Old Jeep Serial Numbers
Choose Standard,.010,.020, or.030 from the drop down menu.
Identifying early Willys Jeeps is often a challenge because they did not have Vehicle Identification Numbers. VINs first began to appear on vehicles produced by U. S. manufacturers in 1954, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Willys-Overland sold Jeep to the Kaiser Corporation in 1953, just before the VIN system was put into use. Willys Jeeps have serial numbers rather than VINs.
Serial Numbers and Other Clues
Step 1
Look on the glove compartment door or the dashboard in front of the passenger seat for three metal plates. The center plate should have the serial number, the name Willys, the model and date of delivery on it. If the Jeep is a model MB or GPW, it is a military Jeep. If it is a model CJ, it is a civilian Jeep.
Jeep Chassis Numbers are listed from 1941 to 1945 of both of Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps. Identify the year and month of manufacture of your Jeep. Using this tool you can decode your 1972 - present Jeep VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and find out interesting information, such as the year built, engine size, extra options and more. You can replace the last two or three digits of your VIN with x's if you'd like to keep your serial number a secret. Willys jeep engine serial numbers are of marginal help. The Willys engine serial numbers do NOT match the jeep's data plate serial numbers, nor the frame serial numbers, even if it is the original factory installed engine that is still in the vehicle. VINs first began to appear on vehicles produced by U. Manufacturers in 1954, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Willys-Overland sold Jeep to the Kaiser Corporation in 1953, just before the VIN system was put into use. Willys Jeeps have serial numbers rather than VINs.
Step 2
Look for your Jeep's serial number on the water pump at the front of the engine, or on the left front chassis.
Step 3
Examine the engine. Look for a serial number stamped into a rounded area on the passenger side of the engine block just below the cylinder head and behind the oil filter canister. If necessary, wipe the engine block off. The serial number can be covered with grease or dirt. On World War II military Jeeps, the flat spot where the serial number appears is about half an inch to two inches across. On a civilian Jeep, it is about half an inch to four inches across.
Step 4
Examine the windshield frame to see if it has 'Jeep' stamped on it. If it does, your Jeep is probably a 1946-1949 CJ-2A. If it does not, your Jeep is most likely a 1941-1945 MB or GPW.
Step 5
Look at the way your Jeep's spark plugs are mounted. If they are on the top of the head, take a look at the windshield. If it is a single-piece windshield, check to see where the spare tire is mounted. If the spare is on the rear passenger side quarter panel, your Jeep is probably a 1949-1953 CJ-3A. If it is on the back tailgate panel, your Jeep is most likely a 1950-1952 M38. If your Jeep's spark plugs are mounted on the block at a 45-degree angle, it was made between 1953 and 1971.
Look for a Willys Jeep model that is like yours in reference books or on Jeep websites.
Items you will need
- Flashlight
- Rags
- Jeep reference books