Looking for M38A1 info

[DaleSinclair]

Hi Brian, thanks for the info. I did find US service and parts books online. The serial plate is on the right rear wheel well tub. That’s where I got the MD45486, so yes both plates match. There is no convoy light under it, but there is an out of place bolt on a frame rail. Possible spot. Hopefully one day I get it back to its original condition.
Take care.

[Ed Storey]

Depending on how far back the restoration is going to go, the question I have is were the convoy lights used in Korea or were they installed by the RCOC once the vehicle was in Canada?

[David Dunlop]

The other thing to look for would be signs of the Convoy Lamp Switch on the Dash Panel.

David

[BCA]

Convoy light and switch: I have the Modification Instructions for installing the convoy light on 3/4-ton Dodge (7 Oct. 1953) and 2-1/2-ton GMC (30 April 1953). Both imply that later production vehicles already had the convoy light installed at time of production and that the modification was to add it to early vehicles. In the case of the Dodge the early vehicles were pre s.n. 91401714 (3/1953).
The implication is that by March 1953 the convoy light was factory installed on Dodges and GMC's. I do not have the Modification Instruction to deal with the M38 and M38A1 jeeps. But it follows that in 1953 the convoy light was to be added to the M38 and M38A1. On M38's they always appear to be a locally added feature based on the location variation and crudeness of the dashboard hole for the switch. I haven't paid much attention to convoy switches on the M38A1 CDN (1953 production).
So for Dale's April 1954 American M38A1 that was brought into the Canadian inventory it stands to reason that it would have had the convoy light added as part of routine local E.M.E. instructions. When or if this happened is to be determined. Finally, it was produced 4/53 but when did it arrive in Canadian inventory? Unlikely in time to be a Korean veteran.

[Ed Storey]

Originally Posted by BCA

Finally, it was produced 4/53 but when did it arrive in Canadian inventory? Unlikely in time to be a Korean veteran.

I don't agree and am pretty sure Dale's M38A1 is a Korean veteran as his CFR number falls within the known lot shipped back from Korea. According to Canadian Vehicles in Korea - 2015 ISBN 978-1-927822-03-6, 25 CIBG in Korea began receiving its new M-Series vehicles from US Army Ordnance in July 1953. The vehicles arrived in batches of 50 and by September all of the new Jeeps, 404 in total, had been issued. It was in 1954 and 1955 that 389 M38A1 Jeeps and 16 M62 Wreckers were shipped from Korea to Canada as these vehicles were deemed compatible with M-Series vehicles being manufactured in Canada.

The 16 Korean War vintage M62 wreckers served well into the early 1990s before they were replaced by the HLVW. I suspect the Korean War vintage M38A1 Jeeps had all been sold off by the early 1970s as newer M38A1CDN vehicles were procured.

The mysteries that have not been solved with the Korean War vintage M38A1 Jeeps is first tying the post-Koran War Canadian CFR number to the Willy's serial number and secondly tying the CFR number to the US Ordnance number used in by the Canadian Brigade in Korea.

[DaleSinclair]

Convoy Light Switch; as far as a switch goes, I have 3 switches installed. 1. Electric windshield wipers(12volt). 2. Park and tail lights (12volt). 3. Reverse light, possible it was the convoy light, but now it is where the trailer light receptacle used to be. All the holes are drilled, but oversized for the switches. There is washers added to keep the switches in place. Curious thing though, who ever added or moved the lights, they used the Douglas metal shell connectors.

[Michael R.]

Originally Posted by Ed Storey

EDITED: I don't agree and am pretty sure Dale's M38A1 is a Korean veteran as his CFR number falls within the known lot shipped back from Korea.

...

The mysteries that have not been solved with the Korean War vintage M38A1 Jeeps is first tying the post-Koran (sic) War Canadian CFR number to the Willy's serial number and secondly tying the CFR number to the US Ordnance number used in by the Canadian Brigade in Korea.

Agreed. Good eye.

33469 is listed in a Canadian Army, 31 Oct 1955 dated, unclassified MESSAGE FORM sent to 27 COD London, directing that particular Canadian Army Registration number (CFR) (among 90 others) be allotted to CODE 2230 Trucks, Utility 1/4 ton being returned from FAR EAST with applicable year of manufacture.

Dale shows a dashboard data tag Willys-Overland M38A1, Toledo, Ohio production, with a delivery date of 4/53, serial number 45486. US Ordnance inspection stamp noted.


With compliments, EB, FvR, ES & DD.

[Michael R.]

this image, dated 23 June, 1954, appears to show portions of the vehicle has been repainted. Is the numeral font unusual ? I wonder if any former 1/4 ton trucks from this source have these details hidden under subsequent coats of paint?

Archives Canada source and image number in narrative.