M38CDN Operator's Manual

[BCA]

My copy of CDN-OM9-804, the Ford Motor Company of Canada Operator's Manual for the M38CDN is dated June 1952. There is no reference to a preceeding edition. Most of the pictures are derived from the early M38 American manuals. Has any one seen an earlier edition of this manual? I ask because I have seen a October 1951-dated Willys M38 plate for an early Canadian M38: the publications plate refers to the uniquely Canadian "Operator's Manual CDN 0M 9-804": 8 months before my copy was published. Just eager anticipation of an yet-to-be published manual? If nothing else the Canadian manual reference on a 1951 Willys M38 data plate makes it clear that at least some Willys M38's were specifically prepared for Canada; not just off-to-shelf production. ........ Brian

[rob love]

Very possible that they determined what the publication number was going to be before they had the time to revise and review the US publication to make the Cdn pub. These days we usually make the manuals as part of the contract. Even back then, a lag of 7 months was fairly insignificant as the distribution time for the M38s was likely at least that.

My copy of the M38 op manual is also June, and note that it does not reflect an earlier edition.

[BCA]

Thanks Rob. I had hoped that there would be some interesting tidbits in the Canadian Operator's Manual but the photos are mostly American with occasional air-brushed changes. Interestingly on p.15 the text refers to a fire extinguisher "on the left hand side of the cowl" and "the rear seat can be raised to reach the tire pump". I don't believe either of these features came from the factory. No tire pump is listed in the tool kit items.
The series of glove-box sized Operator's Manuals covered the M38, M38A1, M37 Dodge and M135 GMCs. They all have good information. I have reproduced all of them in the original format.

[rob love]

I have also enjoyed reviewing most of the operators manuals of that time period, but have always taken some of the content to be non-applicable to the Cdn vehicles. Things like the bolt together rims on the Dodge M37, or the short exhaust pipe stack and American single height tarp in the M135 manual.