Also there are two models. The early 50s was the M37 and about 8 years later
there was a series called M37B1. There are a few improvements on the B1, the
spare is moved to the door mount instead of the bed mount, but I hear the B1 is
more prone to rust due to change in sheet metal alloy. There are both hard top
and soft top available, interchangable with a little work. There is a
mechanical PTO for winch which is very strong if all parts in good shape.
Rebuilt take off winches also available.
Gas economy is very poor with the std engine and gears, maybe 10-12 mpg.
Diesel helps that too, but not enough to pay for the conversion (no free lunch).
In general, there are most parts for M37 in good supply all over the world.
You can usually get NOS or good condition take offs for almost anything you
need. Repro canvas is also available from several sources. If you want to
spend serious money, there is even a Hercules diesel engine conversion
available from MARS which will solve all engine problems and make it a much
more civilized truck, but will probably cost US$10,000 by the time you are done.
Military tires on the M37 have very poor traction on wet pavement so be careful
if using on highway.
In general, the M37 is one of the toughest and most usable military trucks ever
built. Only the Hummv may be superior (maybe). It will last forever, or as an
old friend motor sarge who maintained them in Korea told me "You can't kill it".
I can provide more detail of names, addresses etc. for parts and all. I also
have an original set of manuals. Portrayal Press has repro manuals plus other
books and videos. All my magazines and stuff are at another location so when I
write email it is not available to me. Write again if you want more info.
Hope this helps,
chuck
=======================================================================
To: mil-veh @ skylee.com @ Internet
cc: (bcc: Chuck Chriss/QXCOM)
From: landcru @ wavenet.com (Steve) @ Internet @ WORLDCOM
Date: 09/16/96 01:34:47 PM CDT
Subject: Re: Info wanted on Dodge M37 3/4 ton trucks
Soren A. Barr wrote:
>
> I'm looking into buying a Dodge M37 Truck for general use but I'de like to
> get more info on them. I've seen them before but never with the intenion of
> buying one and I can't find one locally to take a look at.
> Basically I'de like to know how usable this truck is for more or less daily
> use. Does it drive ok, ie is the steering _really_ hard, can it be parked in
> a parking lot ok, things like that. How does the truck compare to other
> trucks of the 1950's, how about to more modern trucks?
> Also What kinds of things should I look for/at when buying one? any trouble
> spots or nice add-ons/features? Any info or experience with these would be
> appreciated, Thanks.
>
Soren Barr
M37's are quite tough vehicles. They are way overbuilt as usual for
Military
Trucks. They can be used as daily drivers although they are not very
fast.
In a stock configuration, they will be hard pressed to do better than
55 miles per hour. Also that is a real killer for the original flat head
six engine. They can be re-geared and re-powered with V-8 engines, but
you are going to get into quite a bit of money to do that.
I have also seen power steering conversions that are executed quite
nicely.
You can use a steering box from a one ton chevy pickup and fabricate
mounts
for the power steering pump on the original engine or your conversion
engine.
They are prone to rusting in the back of the cab and in the tool box
area of the bed. Those are two spots to look out for when you go to
purchase.
--Steve - landcru@wavenet.com #~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~# Owens Export Service http://web.wavenet.com/oes #~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#