Ser# ?

[NAVSNIPE]

I have M38A1 with DOD of 3/54 both data plate and tub patent plate are # 77064. I see in previous posts that ser#'s pre my no. have delivery dates after my date. Any clarity on this would be great. Also I was told 1954 did not have hinged grills... well mine does and the front fenders are 45 weld seam.
Any help would be great
Bill

 

[NDT]

Is there any evidence that the numbers in both plates were stamped by someone other than Willys Motors? If not you are good to go. The hinged grille and thumbscrew battery box changed in ‘54.

 

[NAVSNIPE]

Is there any evidence that the numbers in both plates were stamped by someone other than Willys Motors? If not you are good to go. The hinged grille and thumbscrew battery box changed in ‘54.

No evidence of a repro stamping. Other forums have told me starting in 54 battery box went hinged and center bolt for grill thats where my confusion lied.

 

[NDT]

They are correct, those changes happened in 1954 but not on Jan 1. Data plate is 100% original Willys.

 

[NAVSNIPE]

They are correct, those changes happened in 1954 but not on Jan 1. Data plate is 100% original Willys.

Excellent! Thanks for the clarification.

 

[DeetFreek]

I hate to be that guy lol. The variation change came in late '53. Hinged grille, support rods in the engine bay, 45° seam, longer front bumper and battery box straps instead of thumb screws were the changes made in Oct/Nov of '53.