My 1953 Air Force M37 Build Blog

[refit1701]

I've had this truck for over 4 years and it's finally starting to come together. I guess no need to get in a hurry, eh? But now I have the fever to drive it and I am hitting it hard these days.









The superlugs in front are the tires I will be running. Those old NDT's on the back will be gone soon enough. It may not look like much but it has come a long way in three weeks!!

[HingsingM37]

Looking sharp . Keep up the good work

[52 M-42]

Your truck looks great! Nice job.

I run STA Super Lugs on my M-42. They certainly last a lot longer on asphalt roads, but they are a little harder to steer , especially in tight spaces.

Good luck with your restoration!

52 M-42

[T. Highway]

John,

That is one NICE looking truck, I can't wait to see more pictures.

Bert

[Cal_Gary]

Makes me want to tear mine down and blast all the crud off then prep and paint-still on the fence if I really want to, as I might need it this winter for those 10% down grades....
Gary

[k8icu]

Your truck is looking good! Don't feel bad. I got my truck in 2008 and you're much farther than I am. I have yet gotten to the sanblaster or any paint. Good for you keep at it!

[Carter]

Looking good, four years of occasional work only saw my truck this far along so it seems to me you are doing great. It took me over 22 years of very part time work to get mine to where I thought I was nearing the end although there is never an end to doing work on our rigs. Take your time, enjoy the trip and keep us informed.

[m-37Bruce]

I agree with Carter, your truck is looking sharp, I've been at it since 2000/2001, and now starting the re-assembly (again).

[refit1701]

Thanks guys!

It seems these projects creep along until one day everything begins to come together. I spent three years collecting parts!

Hopefully updates will be regularly forthcoming. If this Hurricane would get lost I could do more painting.....

[Cav Trooper]

I bought mine "DONE" as I told my wife. I sold my show car and took the money right down and picked up the truck. I was not knowledgable about M37's and this one looked good a first glance and a few more glances after so, I spent the money. Turns out the resto was what the guy called a Parade Restoration. He and a mechanic friend rebuilt it. New paint, new brakes, lines and hardware, new electrical wiring, all of the components were old. New fuel lines, rebuilt engine, all new seals on drive line, new canvas, new tires. Turns out most of the "look good" stuff was new but, the engine wasn't rebuilt well, runs good now with good compression. Never could get the brakes to work well until I converted to disc front and the list goes on. Anyway, after seeing yours, I'd really like to sand her down and skim the surface rusted spots on the all the panels, hood etc. and take the dents out and repaint her. I've fixed everything else so far. Yours is going to be a real looker. Don't scrimp, you will only have to redo it later. Finished pictures will be appreciated by all.

CT

[w30bob]

John,

Looks great. Keep posting pics as you go, as I need the motivation to get off my butt and restore mine. I don't know if you read my post asking about mounting a 50 cal on the back of an M37......but interestingly enough I just found a 50 cal ammo can with original Strata Blue paint on it! There's lots to be learned when it comes to our AF M37's.....but yours is looking fantastic!!!

regards,
bob

[refit1701]

Thanks CT and Bob.

I did read your post about the 50 cal but I didn't have any good info for ya'. I have WWII cans in grey, blue and green so there might have been more colors.

Our trucks did many different jobs while they were serving so who's to say what's correct? Just enjoy your truck the way you want it.

[vtdeucedriver]

I responded to your FEAF markings.

[refit1701]

Some work from Labor Day....a cookout and some engine accessories assembly.

[m-37Bruce]

DANG!