Tom pointed out something I didn’t know. Some M-38s have patches along the top of the rear of the M-38 body over both rear vertical seams. This was a technical recommendation was the result of a problem caused by the weight of arctic tops, leading to the separation of the rear body seams.
Below are two unpatched examples:
This example shows the crude patch example:
This tub looks to have been patched on both sides:
Dave and others,
I’ve restored about 10 M38’s and have encountered both types. Those tubs with the reinforcements and those without. I never knew the origin of the modification – great info. as always on your site.
Thanks Steve. I appreciate the confirmation about the patches! It’s one of those ‘mysteries’ that I didn’t know needed an answer.
The rear of my 1951 M38 had the patches on both sides of the tub.