M38 CDN information

[BCA]

Jim: The 31772 you report is on the right side and is not prefixed by the year (52-). The CFR/CAR is always on the top of the left frame between the grill and the front bumper. Maybe the original frame was replaced or the left fame rail was was damaged and an abbreviated version of the CFR number was stamped where you find it on the right side? It could possibly be the final 5 digits of a CFR number 52-31772 which would match the pattern of CFR numbers. Other M38CDN jeeps have been reported with 52-31770, 52-31771 and 52-31773. So look for other clues to it being a Ford Canadian M38: the presence of a convoy light switch below and left of the master light switch, a convoy light on the rear right frame, the use of hex head sheet metal screws to hold the PTO lever cover plate and the transfer case shift boot retainer plate (US M38's were slot or Phillips head). The presence of the reinforcing patches on the upper rear left and right corners of the body (these were added to all Canadian bodies. They were a field mod. for US bodies so not always present). The wheels may be marked Kelsey Canada without the small hole. I am assuming that all the dashboard data plates are missing and that there is no serial/"patent" plate on the well housing behind the passenger seat. ………… Brian

[Al Nickolson]

My 1952 M38CDN CFR 52-31773, delivery date 8-27-52, Serial Number F101692.
My tool box under the front passage seat doesn't have jeep.

Check your frame for additional hole or tie down brackets.
Photos attached of Reg Hodgson's M38CDN 52-30303. I've been told that M38CDN that were ship overseas had these extra tie downs.

[Al Nickolson]

Photo of M38CDN Canadian Provost Corp at Soest, Germany early 1960's.
Cold War Jeep.

[Al Nickolson]

Photo of M38CDN Canadian Provost Corp at Soest, Germany early 1960's.
Cold War Jeep.

[David Dunlop]

Any ideas as to what the small rectangular metal box is tucked directly behind the blackout headlamp on the fender?

My first thought was the C-42 ATU, but the dimensions don’t look correct.

David

[Al Nickolson]

Originally Posted by David Dunlop

Any ideas as to what the small rectangular metal box is tucked directly behind the blackout headlamp on the fender?

My first thought was the C-42 ATU, but the dimensions don’t look correct.

David

Sorry, I don't know what the fender box is.

[Owen Evans]

Originally Posted by Al Nickolson

My tool box under the front passage seat doesn't have jeep.

All the US-built ones have "jeep" stamped into the front panel of the toolbox. I seem to recall that only the first 500 (approx.) Ford-assembled M38CDN's had this; later units were blank. Others will be able to confirm the accuracy of that figure.

Owen.

[James "Jim" Patterson]

Guys I apologise in advance in getting you some pics and more information. All the info you've given me so far is brilliant and I'll try and get over today. 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.
As I'm aware m38s didn't have any stamping on the chassis what so ever.
My thoughts are maybe either I've missed th 52-***** part of the CAR number but I don't think I have. Either the 52 part of the CAR number hasn't been stamped in but showing other m38s numbers on here they don't have that problem.

Or could it be a batch that was made for another army and stamped up with numbers for them?
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.

I think I recall a friend of mine telling me there was another run of them in 1955 can anyone confirm this?

Cheers for all the help guys

Jim

[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.