Yankee Air Museum's M-37

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ChrisC
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Yankee Air Museum's M-37

Post by ChrisC »

Yankee Air Museum's M-37 Parade ready!

The Museums truck is an early 1952 model and was converted to the M-42 configuration at some point in its career. When we started on the truck, most of the M-42 parts were long gone, so it was decided to build the truck up as a basic M-37.
The truck was given a cosmetic restoration in 2005 by the Yankee Skonk works team, it was decided in 2007 to go over the truck again to make it a good driving parade vehicle, so the brakes, fuel system and tires were replaced and the mechanicals were given a going over.
This truck is a work in process; we still need to get the wiper motors and arms, front drive shaft, spare tire carrier (in bed type) and one spare wheel. We would also like to re-wire the truck as the original harness is quite dried out, acquire a set of top bows and bed canvas and other cosmetic improvements. If you happen to have any of these parts, or any M37 extras, please contact us. Of course, monetary donations are always accepted.
Interested in helping maintain this truck? Drop us a line.


The markings

The truck was marked with the distinctive colors of the 8th Transportation Group, 124th Transportation battalion, 523rd Transportation Company (LT)
The 8th Group ran transport operations along Route 19 in the Central Highlands from the costal town of Qui Nhon to Pleiku. The 8th group became famous for its improvised gun trucks, used to defend the supply convoys as they wound their way along route 19 and “Ambush Alley”
During an intensive year from Sep 1967 to Sep 1968, the enemy continually ambushed the 8th Transportation Group in an attempt to close Route 19. They failed. By the end of that year, the 8th had delivered 596,572 tons of cargo and over 4 million gallons of fuel, driving 7,331,924 miles. **
The distinctive yellow stripes were employed to help the commanders orbiting above in helicopters identify which units convoy he was looking down at.

Special Thanks to those who helped so far!

Gratiot Wheel and Tire Supply
www.gratiotwheel.com

*Information courtesy of olive-drab.com
**Information courtesy of the US Army Transportation Museum


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AFTER

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DA Supply Weenie
President Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum
http://www.mimths.org

1942 Ford GPW
1942 Chrysler Fire Pump
1943 Hudson Invader
1944 WC-52
1951 M100
1952 M-37
1985 Dodge W-150 (Ex-Air Force line truck)
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HingsingM37
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Post by HingsingM37 »

Looks Great! That is a fine bunch of folks there. I know them well. I hear things are moving along good at Yankee after the tragic fire a few years ago. I have not been up there since but I hope to make it in August. I should see Norm E. and the gang at our Wings Over Akron Airshow Fathers Day Weekend. I am M/C'n the show and I always give Yankee a good plug. Looking forward to catching up with the Yankee Air Museum folks. :)
David
HingsingM37
1958 M37B1
1968 M101A1 Trailer
MVPA# 33078

"Do Not Take Counsel of Your Fears"
General George S. Patton Jr.

"Those who pound their guns into plows, will plow for those who do not".
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ChrisC
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Post by ChrisC »

Thanks for the kind words David! We are working hard to rebuild, I'm working to get the word out that not evevrything at an air museum flies, we have 4 trucks and 2 trailers in line for restoration, the M-37 is just the first one to roll out, our M-5 bomb trailer is close behind! We have a M16A1 Halftrack waiting in the wings too..... I am heading up the vehicle resto effort, anyone who wants to help is welcome!

Chris
DA Supply Weenie
President Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum
http://www.mimths.org

1942 Ford GPW
1942 Chrysler Fire Pump
1943 Hudson Invader
1944 WC-52
1951 M100
1952 M-37
1985 Dodge W-150 (Ex-Air Force line truck)
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rixm37
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Post by rixm37 »

Great to see another M37 become a phoenix and rise up to run again OH YA. What color did you paint it ?? just currious. great job!!
1952 M37
M101 trailer
1942 Chevy G506
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ChrisC
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Post by ChrisC »

It was painted by a different crew in 2005, I'm not sure exactly what paint was used, but I have been using AJP's Gillespie Vietnam era semi-gloss OD for touch up work.
DA Supply Weenie
President Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum
http://www.mimths.org

1942 Ford GPW
1942 Chrysler Fire Pump
1943 Hudson Invader
1944 WC-52
1951 M100
1952 M-37
1985 Dodge W-150 (Ex-Air Force line truck)
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