Not sure if I have a cj3a or an m 38

[Tim]

Need help I'm not sure what I have now, this jeep is a 6 volt system, has a glove box, green steering wheel, no spare tire available so not sure where it mounted. Tailgate drops down, single windshield. What else to I look for?

[Ryan_M]

Can you post some pics?

[Tim]

This is all I have tonight I will take some tomorrow thanks

[garage gnome]

Thats an M38 for sure. The grille hinges and battery box on the cowl.

[Tim]

Ok thanks, now I'm not sure where to go next? Start researching m 38's  and looking into differences

[athawk11]

Hi Tim,
You have an M38.  At least everything I see. And it looks to be a very nice one.  Only problem is the M38 was  24 volt electrical system, but it is very common for them to be converted to 6 or 12 volt.

Tim

[Ryan_M]

Yup, we've seen that one (tire chains in CA!) but I had forgotten that was you. Looks like an M38 from here. 3A's don't have that guard handle around the gas tank filler. Filler neck looks small though. Maybe a replacement tank?

[Tim]

Thanks for all the help. It is a 6 volt system currently. I have found the original rims all 5 so I will be getting rid of these that are on it now No more snow chains for this one. So I will start looking for a spare tire mount that goes on rear of vehicle. Do you think a previous owner made the tailgate operate as a traditional tailgate?

[Ryan_M]

M38's have functioning tailgates similar to the CJ's. An M38 tailgate will have added support brackets for the spare tire carrier that the CJ tailgates do not have.

 If you want some really good detail pics of M38's check out willysmjeeps.com. Don't forget to come back to this site afterwards though! And post some more pics for us if you can. I think it's safe to say we all like M38's here.

[athawk11]

No, the M38 had the traditional Willys tailgate.� It had addtional supports on the inside to support the spare tire and the gas can, although,�the tailgate on the M38 was not usable.� It was bolted shut.

The M38 was built for the military and was based on the CJ3A platform.

Tim

[athawk11]

Dang Ryan, GG, you keep beating me to the punch.  Shouldn't you east coast guys be in bed by now?

Tim

[Ryan_M]

I am. Good thing for smart phones 

[Tim]

Thank you all so much. I really appreciate the help and yes I would still like to stay on this forum I will post pics

[bretto]

Tim, not to turn you from this site which is great.  I have a M38 and I visit here everyday but, if you want great info and specifics about M38�s, DO check out willysmjeeps.  Tons of great info and all the gov issued manuals are downloadable from there.  If you go there, be sure to visit the photo galleries, in particular, see WesK's.
Brett

[F Bill]

M38's have functioning tailgates similar to the CJ's. An M38 tailgate will have added support brackets for the spare tire carrier that the CJ tailgates do not have.

 If you want some really good detail pics of M38's check out willysmjeeps.com. Don't forget to come back to this site afterwards though! And post some more pics for us if you can. I think it's safe to say we all like M38's here.

I second that vote for Wikkysmjeep......Great info there.
Wasn't the tailgate normally bolted shut on the M38?

I didn't see any pics of the jeep in question but also when there is a M-38 style floor pan there is also the possibility you are looking at a early repop tub, with features of all the different flatfender models mixed together. The CJ sized gas filler is usually the giveaway to that. M-38 gas filler was larger.