Frame/hood number dates for M35

[john piercey]

Hi guys,i started a thread in new members section on an Aussie M35 ex, USMC Okinawa.
If this thread crosses over I'm sure someone will redirect it,but i thought putting this in the correct category was the thing to do.
My sons restoration project is an early truck with all of its data plates missing, frame No m36366 USMC 186048 .We are sure its a South Bend Indiana Studebaker REO ,we are trying to really narrow down a build year it is in the 52 to 64 range but were wondering if the hood numbers give it away as being a certain year.
Did numbers go on in sequence from a beginning year and just go up from then on, or were numbers randomly applied with no real connection to the year.
As stated on the other thread it has the 3 prong Caltrop symbol on red shield and - comm - rad - hq on the doors,hood numbers and under hood stencilling are the only remaining markings.

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

It should be a Studebaker, built around 1954 according to the number. If the axles have data tags on them they should have a year listed, or it could be on the housing itself.

 

[fasttruck]

From about 1969 to 1972 the last two digits in the registration number identified the year of manufacture. Before and after that there was no relation between the numbers and date of manufacture. Some times when units got a bulk issue of new vehicles you could find them with consecutive registration numbers. Number indicating year was used on deuces and 5 tons I don't know about jeeps.

 

[john piercey]

Thanks, couldn't believe I didn't think of checking the diff tags as I did the same when dating my mid 60's, civilian Diamond Reo prime mover.
However, the front diff tag has corroded off, just two little nubs left where it was. The 2 tags on the rear diff housings are both present but have no dates on them, I've attached photos of the 2 tags.

 

[rustystud]

Thanks, couldn't believe I didn't think of checking the diff tags as I did the same when dating my mid 60's, civilian Diamond Reo prime mover.
However, the front diff tag has corroded off, just two little nubs left where it was. The 2 tags on the rear diff housings are both present but have no dates on them, I've attached photos of the 2 tags.
View attachment 756882View attachment 756883

Look at the numbers stamped into the housing just below the tag in the second picture. "2-12-54" That is the date of manufacture.

 

[john piercey]

Cheers, I did look at that but the 541N threw me off, that and I forgot the US puts the month before the day
In that case It's 12/2/54 and 15/2/54