Need Some Help Cj5 Or M38a1??

Need some help guys. Bought a jeep that I thought was an M38A1 but on closer inspection no its a CJ5. After closer inspection it was a CJ5 delivered to the Navy Department 12/1956. Many military options M38A1 dash and guages 24 volt system large neck fuel tank but the model on the data tag is CJ5. I guess my question is how many of these were made by willys?? Is this really a rare unit??

 

My guess is you have an M38A1, but some previous owner removed the serial plaque they had a title for, and it “became” a CJ5.
An M38aA1 has a deep well for the larger fuel tank, boxed front frame horns, solid panel instead of tailgate, dashboard that extends well below the steering column, recesses headlights, and numerous other features.
Are any of these features present?
There were regular CJ5’s that were ordered under Navy contracts, but most I have seen have been in the mid/late 60’s, and more commonly ‘70s intermediates.
-Donny

 

If you want to post a pic of the serial tag or PM the serial I can determine if it's 'real' or as Donnie suggests

 

X2 photos will help. Is the battery box on the top of the cowl? Or should I say does the spot on top of the cowl open on a hinge on one end? A 56 A1 would have had a single snap to hold the lid down.

does your serial number start with MD?

 

The correct location of the serial tag on an M38a1 is on the right rear wheelhouse (upper front) where the seatback nearly touches. If its not there, look for 4 small holes where it was originally attached. Yes, the number begins with MD.
Dwins, the early A1’s use wing-bolts to secure the cowl battery lids. We have no idea what M274 really has.
-Donny

 

Mine is an early 52 built in September

 

Attached data plate. Has a tailgate and non thumb screw battery box cover.

 

It’s a CJ 5. I have a guy that keeps a registry of military jeeps. I sent him your plate to see what he can dig up. I will report back what he finds.

 

Yep, You have a CJ5 built under a Navy contract order. Willys built a lot of vehicles under government contracts. My Delivery Wagon has a brass plaque showing its date and contract number. Mine was probably originally delivered to the US Forest Service.
-Donny

 

Actually, I have an intermediate tub that was likely another “military contract” CJ5. It has the long military dashboard with military cluster, no tailgate (A1 style bracing), and the base/original color is OD. There are 4 small holes where the MD serial tag was originally behind the passenger seat, showing the OD green, but no holes for a serial tag where it should be on the firewall for a CJ.
Someone installed a dropped tank well under the driver’s seat (not original).
The tub came on an M38A1 parts Jeep, but there are too many features showing the tub was a militarized civvy Jeep, but I don’t have the brass data plate or MD tag.
-Donny