How to Identify your Willys Jeep if you don’t have a VIN number, but want to know your approximate year and model:
1. Are your spark plugs on the top of the head or on the side at a 45 degree angle?
A1: If they are on the top of the head, go to #2
A2: If they are on the side of the head, go to #9
2. Do you have a single piece of split windshield?
A1: If you have a single piece windshield, go to #3
A2: If you have a split windshield, got to #6
3. Is your spare tire mounted on the rear passenger side quarter panel or on the back tailgate panel?
A1: If it is on the passenger side, go to #4
A2: If it is on the back tailgate panel, go to #5
4. You have a 1949-1953 CJ-3A.
5. You have a 1950-1952 M38.
6. Does your windshield frame have “Willys” stamped on the front of it?
A1: If it does not have the “Willys” stamp, go to #7
A2: If it is stamped “Willys” go to #8
7. You have a 1941-1945 MB or GPW.
8. You have a 1946-1949 CJ-2A.
9. Do the front of your front fenders curve down 6-8 inches or do they stop flat with only a 1″ front lip?
A1: If they curve down, go to #10
A2: If they stop flat, go to #11
10. You have a 1955-1971 CJ-5.
11. You have a 1953-1964 CJ-3B.
Click on the link below for detailed specs and vehicle illustrations.
Willys Vehicle – Quick Reference Guide
Get Connected. Stay Inspired. Build Your Willys.
If you are looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, or Willys Jeep Restoration Parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place!
what year jeep has six lug wheels i was told it was a 41 that would make it a 41-44
Hi Mike, please email webmaster@kaiserwillys.com and we will be happy to help!
Hi, I just purchased this willys jeep I believe is a 1954. Cannot find the vin or serial number. Can you tell me all the possible places to look for it? Thanks, Mike
My daughter recently inherited a 1947 Willys/Jeep CJ-2A, serial # CJ2A87458, the pink slip has a VIN of J88316. The tags on the firewall match the serial number but we cannot find a tag with the VIN number for the DMV to verify. Is it possible the J88316 number is from a newer model frame? it has an early model V6 in it as well.
Thanks,
I see a lot of good info on identifying the primary military and civilian models. Is there any way to determine if a CJ was military? The CJ3A is listed in the T.O. identifying all military equipment in use at the time. I haven’t noticed any other CJ’s in the document.
The vin# 5754831712 ind 7569441.
Hey Jeep Fam!
I am clearing out an estate and we have uncovered a 1948 Jeep Willys (cj-a2?). I am not familiar with old jeeps and I would like more info. The plates are all gone. I would like to know if there are other areas to look for a serial # other than the water pump (can’t make it out). Also I would like to have an opinion of the value. I would hate to crush it for scrap as I want to raise some money for the family. Any ideas? I can take as many pics as needed. Thanks!
I have a 1962 CJ5, I think! Where else other than the firewall is the vin located? It may be a 61… Vin 5754843515…
Hi Michael, send some photos of the vehicle to amy@kaiserwillys.com and we will be happy to help!
Just bought a Willys Jeep, numbers on firewall tag 57348 123644, according to the comments and lists you have I think this makes it a CJ 3B? Now I wasn’t sure on what year. The engine appears to be a V6 of later manufacture, so that’s not helping me, let me know if you can figure something out here, thanks, Mike
hello my family have a willys cj3b.the jeep is in bogota colombia, and i have doubts about its history
¿can you give us information about this jeep?
the serial number is 57146 92141
motor number is 4j-400523
chasis number is BPM16829-76
regards
john mario
I have been offered a Jeep that is a one owner used only for hunting in a farm and never registered
I am trying to find out the model
Features: one piece screen. Spare in passenger rear side. Wheels are 15”. No vin# on firewall.engine #. 807895
Serial # on firewall drivers side 57548 134402. paint 211 trim 999
I would like to get it running and would need information so that I can buy hoses, brakes etc
Thank you in anticipation
Edward
Hola Rafaej, no conozco esos números. Envíe por correo electrónico algunas fotos de su CJ-5 a amy@kaiserwillys.com e intentaremos ayudarlo.
buen día tengo un CJ5 tipo C.L.E. con VIN CJ5D-12193.
chasis 12193. me pueden ayudar a saber que año es.
I have a 1962 Willys jeep with the vin #5774821836. I have never seen any or even been able to find anything like this design. Is there any way I can get a history of the build on this jeep. We have been told only 500 to 600 were built for the forestry Department and very few remain. Any help would be greatly appreciated
Hello, we have a jeep here were trying to identify.we have the plate from the firewall that is stamped 57548 158696.. from the first set of numbers we’ve figured it’s a cj5 but the last set of numbers dont fit in any of the year models we’ve found.. kinda stumped. Thanks
what about serial number 8305224283?
I have a Jeep with two tags. One says serial number 10C 11651 and second tag says model CJ-5 from Kaiser of Canada. The tags were on the firewall on the driver’s side. The title says its a 66 but the Serial number (vin) says 4J409154 (that doesnt look right either). I have not found any other numbers anywhere else. Windshield wipers on the bottom and tire mounted read center. It has curved fenders. Can someone help me identify the year?
I have a CJ5 1965 i think but the title only has a 170279 for a vin. no. can that be right i have heard most start with a 8305 then the vin. no. and the vin tag was missing .
I have an old Willys split window jeep that has T-28 6386 2 W5 A NI-OR on the side of the engine block. I am thinking maybe a 1942 GPW?
I was wondering if anyone can help me solve a mystery. I have a 1950 cj-3a I have the title and all the original badges and tags. But for the life of me I can figure out why my spare tire is mounted on the drives side NOT the passenger like every other Jeep. The passenger has no holes what so ever. Was this done on purpose? Could the original owner order it this way?
Thanks for your time
I need some help with identification on a Willy’s, engine block # gpw-94732. Curious on the year. No numbers on passenger side tub plate and there’s no gussets for the front bumper
Hi Justin,
That serial number belongs to a 1955 CJ-5. Can you send some photos to amy@kaiserwillys.com? I will be happy to help!
I am having issues finding exactly what Jeep I have. I was told its a 55′ M38A1, but some things just aren’t adding up. Identification number: 5754818221.
Hi Scott,
According to the serial number you have a 1966 CJ-5. Feel free to give Mike M. a call toll free at 1-888-648-4923 Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM EST or email mike@kaiserwillys.com and he will be happy to help with any parts or tech questions that you have! Have a great week!
My dad (age 99) has had what I always thought was a CJ5 Jeep. I think it may be mid-60’s model. I found the serial number stamped on a tin plate inside the engine bay on the dash, on the driver’s side: 8305015-280160.
I want to fix this Jeep up…we’ve had it on a cattle ranch in operation till a few years ago, where it has since been parked… Can you help me identify the year model?
Scott
I possibly have a Willys mb with chassis number 177858..
Can u tell me which year model would it be
Hi Thomas, according to the serial number you have a 1967 CJ-5. If you have any parts or tech questions feel free to give us a call toll free at 1-888-648-4923 Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM EST or email mike@kaiserwillys.com and we will be happy to help! Have a great afternoon!
I have a jeep the only numbers I can find are 8305 s 239799. Can anyone tell me the year?
Hi Steven,
According to the serial number it looks like a late 1968 or early 1969. This falls in the “lost years” of the CJ-5 where few records are available. https://www.dropbox.com/s/jm07vpuinox309h/Vehicle_Indentification.pdf?dl=0f
Anyone want to Decode a Kaiser Serial # for me? I’m having trouble identifying my grandfathers jeep. I have registration paperwork that from two separate occasions; one says 1967 and one says 1969 so idk…any help would be greatly appreciated. SN: 8305017 353116
Hi Heather,
According to the serial number you have a 1958 Willys Truck 4WD with the 6-226 engine. If you have any parts or tech questions feel free to give the guys at the parts counter a call toll free at 1-888-648-4923 Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM EST or email mike@kaiserwillys.com and they will be happy to help! Have a great day!
Hi. I recently acquired a partial Willy’s, found this number on it: 55268-42724. Am curious to the year that it is, being that I am ready to part it out. Just need to have the right info on it first. Thanks so much! -Heather
Hi Ferry, according to the serial number you have a CJ-6. It is possibly a 1962.
i just got this jeep
8405024 34952
anyone can help me what jeep i have here
if worthed i want to do restoration on it
Hi Edward,
According to the serial number it should be a 1947. Here is a link to our serial number page. https://www.kaiserwillys.com/willys_jeep_serial_numbers#3. If you have any parts or tech questions feel free to give Mike a call toll free at 1-888-648-4923 Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM EST or email mike@kaiserwillys.com and he will be happy to help!
I have a cj-2a serial # cj-2a body # 108537 what year might it be the title I have is a 1950 and dissent have the year the farmer thinks it is a 47 help
I have original condition Willy’s jeep 1964 model. I want it’s soft top, and also wanna know it’s model number, I mean its cj3, cj5 or other model number. Any one know please guide. Thanks
I have a cj3a 1950, the block was cracked and i found another in a salvage yard,. I had it bored 40 over rebult the complete engine and i can not get it to run . I shipped it down to my cousin and he has tried everything I have done. We have spark and fuel, we have checked the timing numerous times and still nothing. Now we ae wording if maybe the block is a older version chain drive. It has the cam and gear driven now. But when i got it the cam was removed. Looking for help to identify weather we should try a chain driven cam . The cast number is 641097-L, , the 9 might be a 8. Thanks for any insight you can give us.
Hi Jake,
According to the serial number your CJ-5 is a late 1964 or early 1965.
I just purchased my first Jeep and it’s supposed to be a 1963 model. I’ve tried looking up the vin but I can’t find anything that matches. The vin number is 8305 183865. I know by the 83 it’s a CJ5 the 05 represents open body. The rest I can’t seem to figure out. Please help! Thanks!
Hi Russell,
According to the serial number you have a 1966 CJ-5. Feel free to give Mike a call toll free 1-888-648-4923 Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM EST or email mike@kaiserwillys.com and he will be happy to help! Have a great week!
I am busy restoring an old Jeep and need some information on it please. serial number: 8305 213321.
What do I have?
Thanks in advance
Russell
I have a willys jeep seria# 57548 151631, it has paint code 332 and trim code 429. It has a hard top and doors, just trying to find out what year it is.
I have what I always thought was a 1949 Willys Jeepster. I know the history of the car and it has been in the area since bought. My grandfather worked at his brother in law’s dealership and picked up the car and delivered it to the owner. The vin # is 4-63 82262. These numbers don’t match anything that I can find for 1949.
Can I get any help from an expert out there.
Hello, I recently acquired a Willy’s Jeep, but am unsure of some things. There are zero plates or information anywhere, they’ve all been removed. It has a Willy’s tailgate, 4-cyl engine with the beginning serial number 806279-W-18(believe it’s an 8)-D-AR. It also has the front fenders that curve down in the front about 8 inches, a weird “snout” style inlet hidden in the grill on the drivers side that goes nowhere , the gas tank under the drivers seat and the storage compartment on the pass side under that seat. No title, no VIN, but the frame is stamped and here’s another curious issue……it’s stamped 150895, but the 895 is clearly stamped over the numbers 422. Also, the #1 out front is lighter, offset, and a slightly different font. Any help would be appreciated, I can send/email pictures to anyone. I bought it to flip but may keep it, growing more attached every day but if I can’t get a title or find the year it’s going to be an issue in my state. The frame stamp is on the passenger side near the tub in the top of the frame rail.
Any and all help is appreciated!
I just inherited a Jeep from my grandpa. According to your questions I have a 41-45 MB or GPW. My Grandpa said it was a 1941. I believe it is the MB, but the title has both MB and GPW #’s on it. GPW21630 MB190117. Any clarity? Thanks, looking forward to restoring this!
Hi Riley, according to the serial number you have a 1960 CJ-5.
I have a Jeep Cj-5 but the year is uncertain. Serial number is: 57548119422. Please help if anyone can.
Hi Melanie, according to the serial number you have a 1957 CJ-5. Below are a few CJ-5 related links for information. If you have any parts or tech questions feel free to give Mike M. a call toll free 1-888-648-4923 Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM EST or email mike@kaiserwillys.com and he will be happy to help! Have a great day!
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/willys_jeep_serial_numbers#6
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/tech-guide/55-75-cj-5
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/diagram/cj-5-6-diagrams
https://blog.kaiserwillys.com/cj-5-customer-photos
My dad left me a Willy’s CJ5 Jeep and I’m trying to find out the exact year of the Jeep. The serial number is 5754854839. Thanks for the help.
Hi Josef, you have a 1960 CJ-6. Below are a few links to information about the CJ-6. If you have any parts or tech questions feel free to give Mike a call toll free 1-888-648-4923 Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM EST or email mike@kaiserwillys.com and he will be happy to help!
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/tech-guide/55-75-cj-6
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/willys_jeep_serial_numbers#7
I have a 1960 Willy’s jeep and can’t find the info in the vin. 5774817125 any help is appreciated.
Hi Lonnie, according to the serial number you have a 1953 Willys M38A1. Below are a few links related to the vehicle. If you have any parts or tech questions feel free to give Mike a call toll free 1-888-648-4923 Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM EST or email mike@kaiserwillys.com and he will be happy to help!
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/about_willys_jeep_m38a1_history_specs
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/tech-guide/52-71-m38a1
https://blog.kaiserwillys.com/willys-m38a1-customer-photos
what do I have, I can’t get my info to match any of the Willys criteria serial # MD 62324, delivery date is 10/53
Just got a 53 willys for the wife sn# md71908 can anyone give me any kind of info on this please it has a 283 sbc in it and would like to restore to factory
Hi all, looking at purchasing what the seller believes is a m38a1. Its kind of in parts and pieces so having a hard time determining the year. Only Number he can find is near the Battery box M28280 on a tag. Any idea?
I have what I believe to be a modified M38A1. The serial number plate behind the passenger seat reads: 7105 95272. Can you tell me anything about the jeep?
Hi Charles, according to the serial number it should be a 1952.
i have a m38 willys. would like info. on serial number MC52771 . plate was mounted behind passenger seat on fender well it says willys overland what year is this.
I bought an aluminum hardtop for my 1962 Willys CJ5. The guy I bought it from assured me it would fit. Being new to the game, I bought it, It does not fit. Any help? large rear window that lifts, sliding glass in doors. top front is 52″ wide not the 59″ of my jeep, 3 large windows in all. fron attachment is 2 approx. 1″ square pegs that obviously slide into a bracket. Sure could use some help on this I have chased the heck out of it on the net with no results. Thanks Stan
Hi Daniel, according to the serial number, you have a 1966 CJ-5. If you have any questions about the model, check out our All About Willys page and the Willys Tech Section on the site. Have a great day!
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/about_willys_jeep_cj5_history_specs
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/tech-guide/55-75-cj-5
hello i have a jeep with serial number 8305a208295 and was wondering what model and year it is.
Hi I have a cj5 body serial # 8322s17354 would like to know the year. Thanks
Hi Dilan, according to your serial number you have a 1962 CJ-5.
Would like to know what year model i have serial number is 57548151299
WILLY’S Serial # 57548 152288. Dad bought this new in 1963 but hard to find any info. Was loaded with chrome, but does not seem to be the #’s for a Tuxedo?
Great blog with lots of info. Hope to see more.
I just bought a Willys jeep a couple of months ago. All the paperwork has been lost and I’ve made it to the chp vin verification. My vin has been moved and I can’t find any of the serial numbers on the body or frame. Since I can’t find anything, I can’t register it. My serial number is “8305017-353194”. Can anyone inform me where the frame numbers are and what possible year my Willy is?
I have a Ford GPW in my shop that I am restoring for a customer. It is supposed to be a 1943 Ford GPW but it has a strange frame serial number of ACW 119034 and an Engine Ser # MB535671
Can someone shed some light on this vehicle and tell me if we have some oddball Jeep in my shop?
We have in our possession a 1948-49 Jeepster with no VIN. We do however have a number stamped on the engine block that reads 641087-L-W10-A N1-CA N2. can this number be matched with a serial number? Please let me know as we are trying to title the vehicle. THANK yOU
I have a chance to buy a Willys wagon. Not sure of the year. This is the serial #. TW61 226-58864. Can u help me to identify what I’m buying. please. Thanks.
I’ve got a title for my recently purchased jeep that says it was first registered in AZ in December of 1953. There are no serial numbers or vin numbers except the one that AZ assigned as vin AZ342802. I have a frame rail number stamped 104780. the engine number above the water pump is 4J215587. As I understand there were no CJ-5 models produced until 1955 but some of the military jeeps with the rounded fenders wee produced earlier than that. The glove box is on the passenger side and it is equipped with what appears to be original knobs to control a defrost, air ventilation and something else I can’t read. It has a battery box on top but without the strap or thumb screws. Any help you can give me or lead me to more info would be greatly appreciated. It also came with a hardtop that some sites have been calliing a “artic” top but I think it is a DJ top.
Is it possible it could have been a very early 1954 model CJ-5 that would have been produced in late 1953?
Thanks!
Mark
Hi Ed,
According to your serial numbers it would have been produced between February and March of 1962. It is possible your CJ-5 had a left over serial number tag instead of a Vin. If you have any other questions please email amy@kaiserwillys.com and we will be happy to help you! Have a great day!
Hi. I am trying to decipher the Serial Number on my Jeep. I was told that it should be a 62. The number plate on the firewall says 57548 144637 which i know means its a CJ5 However the next set of numbers is 144637. When I look at all the Serial Number guides for Willys it says that the production numbers for 1961 were 119540 thru 134747. Then in 62 it was supposed to start using a VIN method to identify the production numbers. Is mine just an early model 62 that they stamped with a serial number instead of a VIN number?
Hi,
Trying to find out the year of a CJ5 I just purchased. The previous owner said it was a 1966, however when I order parts fro a 66, some fit and some don’t. The serial number is 8305 A 224481. By using rhe VIN decoder only he first few numbers make any sense. . Than you,
Doug
Hi my my vin number is 8405 27714 AA.Kaiser Jeep corporation Toledo OHIO
Hello,
I have a CJ-5 and have been told it is a 55. It has been in my family since about 1980 and was my grandfather’s, then my dad’s and, now, mine. While starting to refurbish it, I took off the data plate but things are not adding up with what I have been told. I have always been told it is a 55 CJ-5, however, the ID plate was not in the “regular” place and the serial number doesn’t make sense to me. It was mounted on the firewall on the drivers side in the engine compartment and has “MD” and then “52922”. I am finding conflicting information and need some help, please. The Jeep has a one-piece windshield and there is no “Jeep” stamped on the toolbox area, under the front passenger seat and has a tailgate with “Willys” on it. Do I have a CJ-5 or an M-38A1?
Please advise. Thanks.
Jim
Hi Pablo,
Yes, the CJ-3A hoods were stamped with “Willys”. If you have any further questions or would like to send in photos of your CJ-3A send an email to amy@kaiserwillys.com and we will be happy to help you! Have a great day!
I have 1950 CJ-3A and I want to know if the hood is Willis stamped
Thanks
I have a cj5 that is titled as 1965 but it has a serial # not a vin. And I am noticing when I buy parts a lot of them are not the same. The serial number is 8305 164879. Any help would be much appreciated.
thanks
Mat
In trying to figure what branch of the military my jeep was special ordered.
1964 M677
serial no 9327 -10310
Special order No- GS-2679
Thanks
Tc
Hi Tyler,
Your Willys Jeep is a 1961 or 1962 CJ-5. If you would like send an email to amy@kaiserwillys.com with pictures and we will give you additional information. Have a great day!
Hi Winchwester 77,
According to the serial number your Willys Jeep should be a 1955 CJ-5. Send some photos to amy@kaiserwillys.com and we will be happy to help you with this!
My vin tag is 57548-141926. what year is my willys?
Just bought my first Willy’s titled as a 66 but has a split front windshield and spare tire mount on passenger side could also be put on driver side ? Vin is 5754819868 If you could let me know how to better find the correct year that would be great!
Hi Kim,
Could you send some pictures to amy@kaiserwillys.com and we will be happy to help you identify your vehicle.
I have a jeep. With tailgate that says willys with an assigned identification number of ways 78 94733 and control number of 107233 what does this mean and how do I find out the yr
I have a 1945 willys jeep. Engine # 6F26118 Body # 138399 Can anyone help with more info on this jeep.
Thanks
I have a cj5 that has all of standard equipment for the Tuxedo Park Mark IV on it.
But the serial number is 8305 15289 and the motor is 4J41978.
I always thought that the Tuxedo Park S/N # started with 8322?
It has to original paint color on it that is Indian Ceramic color. did they offer this color for the Tuxedo Park or was this a special order?
please advice.
Dave
Hi Brennan, the serial number indicates a 1961 CJ-5 Jeep. Send pictures of it to amy@kaiserwillys.com and we can start a photo album for you on the Kaiser Willys Blog. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Hi there! I just bought my first Willy’s Jeep, but I don’t have a clue what year or what model it is. Please help. The serial number is 57548 126683.
I have a Jeep Serial Number of 5754831684. How do I find out what year it is?
Hi Vinod,
The serial number should be located under the hood on the right side of the firewall. It can also be found on the frame at the front of the vehicle located on the top side of the frame rail. If you have any other questions just let us know!
Please advise me, where i can locate Chassis No of WILLYS Jeep CJ-3B 1956 model.
Hey guys i bought this jeep this year and i just want to know if this is a willys or not ??? i bought from a guy and he said evertything is still original , i have vin number Z6F84E0177 and ,engine no is 905E240177…. hope this helps :D!!!!!
I have a 1956 Willys Jeep, the title shows it to be a two door. It is actually a pickup. Since I am not t he first owner, I dont know much about it, except that it is a 4 cyl. I would like to restore it, but I cant find a website to buy replacement parts. The vin# 5754831712.
Hi Stanley! Which Willys Jeep model do you have?
Please help me to find the location of chassis number for willys jeep
Thanks.
Stanley
my willys not have the identification plate inside the engine compartment. Body will exist some other number
HI Paco, the serial number plate is located on the inside engine compartment on the upper passengers side firewall.
I have a 1952 Willys Jeep which I find the identification number where he could find in my Jeep CJ3A could have it in the chassis or engine
I have just bought a willys jeep. Only numbers I can find are on chassis MB253210 and engine number MB153015. Can anyone tell me what year this jeep is.
Thanks!
Did you post a url? I don’t see which site you are talking about.
Hi Russ, You are correct that your Jeep is a CJ-5. It is probably within the year range 1962-71. Here is a good site to check out serial and vin. information. Hope this helps!
I just got a Jeep given to me. the only ID I can find on it is a tin plate on the driver side under the hood. It says its a serial number that reads 8305 166870 any help? what do i have CJ-5 open body?
Hi John,
According to the serial number it would be a 1960 6-226 4×4 Station Wagon. If you have any other questions just let us know!
vin # 5416848266..what is the Year of Willys ?
I have one M38 jeep mgf in 10,1951 and I will like to know if its possible all about it.
The jeep S/N 36852
The Engine S/N 3110244 I am not sure about engine S/N 3110244 is the original engine or the engine who was installed during mfg.
Many tks
ENNIO
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
This is a really helpful guide – Thanks for posting!
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