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Unknown Serial Number

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by Kiowaflier, Sep 11, 2016.

  1. Sep 11, 2016
    Kiowaflier

    Kiowaflier New Member

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    Jul 8, 2012
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    47
    Hi, I've got a 1959 CJ5. It's got the standard serial number plate on the driver side firewall in the engine compartment. But it's also got a serial number stamped directly into the body on the passenger side firewall in the engine compartment (see pictures). I haven't found any mention of a number in that location or number format, which makes me wonder if I might have an aftermarket body that somebody put an old serial number plate on. Any ideas?

    Thanks!

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]
     
  2. Sep 11, 2016
    Zoomer

    Zoomer eJeeper (walking)

    Minnesota
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    Pics aren't showing, at least for me......
     
  3. Sep 11, 2016
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Have you checked for a S/N on the frame?

    I've never heard of a number there on the firewall, I suspect you might be right about the tub- that's not a Willys serial or part number.

    H.
     
  4. Sep 11, 2016
    Kiowaflier

    Kiowaflier New Member

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  5. Sep 11, 2016
    aallison

    aallison 74 cj6, 76 cj5. Has anyone seen my screwdriver?

    Green Cove...
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    I"d say you are correct. Do you know who made the tub? Maybe that is the VIN of the tub and was required when it was made? Mine does not have a number at all except for the vin. But I don't know who made mine either.
     
  6. Sep 12, 2016
    Kiowaflier

    Kiowaflier New Member

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    No idea...I bought it used a few years ago and the PO didn't know either. I'm going to send pics to a few jeep parts suppliers and see if anyone recognizes it as an aftermarket tub. The tub is in suspiciously good condition, and although I may not like the answer, I would like to know what I've got. Kinda disappointed that it may not be original though!
     
  7. Sep 12, 2016
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Got any more pics? Sides, a wider view of the firewall?

    H.
     
  8. Sep 13, 2016
    Kiowaflier

    Kiowaflier New Member

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  9. Sep 13, 2016
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    I'd say aftermarket tub. No Jeep on side, no faux battery lid, something weird about cowl upright for windshield, just to name a few. I wouldn't worry about it though, as long as you enjoy your Jeep who cares about the small things. :)
     
    Greenshirt82 likes this.
  10. Sep 14, 2016
    ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Weatherford, TX
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    Looks like a nice jeep. What does the vin tag look like? I think aftermarket tub as well but just think... it's all done and you can enjoy a good looking solid rig.
     
  11. Sep 14, 2016
    Oldriginal86

    Oldriginal86 Member

    Pasadena, Md.
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    Looks to be a MD Juan tub. There is a thread on here that showed the improvements made to the newer ones.
     
  12. Sep 15, 2016
    Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

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    Like Glenn noted the triangular shaped area below windshield on the side appears to be embossed, which started mid-70s. I also cant be sure but do not see the front bow pockets on the top of the tub edge. Spare seems mounted pretty far back.

    Unless you paid "original" dollars for it I wouldnt sweat it. Rather have repro steel than fiberglass. It's a nice looking jeep.
     
  13. Sep 15, 2016
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    I think your dog approves so you have to keep it no matter. Looks different with the spare tire mounted so far back. Good looking jeep.
     
  14. Sep 15, 2016
    Kiowaflier

    Kiowaflier New Member

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    Thanks guys...I do love my jeep, repro tub or not. And the dog definitely approves haha.
    A note on the spare...I think it's actually mounted with an m38a1 mount turned sideways, toward the back, hence the far aft appearance. Since I'm going for the military look anyway, I've thought about moving it to the back and mounting it to the tailgate, but wasn't sure the tailgate would be strong enough to support that kind of weight and stress (tailgate is bolted shut). Thoughts?
     
  15. Sep 15, 2016
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    The M38 flatfenders had the spare carrier mount to the tailgate but it had reinforcements to handle the strain. As yours is probably a repro you may have those already, the repro tailgate i bought back in the 90's had them.

    H.
     
  16. Sep 16, 2016
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Basically, a body mounted spare is very hard on sheetmetal, no matter where you mount it.
    Many threads on this in the archives here. Most recommend a frame supported mount.
     
  17. Sep 25, 2016
    Norcal69

    Norcal69 Out of the box thinker 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Northern California
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    Good lookin shepherd !
     
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