sorry, having upload problems on other photos.
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