Military Vehicles, March 1997,: M-37 Advice Follow-up from Russell Bong

M-37 Advice Follow-up from Russell Bong

rbong@cda.com
Fri, 07 Mar 97 08:43:10 EST

To all those who provided the sage advice about the M-37 I've looked
at, THANK YOU!

***this is a long msg, so you may punt at any time.***

I live in Falls Church, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. The M-37
beauty (okay, I admit, I am falling in love with the thing!) is on a
farm outside Lynchburg, VA. Since I don't have a garage (I live in a
condo) to do any major work, I have access to (rent) a one-car garage
in Rockville/Bethesda, MD (which is due North of Washington, D.C.)
--about 25 miles from where I live, but only 15 minutes from where I
work.

MORE ABOUT THIS M-37:
This M-37 has a delivery date of 1959. The guy wanted $1800, but
again, I want to make an educated offer that is reasonable (and
affordable) based on what work needs to be done and what risks there
are. I want to fully understand what I am committing to (basically to
myself!) by purchasing the beauty in terms of dollars and TLC.

For example, one of the windshields is cracked and needs to be
replaced (cost=$??). Other than the headlights in the front, all
other lights are missing as is the pioneer tool rack, 5 gallon jerry
can rack and the spare (where does it go on the thing, anyway??). Cost
for each item (I am not sure what is even missing) is $??. What about
paint? It currently has a matte black finish (which has helped to
preserve it). I would have to take it somewhere to get it
painted--which means I should pull the engine and all
components--yikes this is major stuff!! So, what do you guys do when
you get your mil veh's painted? I could just paint the exterior and
leave the engine well alone--since there is good paint on it (but the
wrong paint at that).

Also, with replacement canvas, does all of the fastening hardware come
with it? I noticed two M-37s sitting outside a firehouse (used for
parts for the mint brush truck sitting in the firehouse), there are
quite a few metal components that go with the canvas I noticed on the
tattered remnant of those two forlorn, rusting M-37s sitting in the
elements (--what a disgrace!). Jim R. gave me some figures on canvas,
so I know how much I will blow (er, uh, excuse me, INVEST) in bringing
my beauty back to fighting shape.

So guys, I am sizing up the cost of my MISSION: To rescue this fine
beauty from mother nature, the elements, and those damn thorn
vines--and bring her back to her once proud glory as a lean, mean,
fighting machine!

okay, I need to get back to work so I can make some money and afford
this stuff!!

Russell Bong
Rbong@cda.com