M-38 cnd

Brad whaling · #1 30-10-16, 03:03

Hi just joined the forum I picked up a m38 CND last year it was parked for about 20 years, planning on doing a full ground up on it next year so just looking for some info on where to get parts and the things that made the CND version different then the standard m38, I have the vin plaque but I'm fearing the car number is long lost, in the 70s some one painted it blue ( I have to sand it down to see if the old numbers are there ) and someone put a winch plate on it and welded over the car number on the frame, I would like to find the car number and do a restore but if I can't find it will probably do a RCAF clone, any info would be great thanks

oldlithgow · #2 30-10-16, 05:41

Check The front Left frame horn on top right behind the bumper and there should be a number. If it is there it will be a good start to trace more info.

BCA · #3 30-10-16, 16:47

Hi Brad,
If you post or PM me your Ford serial number and the date of delivery there is a chance that someone in the past documented this M38CDN when the CFR was known. It is common for the front left frame rail to be welded or damaged from a snowplow or winch installation making the CFR impossible to read. In addition, early M38CDN jeeps of the first few hundred Ford serial numbers generally did not get a stamped CFR on the frame. This presents a dilemma because unless old paperwork (like your ownership or original Crown Assets bill of sale) or a relict stencil on the body are recoverable then the CFR is lost to history. There is no relationship between the Ford serial number and the CFR number. Perhaps someone with uncover an army document that lists serial numbers as well as CFR's for the early 1950's vehicles. ....Brian

Brad whaling · #4 30-10-16, 17:56

The sin is 1404 from what I know it was bought out of red deer alberta about 25 years ago, it had a hard life of 4x4ing then got ripped apart for a v-8 conversion, thank god most the stuff that was hacked off can be fixed, it will need a lot of work and probably even more parts lol but in my mind it's worth doing especially for a ford nut like me

Brad whaling · #5 31-10-16, 06:16

Yes correct the inspection stamp is E 19

morgoon · #6 01-11-16, 20:08

Hey Great discussion here

As an owner of a 51 M38 I was very happy to learn the info about tracking down the history of the Jeep.

Thanks for starting the thread.

Brad whaling · #7 02-11-16, 07:11

What's the best place to buy replacement parts for restoring the jeep

maple_leaf_eh · #8 02-11-16, 17:21

Depending on your level of care for authenticity, you can go the military parts route or the reproduction military parts route or the civilian parts route. The question is how much money do you have?

The Canadian dollar is 3/4 of a US dollar so sticker price, shipping and border business cost will eat away most of the thrill of the chase finding things south of the border. I am on a mailing list from KaiserWillys dot com. They routinely run specials and tech advice columns. Setting yourself on their mailing list will give you an idea of what is ahead.

However, the flat fender Jeeps are remarkably simple machines. CJs are very common, and there are parts commonalities. You will only have to decide how close to CDN spec you want to go.

SteveJ · #9 15-11-16, 08:55

Hi Brad

I'm local to you in Calgary. We have a good group of military vehicle enthusiasts here and can help with technical support and link you up with some good suppliers.

Barry Churcher · #10 15-11-16, 19:12

Hi Brad
If you want to buy Canadian try BCA (Brian) who will be able to help you. He answered in post #3 above. Good luck with your project.
Cheers,
Barry

Christian Shoebridge · #11 16-11-16, 20:12

Hi Brad,
You will find the most noticeable difference with the ford m38 vs the willys is the gearing.willys is 488 and the ford is geared 538.I noticed the ford is a better hill climber and off road it crawls better without having to ride the clutch..as far as parts go another option is Marcus at willys acres in Barrie..he has a lot of NOS stuff as well as repro,and if you are a military collector he loves making trades..best to call caus he takes a while to respond to emails..
Christian
52 m38
53 m100
43 Harley Davidson

BCA · #12 17-11-16, 15:04

The American Willys M38 and the Ford M38CDN both have 5.38 ratio differentials.

Brad whaling · #13 17-11-16, 16:22

Awesome guys I'm looking forward to starting this project ( still need to get my cobra up and running ) the plan is fix the sheet metal on the tub and get it running and driving then as needed start swapping out to military parts,