Welcome to the CJ-3B Bulletin Board, the discussion forums section of the website CJ3B.info. Everyone is invited to view the postings here, but you must register as a member in order to post messages. The moderator reserves the right to remove items posted. Items may be archived in the Tech Tips section of the website. If you post a tech problem, please follow up by posting the solution when it is found, as it may be useful to other readers. For forums covering other Jeep models, see the bottom of this page.
Search for keywords or phrases anywhere in the CJ-3B Bulletin Board using Google. Enter key words here.
| You're currently viewing the forums as a guest. This means there are some features you can't use. If you register, you'll be able to post messages and use member-only features such as customizing your profile and sending personal messages. Registration is simple and free. Join the CJ-3B Bulletin Board! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
| VIN; Year of jeep? | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 1 2013, 09:30 AM (1,456 Views) | |
| weir1313 | Aug 1 2013, 09:30 AM Post #1 |
|
Member
![]() ![]()
|
Hello all. New to the forum. I am from Paris Ontario Canada. Currently considering purchasing a 3B. Much confusion as to the date of the jeep? The gentleman whose selling it bought it in the states approx 8 years ago. He's a very honest and forth coming individual. He has all of the legal documentation proving the importation of the jeep into Ontario Canada. It came from Ohio. The jeep is registered as a 1950 CJ3B. As far as my limited knowledge goes the 3B's were not available until 53 (perhaps August of 52 at the earliest). The jeep is by no means original. Excellent condition though. Frame off restoration, with less then 2500 km since the engine was redone. No data plates available. A small riveted plate was found on the firewall (passenger side) CJ3B27298 (same number on the ownership). No other markings. Unsure if original. From what I can see from the information provided on the site - its appears the SN dates the jeep to 1956. All that is missing is the SN prefix - 57348. I'm wondering if the ownership was lost and the previous owner (states side) registered it without the prefix as it is a separate number. Purely speculation I know. Have not checked the frame rails for numbers. No real photos available yet. The gentleman whose selling the jeep bought all his parts from Walcks for a 3B. No issues with fitment. Correct engine (hurricane F), T90, and PTO. High hood, flat fender, spare tire attaches to the rear. Looking for help to verify date. |
![]() |
|
| oldtime | Aug 1 2013, 11:14 AM Post #2 |
![]()
MODERATOR
![]() ![]()
|
weir1313, Welcome to the CJ-3B Bulletin Board ! So it's missing the original serial number plate ? Serial Plate Number 453GB2 27298 would identify it as 1953 vintage. Serial Plate Number 454GB2 27298 would identify it as 1954 vintage. Serial Plate Number 57348 27298 would identify it as 1956 vintage. I suggest you check for any numbers that may or may not be stamped onto the top side of the right frame flange. Typically but not always located right behind the battery tray bracket. Yes technically the title has an error. Very occassionally the DMV will correct the errors but not always. As long as the title is legal I would not worry too much about how the title reads. Failing that I would suggest that you identify vintage via specific components. This will help narrow it down.... What is the diameter of the transfer case intermediate shaft ? The front and rear intermediate shaft ends should be directly observable when under the jeep. Should be either 1-1/8" or 1-1/4" and not 3/4" |
|
Currently building my final F-134 powered 3B . Rock Crawler using factory parts from the Willys Motors era (1953-1963) http://s4.zetaboards.com/CJ3B_Bulletin_Board/topic/30228766/1/#new | |
![]() |
|
| weir1313 | Aug 1 2013, 11:49 AM Post #3 |
|
Member
![]() ![]()
|
Thank you so much for the quick reply. And yes it's missing from what I understand to be the original SN plate. The one that is there is just large enough for the stamped numbers CJ3B27298. No Jeep/Willys/Kaiser logo, nothing. I will look at the frame rail and take some measurements. Is this a fairly common occurrence? |
![]() |
|
| oldtime | Aug 1 2013, 12:13 PM Post #4 |
![]()
MODERATOR
![]() ![]()
|
Yes it's fairly common to see CJ's with an incorrect vintage provided. This most often occurs when the original title was lost and another jeep title was implemented. Sometimes one jeep model is imposing as another model. That's a sure sign of fraudulant titling. Example: The farmer has one jeep that went to the scrapyard and that title was used when he sold another jeep. Not sure about your particular situation. Probably the original was lost and re-issued by the state of Ohio with inncorrect data. Occassionally I've seen instances where a single number on the serial plate does not exactly match the title. In those cases the states typing was probably in errors. My experience indicates that the DMV will not correct those types of errors unless they are caught right away. At other times I've seen titles read "Jeep" as the manufacturer in lieu of "Willys Motors Inc". |
|
Currently building my final F-134 powered 3B . Rock Crawler using factory parts from the Willys Motors era (1953-1963) http://s4.zetaboards.com/CJ3B_Bulletin_Board/topic/30228766/1/#new | |
![]() |
|
| zambonimb | Aug 1 2013, 09:15 PM Post #5 |
|
zambonimb
![]() ![]()
|
Hello Weir1313! Like OLDTIME, I'd like to welcome you to the bulletin board. It is a great resource with a great bunch of helpful people. It's also nice to see someone on the board from my neck of the woods. I live in East Brant County about halfway between Brantford and Ancaster. I'm building a 1957 3B. My friend, Don, (whom I met on this board) lives in Ancaster and has a 1960 3B that been restored. We should get together sometime for coffee and a chat. By the way, are you aware that on Saturday, August 10th there is a Jeep Show in Brantford at the Pleasant Valley Community Church, 100 Market St. South from 9-5? It is billed as "Canada's Premier Jeep Show--featuring all models from 1941 to present". Don and I plan to be there. Perhaps we will meet you there! Best regards, Gary |
|
1957 CJ3B under construction! 1942 MB also under construction 1978 Jeep Cherokee 2 door future project Brantford, Ontario, Canada | |
![]() |
|
| weir1313 | Aug 2 2013, 07:24 AM Post #6 |
|
Member
![]() ![]()
|
Appreciate that Gary. Be nice to meet both of you. A friend of mine has a 1960 3B from Dover. I'll be sure to let him know about the show in Brantford. Hopefully I'll be home in time, heading up north next week for a little vay K. Be nice to see more jeeps at BenMar in Paris. They have an antique johnny be good car show open to all makes and models every Saturday night. |
![]() |
|
| weir1313 | Sep 22 2013, 06:47 PM Post #7 |
|
Member
![]() ![]()
|
Sorry for the delay. Yes from what I understand the original SN plate is missing. I checked the right frame rail. No numbers that I can see. I took paint stripper to the top right frame rail in the area of the battery tray bracket. Hard to say, I'll keep looking. Components: - F head engine, no evidence of SN on water pump boss that I can see? - T90A-1 transmission with the following numbers 7-14-50 - Spicer 18 transfer case 1-1/8" intermediate shaft - Dana 25 front - Dana 44 rear The body has several numbers stamped in various locations - left side above firewall, and various other locations on the floor. I can see indentations in the body passenger side for the spade shovel etc. I imagine it was covered over by a previous restoration. See pics. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
![]() |
|
| weir1313 | Sep 22 2013, 06:55 PM Post #8 |
|
Member
![]() ![]()
|
Here are a few more pics. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
![]() |
|
| bob in NC | Sep 23 2013, 09:28 AM Post #9 |
|
Member
![]() ![]()
|
interesting tail lights |
![]() |
|
| Larry (TX) | Sep 24 2013, 01:44 PM Post #10 |
|
Member
![]() ![]()
|
Bob, I also noted the tail lamp brackets - these were the type used on the military jeeps from the MB's and GPW's to the M38A1's. Noting also the deletion of rear bow pockets on the exterior corners, I'm, wondering if the tub may be a reproduction, hmmmmmmmm? |
|
Larry Steed Pearland, Texas '53 Willys CJ3B '52 Willys M38 '86 Chevy M1009 CUCV (K5 4x4 Military Blazer) M100 1/4 ton jeep trailer M416 1/4 ton jeep trailer (2 ea.) M101 CDN 1/4 ton jeep trailer | |
![]() |
|
| John J | Sep 24 2013, 03:22 PM Post #11 |
|
Member
![]() ![]()
|
It looks like an OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) number that probably was assigned to it by the DMV in the state where it was rebuilt and then registered for the first time after being rebuilt. Some states will give you am actual new ID number plate when you rebuild a wrecked/rusted out vehicle, or build something altogether new (like a trailer or an off-road rig), while some others make you somehow stamp or otherwise permanently mark the assigned number onto the vehicle. It sounds like it was once a Willys that ended up being rebodied and reregistered. The original VIN plate or tag was probably lost (or . . .), but it was assigned a new number when registered after the rebuild. John J 1958 CJ3B Florida |
![]() |
|
| oldtime | Sep 24 2013, 06:40 PM Post #12 |
![]()
MODERATOR
![]() ![]()
|
From the pics this 3B appears to be a rebuilt from an admixture of various parts. The tub itself shows lots of military influence intermixed in with the 3B design. One trans-model example is that the tailgate appears to be painted and is not stamped "WILLYS". Also note how the tunnel is not formed as 3B should be but rather it is bolted in place. Note the use of retaining clips on the passenger front seat pivots. I see many more trans-model and non standard aftermarket examples. Certainly not saying that it's a bad CJ. Simply that it's not in original condition. |
|
Currently building my final F-134 powered 3B . Rock Crawler using factory parts from the Willys Motors era (1953-1963) http://s4.zetaboards.com/CJ3B_Bulletin_Board/topic/30228766/1/#new | |
![]() |
|
| weir1313 | Sep 24 2013, 11:21 PM Post #13 |
|
Member
![]() ![]()
|
I appreciate all the feedback guys. Lots to learn. This is my first Willys. I knew prior to buying, that the jeep wasn't original....definitely has some modifications. And yes the Willys logo is not stamped on the tail gate - its stenciled. Front grill is. Some questions: Is the body a military repop or an original one thats been modified? Did the original tubs etc have numbers stamped like this in various locations? Why 1950 and where did they pull the SN from? Tough one to answer I know just feels like they pulled it out of a hat. Could this be a mixture of a M606? Other then finding the SN on the frame is their anything else I can take pictures of to help you guys figure this thing out. Thanks again........ |
![]() |
|
| johnrb | Sep 25 2013, 09:20 AM Post #14 |
|
Member
![]() ![]()
|
That's a really nice looking 3B. Unless you're a purist, certainly don't be concerned about all the mods. You'll have just as much fun driving it as if it were all original. It's the fun that counts. You've got a back seat, which is rare. You can give three friends or family a fun ride. It looks really clean and ready to go. Enjoy. |
|
John Burch - west burbs of Chicago 1946 2A - now I have one older than me 1949 - me - no longer older than all my vehicles 1954 3B - mostly stock - fun driver and snow plowing 1957 - 6 cyl Station Wagon - hope for the future past Willys 1954 3B - no tub | 1959 3B - engine in pieces in a box past addiction - VW 1969 Bus | 1970 Westfalia Camper | 1984 Westfalia Camper | |
![]() |
|
| weir1313 | Sep 25 2013, 12:32 PM Post #15 |
|
Member
![]() ![]()
|
Appreciate that John. The wife and I wanted something that we could enjoy together as a family. Our 7 year old loves it! Oh and lets not forget Oliver our german shepard. We cruise the back roads coffee in hand. It's amazing the smiles we get. It's the simple things. She runs like a top. A little transfer case leak at the output shaft and a rear pinion seal to deal with and she'll be good to go for next year. I think she'll look a lot better with original set of 16's. |
![]() |
|
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · CJ-3B Posts · Next Topic » |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2



![]](http://z4.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)















7:23 PM Jul 10