serial number decode ??

First off I started with Google x4 then searched here with 3 different searches for serial number or vin decode information.

I found lots of information about the vin of 75 and newer jeeps, some about the cj2 and cj3, lots about military models, a whole detour on cj5 daily driving, roll cages, engine builds, and about 6 other topics that pulled me away from my mission. I still have not found what I started to search for however.

how do I decode the frame serial number or other numbers on my 1959 cj5?

I know this has to have been explained a hundred times, and I appologize, but where do I look?

what do these numbers mean? Frame...5018057348
engine (above water pump) 4j39739 ??

At the very least is it a Willys, ford, Amc, Jeep, or home built creation?
So far I have assumed it has a relationship to ford, because several parts have an old FMC logo on them. They are howver mostly rubber parts that have been replaced over time.


Thanks for your help.

 

50180 57348
My guess is that upon further inspection the 57348 will become 57548.
If so you can decode as follows.

57548 = cj5
50180 = the unique serial number.

Those old serial numbers didn't give too much information; not like today when the serial number has everything except owner's shoe size in it.

Now, if it really is 57348, then you have a CJ3B, not a CJ5.

BTW, 50180 would make it around a 1957 jeep cj5, and if it is in fact a CJ3B it would be a 1959 model.

If you aren't sure which model you have, a quick, easy way to tell is to look at the hood hinge. If it is one long 'piano' hinge it is a 3B; if it has two hood hinges it is a CJ5.

There are a lot of other ways to tell, but this works just fine...

kamel

 

Thanks for the info.

Unfortunately it seems to add more confusion. Since you mentioned it I had to grab a flashlight to check. I used a soft brush and some paint thinner to carefully clean away the paint. It looks like the number 57348 is correct. making it a 59 cj3, however the hood has two small hinges maybe 3 inches long. Making it a cj5 which you said makes it closer to a 57 than a 59. Of course the state of NJ feels it is a 59 and they have told me they are never wrong.

As someone on this board likes to write " a jeep is a jeep is a jeep"..and something about an old jeep is just a place to throw money at.

I don't think I have any reason to care what model it is either way, should I?

I am still curious. if it was built somewhere between 57 and 59 is it a Willy's , a ford , an AMC, or just a Jeep.

Further inspection of the title says "willys wagon" Again don't argue with the state. I always wanted an official willy jeep so until proven otherwise I will call it one from this day forth.

Actually the hanes manual is good for something. The Jeep i have is actually a cj5. Acording to their spec a cj3b is 66.4 inches wide and a cj5 is 68 inches. Since I just cut a piece of metal 67.75 to form the incide part of the replacement floor pan must be a cj5.

Thanks again for looking up the numbers for me.