What year and model do I have?

[Tinman22]

The round hole is for the slave cable used for powering other things from the 38s power system. The shifter on the left Transmission ,middle Transfer Case direct (2hi) and under drive (2low) stick on right front axle engagement. Dad had one to pull a fertilizer wagon.

 

[jeeptrix]

I still think it should have the lights that can be turned inside the engine compartment though. Did you find out what the mystery stick is for? Some military Jeeps have a system that would pressurize the axles / Transfer Case so water wouldnt get inside when they needed to do water crossings. I dont know how it was activated though. The 4 cylinder will render it useless for todays highway speeds for sure. The little buick may not be a bad choice but thats not my era of knowledge for sure.

The headlights that turn in are WWII era Jeeps.

 

[Petescj]

The headlights that turn in are WWII era Jeeps.

Thanks. I think the pressurized water fording system may have just been the early ones too. Not sure though. Any new info you can share ?

 

[mstar]

jeeptrix, just wondering about the year.Does it really matter.I mean a m38a1 is what it is.The title could be for what ever year they got around to registering it.The military owned that jeep for some time before it was turned over to civilian use.From looking at the pics I noticed a LOT of modifications from stock.Have you looked under there to see what the lever that is sticking up out of the floor where the Overdrive lever usually is to see what it's connected to? Mike

 

[jeeptrix]

I did find the ID tag right where it was supposed to be on a military Jeep, on the wheel housing behind the passenger seat. After removing three coats of black paint it revealed MD 60172. As far as I can tell it is a late 1953. It has some features of early 1953 models and late 1953 models. The battery box indicates early model and the fixed grille and the left fender are later in the year.

Once I get the shop warmed up (it is 27 degs) I will crawl under and try to trace the PTO? level and check on the machine gun mount. It will take about 4 hrs with both the wood stove and the propane heaters going full blast.

I have started the parts list needed for the restore. Over $2000. If I can't save the seat frames then that will go up some. I am looking for a shop to do the frame off work. The V8 will stay for now.

 

[Dan86CJ7]

is there a site that will decode the vin#?...as to what year/make/model,ect.

 

[jeeptrix]

M38A1.COM - Model Differences between years and variants.

Here is where I found information. I haven't found one that lists the numbers as yet. I am still looking.

 

[Tinman22]

I didn't even see the mystery leaver till just now.

 

[jeeptrix]

I didn't even see the mystery leaver till just now.

I was wondering why you didn't address it in your response.

You don't happen to have any photos of that slave cable do you?

The latest thing I have discovered. While there is OD green paint in the tool storage well the tub is painted black and I think the original paint color was orange. This Jeep may have been used at an airfield. I still haven't been able to determine what branch of the service it came from.

 

[Petescj]

I was wondering why you didn't address it in your response.

You don't happen to have any photos of that slave cable do you?

The latest thing I have discovered. While there is OD green paint in the tool storage well the tub is painted black and I think the original paint color was orange. This Jeep may have been used at an airfield. I still haven't been able to determine what branch of the service it came from.

Hmm. Im a little lost on the orange but Ive heard that color was used on border control Cjs. Not the whole Cj though. Just a thought. Im interested in this too. Unfortunately I believe your estimate of $2000 to restore it is , how do I say it , low.

 

[Tinman22]

The pto on dads was between the seats. I don't know what that is. The slave cane be found on google images both the vehicle side (from batt to outlet) and the attaching cable can still be bought, it's a good way to jump start stuff not that it works any better but it kept me from steeling dads jumper cables.

 

[jeeptrix]

Hmm. Im a little lost on the orange but Ive heard that color was used on border control Cjs. Not the whole Cj though. Just a thought. Im interested in this too. Unfortunately I believe your estimate of $2000 to restore it is , how do I say it , low.

That is not an estimate to restore. That is just how many parts I have listed so far. That does not include labor and there will be a lot of that.

Why would the border patrol use a color that the illegals could see coming a mile away?

But on an airfield where visability is a concern does make sense.

I refuse to repaint it orange.

 

[Petescj]

They were 3 diferent colors, very different from the Green and white you see today. I did manage to find this online so your probably on the right track.

 

[Tin Medic]

I have started the parts list needed for the restore. Over $2000. If I can't save the seat frames then that will go up some. I am looking for a shop to do the frame off work.

Sorry, I said that once too.

 

[Petescj]

I prefer this one for Air Force.

 

[jeeptrix]

They were 3 diferent colors, very different from the Green and white you see today. I did manage to find this online so your probably on the right track.

I looked up "follow me" Jeeps on the net. There are a bunch of photos of several different color combinations. I don't think I want an orange Jeep.