Determining birthday of my M-38

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Serial number of my M-38 is 32155. It has a delivery date of 9-51.  Is there any way of determining the actual assembly date?  Unrelated question: I have found a metal band approximately 1/2" X 6" with three hole for attaching; one on each end and one in the center. The numbers on the band are:  STK-62740 835 8318.  I took it off 39 years ago and can't remember from where.  Can you help?

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Hey-Ya. My M38 is MC51986 del 1-52. This paraphrased from the M38 Reference Guide by Ryan Miller. (If you don't have a copy you should snag one). Once completed, jeeps were stored outside until inspection by Ordinance officials. Serial numbers and hood reg numbers were assigned after ord inspection. When a group passed insp the data plates were stamped with the ord seal and the initials of the inspection OIC. Next the hood # was painted on. Each vehicle contract dictated the number of vehicles, a delivery time frame and range of hood reg numbers. Inspections of vehicles were performed in NO set order. Hood numbers assigned to vehicles depended on which end of the parking lot and the direction the inspectors moseyed  that day.

That said, finished jeeps could have sat any length of time from finish assy to delivery date.. Determining your jeeps "born on" date from the SN and DOD can't be done with any degree of accuracy. 

Welcome aboard, Muley.

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Thanks. Do you know anything about the metal band?

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How bout a photo..I can't picture it on my jeep and mine's fairly complete.

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I have two '51 M38's and have never seen that tag. Possible military rebuild tag? Ask Wes Knettles over on WillysMJeeps.com. Oilly