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The 54K 2241 on the hood was probably the original vehicle number. For the first few years of its existence, the AF continued to use the Army's placement of vehicle markings. By 1958, however, they moved it to the doors in the manner I described earlier and the lettering was "moved" as the vehicles were repainted. For several years, there was probably some overlap between the two styles, depending on how long it took a unit to repaint all its vehicles.

The CO-NG-1 indicates that that particular vehicle belonged to a Colorado (Army) National Guard unit at some point in its later years of military service.

Lifer can you shed any light on my number ? It is 2430863. Thanks

That sounds like a US Army hood number. Sorry, but the Army's numbering system is Greek to me.

Thanks Lifer. Maybe someone who has Army experience will pick this thread up.

knattrass wrote:ok what we found was 54k- 2241 on the hood
also we found CO-NG-1??? on the bumper on our army truck can anyone help out on the letters?

CO NG, maybe Colorado National Guard. The 1??? a NG unit marking, my truck was marked MD NG (Maryland guard) and 1729 Maint. when I got it. It was used by the NG maintenance unit I was 1st.sgt. of so I knew what the bumper markings meant. Carter

Rixim, that number seems to be your hood number its the registration number from the army, once issued it never changed, it is the same numbering system used in WWII an im not sure if there is any significance to it other than just the next number in line.

The 2430863 number is the "USA" number. Basically it is the registration number assigned by Army inspectors upon acceptance of the vehicle. It is issued sequentially and stays withe the vehicle it's entire life.

TACOM is responsible for keeping track of the s/n - USA number cross reference. I have spoken with them about this issue and they destroy all records seven years after the vehicle is surplussed out. They have researched this for me and assured me they do not have any records on file.

That is one reason why I maintain the M37 registry. If we get enough vehicles listed with correct info we can figure out the sequence. So please register your truck.

As far as I know the WWII numbering system was nothing more than a sequential serial number, not representing anything other than that paticular vehicle was the next in line at initial registration time. Some of the same type vehicles may have gotten numbered in order in batches, but the hood numbers for m-37's say arent all continuiously the same from the first built to the last. In the very late 50's or very early 60's the army changed the hood reg. system to reflect more information. The numbering system now reflected the vehicles size class, and the order in which it was received into service, in 1968 it was changed to include the vehicle yr. in the number. And it has been changes since then as well.

The Air Force system makes much more sense!

WOW lots of great info. At least I know that the number is genuine. I have a picture of the truck before it was restored. Robi I am in the registery. cool

Any point in contacting Chrysler? Is there a number on the original data plate that you would use?

The vehicle serial number which is stamped on the frame, also on the data plates (if they are still there), was assigned by dodge. The hood number is the US registration number assigned to a vehicle when it is recieved by the army, it never changes but the manufacturer wouldnt know what it is. The army doesnt usually supply any info on surplused vehicles to the public (unless you have a good friend in army TACOM).

My truck came from the Colorado National Gaurd and I have the original log that was issued with the truck until it was retired so I have all the numbers BUT the truck is in Salt Lake City and I'm in Alabama!!! I will see if I can get someone to look and see if any of my info can enlighten you if you would like me too......