My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: AgusW on May 19, 2021, 07:48:41 PM

Title: Vin Number
Post by: AgusW on May 19, 2021, 07:48:41 PM
Hello there,

I have recently bought a CJ3A. I am wondering if i can know which VIN or Serial number my cj3a used to have. The firewall plate is missing, as well as the original engine. Can the transfer case or any axle have a serial number to connect to my jeep? Thanks!
Title: Re: Vin Number
Post by: athawk11 on May 19, 2021, 08:43:25 PM
With the serial number data plate gone, there is no way to know the original serial number on a CJ3A.  There are often date codes on the axles, transmissions  and the TCs, They can help you get close to the date of manufacture...which could help you know the serial number range.
Title: Re: Vin Number
Post by: AgusW on May 19, 2021, 08:59:23 PM
With the serial number data plate gone, there is no way to know the original serial number on a CJ3A.  There are often date codes on the axles, transmissions  and the TCs, They can help you get close to the date of manufacture...which could help you know the serial number range.

At least is something, at least i can know which model or year of cj3a is. Thanks Athawk! I am planning to do something like your jeep. Yours looks gorgeous!
Title: Re: Vin Number
Post by: Mark W. on May 22, 2021, 09:34:57 AM
There is a chance the right edge of the tailgate will have a serial number stamped. This number is typically very close to the serial number for the Tub (what people call a VIN number though no vehicle ever made by Willys had a VIN.

If your ignition switch hole is between the gauges and the steering column its a 3A if its between the gauges and the Data Plate its a 2A.
Title: Re: Vin Number
Post by: AgusW on May 22, 2021, 03:34:58 PM
There is a chance the right edge of the tailgate will have a serial number stamped. This number is typically very close to the serial number for the Tub (what people call a VIN number though no vehicle ever made by Willys had a VIN.

If your ignition switch hole is between the gauges and the steering column its a 3A if its between the gauges and the Data Plate its a 2A.

Hello Mark. Yesterday i travelled 300km to see this jeep. The dashboard was changed, however i measured the housewheel and it has 32ยดยด or 81cm. So, maybe its a 3A. However, i dont know if the tailgate is original, i would have to ask.

Another Question, is there any change in the ignition pedal? I saw in some 2a and early 3a that it looks as an MB or GPW. These are some pictures of the jeep that i would probably buy:
https://imgur.com/a/UvA9Tq2
Title: Re: Vin Number
Post by: athawk11 on May 22, 2021, 08:00:55 PM
The CJ3A never had a number on the tailgate.   (Also referred to as the ACM number.)  Only the CJ2A  had an ACM number, but there would have been at least a 10,000 point difference when compared to the 2A serial number. 

That is a nice looking Jeep.  It has a reproduction tub.
Title: Re: Vin Number
Post by: AgusW on May 22, 2021, 10:09:59 PM
The CJ3A never had a number on the tailgate.   (Also referred to as the ACM number.)  Only the CJ2A  had an ACM number, but there would have been at least a 10,000 point difference when compared to the 2A serial number. 

That is a nice looking Jeep.  It has a reproduction tub.

I dont think that its a repro tub Tim. Here in Argentina is impossible to import one and the prices of importation are imposible to achieve. So i think its an original cj3a tub. However, the toolbox was changed due to it was rusted, as well as, the floor is from an IKA (Evolution of the CJ5 that was produced here in Argentina).
Title: Re: Vin Number
Post by: athawk11 on May 23, 2021, 12:55:46 AM
It has all the earmarks of an early 1970s reproduction tub...that includes a mix of M38 and CJ3A features.
Title: Re: Vin Number
Post by: AgusW on May 23, 2021, 10:24:13 AM
It has all the earmarks of an early 1970s reproduction tub...that includes a mix of M38 and CJ3A features.

The owner told me that the man that had restored the jeep wanted a M38, the problem here in Argentina is that there are only 3 MCs, and its cheaper to buy a new Ferrari than one of those jeeps. So, he decided to convert a CJ3A to MC. It could be a repro tub, however I never see that stuff here in Argentina. I talked to this guy who had restored this jeep, and believe me, he never would use a repro tub, his hobby is to restored old vehicles.

So, I don't know, maybe it could be repro tub Tim, maybe not. However, thank you for all your help. Your OD looks great!