Hey guys,
I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Randy and I live in Glen N.Y. I have a small Welding/ Fab business. (518)225-0552) Now for the reason I'm here is my 13 yr old son just bought himself a 54 M37. He and I are going to be stripping it down to nothing and rebuilding it into his daily driver. The truck is what I would call very good condition. There is only a very small amount of rust behind the driver seat in the cab. Well that is until we hit it with the sand blaster... Now I don't want to start a war or anything and for the Dodge purest here ( I have nothing but respect for you) I hope I don't upset ya to much but we're not going to put her back to original condition. We're going to do Cummins 4bt power plant swap. We will also be swapping out the interior for something a little bit more comfy for the boy. I have talked to a member here (Paul in N.Y.) and hope to copy some (or a lot) of his work to make this a nice safe ride for my son. I will be posting pics as we go if anyone is interested. Also he will be selling off most of the stock running gear and interior. To help fund the project. Everything is intact. The truck was owned by a same guy for the last 15 or 20yrs and he just used the truck to pull his boat out of the water once a yr. The truck has been keep in a barn when not in use. I haven't started it yet but the engine is free and has compression. I was told that the carb was just rebuilt when the man that owned it got sick and now is a home so it's been setting for a yr or so. So there ya have it. I hope I don't ask to many newbie questions but I'm sure that I will...
See ya,
Bulldog
You'll find a most friendly and highly knowledgable bunch here. There are quite a few M37's running on 4bt's and it is a popular conversion. There are some of the best experts on that right here.
Welcome!!
-John
Member of Dixie Division MVC
1953 USAF M37 wow, restored
1962 M151 Ford Production, on the rotisserie now
1953 USMC M37 w/w -in storage
1942 M6 Bomb Service Truck (sold to UK collector)
1967 M116A1 Pioneer Trailer
1968 M101A1 Trailer
S-89 Comm box
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR CUSTOM WORK I'am sure that with your guiding hands your son will have one of the best vehicles the kids have ever seen as for some of the purest around here I'am sure they will over look it as it's going to your boys M37
Thanks for the welcome refit!
I have a few pretty good running 6bts so the 4 bt is a natural fit for the boys truck. He's all about Diesels. (Just like his mom and I) We have about 3yrs to get this truck up and running so we'll be around asking lots of questions.
See ya,
Topper
You can modify the drive train and the running gear, install power steering and disc brakes. But I would advise against changing out the seats.
Any one I have ever seen do this, it looks cheesey and devalues the vehicle. Maybe someone else can chime in about someone with a great modified interior.
You can get the powersteering info from my web-site at www.snakeriver4x4.com
www.snakeriver4x4.com
M-37's - WC-51 - M-29C - WC-25 cc - CCKW
M-274 - M-101 - G-527 Water Buffalo
G-7117 Chevy
Hey welcome Bulldog. lots of great people here and lots of trucks. Lots have the 4bt and other conversions. Check out Cable Garbee he has a great web page and lots about the his 4bt conversion. Most of all have fun with your son building the truck.
Welcome nieghbor, I am in Great Neck , new York, And I see you like to work alot, as we all do. Well, you certainly have the key talent to do all of this. By the way "knattrass" ,( another enthusiastic membner) and I agree however : as to safety, the truck is safe just the way it is...peter mark
1952 M37 W/W
Veteran of 82 ABN. Division Motor Pool 1969
Thanks for the nice welcome!
I have been trying to get the customers work done in the shop so I can get the boys truck in and get it stripped. I hope to have pics soon. I have got to figure out the photo bucket thing 1st.
Looking forward to spending some time here.
Bulldog