- Jul 24, 2019 I got a 55 that my dad bought as a father son project years ago well we removed the data plate to sandblast it and misplaced it what would my options be.
- Jeep VIN Decoding, 1962-1992. The majority of this information was contributed by Joe Schaefer, of the International Full Size Jeep Association. The VIN is located on a plate mounted on the front door pillar of the left side door and is 12 digits long.
- Jeep CJ: Decoding Jeep CJ VIN Numbers 1955-1971 – A manual serial number decoder for the early CJ-5 from JeepFan.com. Decoding Jeep CJ VIN Numbers 1971-1986 – A manual serial number decoder for the CJ-5, CJ-6 and CJ-7 from JeepFan.com.
- Jeep CJs built prior to 1962 typically used a serial number. 1962 and later Jeep CJs used VIN numbers. Refer to the below CJ Jeep Serial number decoder and VIN charts to learn more about your Jeep. The CJ serial number chart ranges from 1955 – 1961 for the CJ-5, and 1956-1961 for the CJ-6.
Jeep Cherokee XJ ('84 - '01): An entirely new concept when it was released as it was the first uni-body Jeep vehicle. It had no frame and the suspension was attached directly to the subframe. It also was the first coil spring Jeep with the same system copied to the TJ and the ZJ and later on transformed into the WJ, WK Grand Cherokee's. This would have an end result of numbers being assigned randomly, but it close proximity to their serial numbers. This allows for estimations of a jeeps hood number and vice versa for a jeeps serial number when one is known. It's close, but not exact. The only thing for sure is that all Army Jeep hood numbers start with a '20' followed by 6 digits.
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.
Step 2
Old Jeep Serial Numbers Cj225427
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.
Kaiser Jeep Serial Numbers
Look for a Willys Jeep model that is like yours in reference books or on Jeep websites.
Items you will need
Old Jeep Serial Numbers For Sale
- Flashlight
- Rags
- Jeep reference books