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superbee70
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Just started

Post by superbee70 »

Finally getting back into the M37. So far I've swapped the axles over to D60 and D44 out of a 3/4 ton dodge. Engine will be 360 with a NP435 and stock transfer case. Have it down to almost bare frame to powerwash and blast. Still need to figure out the steering.
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m-37Bruce
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Re: Just started

Post by m-37Bruce »

Giter-done! Looks like a great start.
Bruce,

1953 M-37 w/ow

Retired Again

Keep Em Rollin'

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Cal_Gary
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Re: Just started

Post by Cal_Gary »

Looking good. I need to do that as well, after my 2016 plans to do that fell through.
Keep us posted, thanks!
Gary
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superbee70
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Re: Just started

Post by superbee70 »

Got the engine mounts located. Need to do some trimming then drill and bolt. Using mounts from donor truck. This seems cheaper and easier than the adapter mounts that are out there using stock location. Will need to build a trans mount but will not need to find the special bellhousing with mounting ears.
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NAM VET
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Re: Just started

Post by NAM VET »

and to think I have achieved something grand when I change my own oil.....

NV
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W_A_Watson_II
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Re: Just started

Post by W_A_Watson_II »

superbee70,

Nice work. I know based on your other post you expect the custom radiator to be setting against the grill, but curious what yout engine mounting locations is based on the attached photo? My '68 short snout water pump V-8 is mounted likly further rearward as I was able to only move the radiator core not the upper tank to clear the front of the engine.
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Thanks,
Will
1946 Dodge Power Wagon
1953 Dodge M37 - "Frankenstein"
My 1953 Dodge M37 WEB Site
superbee70
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Re: Just started

Post by superbee70 »

Location is based solely on not moving the trans case. This location allows normal truck bellhousing, NP435, stock intermediate shaft and transfer case location. Was considering moving the transfer case but that is more involved than I originally thought...all the brackets are riveted. Plus with the axle swap I "think" I can use the stck rear driveshaft with no mods.

I was thinking of sliding the engine back till running into distributor clearance issues but still don't know If I could have kept the stock radiator and fan. Was thinking electric fan but decided against. There is quite a bit of room between the grill and original radiator mounting position, I'm sure I'll find something to fit. My jeep radiator fits rather nicely but is probably too small. Mopar small blocks used a 22" wide radiator which would fit nicely.

I'll see if I can find pics of my original truck that show the radiator location. My ideas for the truck swirl around in my head, then I get to work and try some options and see what fits best. I'm too frugal to spend much, most of the parts are reused from the donor truck that I bought.

Nam vet...you should be proud of changing your own oil, you would be surprised at how many people no longer do. In the early 2000's I went back to school for my MBA. Took an entrepreneurship class and one of the case studies was about an oil change startup. professor asked who still changes their own oil and I was the only one that raised his hand. All the other students (mix of college age and older people back in school) couldn't believe I still did and kept asking me why. So be proud. My motto is don't be afraid to try something, it's hard to make it worse than it already is.
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Re: Just started

Post by TFadda »

Added note to the use of the original radiator with this engine set up. It will be hard to find but you need a 1955-56 dodge front timing cover with the raised water pump for the 318 engine. It puts the fan back in the correct positon for the installation, if I can get some pictures posted I will show you mine. I have a 360 set in using the 1956 dodge truck bell housing and rear motor mount locations to the original transmission. Just made some simple brackets
For your steering box get a 1978 dodge truck power steering box off a W100 or 200 mount it on the outside of the frame near your left motor mount. do it all now before you set stuff in and need to move things around.
you can contact me a m37dodge@charter.net
NAM VET
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Re: Just started

Post by NAM VET »

Superbee70, I have been wondering if you had, or have, that car. If so, tell me about it, as the first new car I bought, when graduating from Nebraska in '69 and heading to Germany as a newly minted 2nt LT via ROTC, was a '69 Charger R/T with the 440 engine. Like the time I ran the border guard returning from Spain to France. Figured I could get to France before the Spanish guard could unshoulder his SMG and shoot me. Worked.

You have a SuperBee?

By the way, I am off to Bavaria for two weeks this afternoon with Wife and two Daughters. Won't be able to reply 'till I get back

NV
superbee70
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Re: Just started

Post by superbee70 »

TFadda...Send me some pics if you have them. I didn't want to hunt around for the right bellhousing and timing chain cover but that seems to be the easier way to go. this is using the stock trans? I "think" if using a non stock trans the engine has to move forward or the transfer case needs to be moved back. Trying to use the steering from the 89 parts truck and I think it will work. But may try to find the 70's setup as I like that bracket better.

NAM VET, I do have a 70 superbee. Don't drive it nearly as much as I should. it was originally a yellow car black stripe 4 speed 383 fresh air hood. Now has a stroked 400, 4 speed. The 69 charger was a nice ride. Love the fact that the RT was standard with a 440 with only engine option the hemi.
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