M170 Serial Number Question

[mksr]

Great forum guys keep it up'

I have what in all appearances to be a valid M170 which I plan to restore. It is proper Length and configuration, holes in the tailgate, ambulance bows, etc. Body in in decent shape and relatively complete with no serious defects or flaws. It doesn't have the correct engine but I have an early M38A1 engine to rebuild and put in it.

It has early M38A1 style fenders (diagonal fender seams).

But, the only serial no. plate or data plate I have is the patent plate on the rear passenger side fender well and it appears (age, rusted screws, paint over, etc.) to be original to the truck.

This plate however is of the civilian type (raised numbers ). The number is 57548 136147 which from what I gather from web research to be a civilian CJ-5 but the last six numbers do not compute.

Any comments and help in deciphering my quandary would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NDT]

Welcome to the site. You are correct, an original US military M170 would not have that configuration serial number. Does your Jeep have the removable retangular instrument panel? And the remanants of a 24 volt system? If not, you most likely have an export "M170" and then the serial would be correct. See if there are holes for the main data plate in the dash where the passenger would sit. If none, you have an export Jeep. Paint job looks like foreign military also.

 

[mksr]

Thanks for your response.

Holes in dash appear to be correct for the typical main data plate but a grad handle has been installed in that area also. Instrument panel is not rectangular it is tapered on the sides but appears to be a replacement as it doesn't cover existing holes completely.

Will post photo of dash.

Thanks again.

 

[mksr]

Additional Photos - Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mksr]

Battery Box appears unused - 12 volt battery tray under the hood badly rusted.