Grandpa’s M37

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greeno
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Grandpa’s M37

Post by greeno »

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Well, here I go...
Got the truck back to the house yesterday, power washed it today and pushed it into the garage. The garage I built to restore the M37, so I guess I’m $35k into my resto already!

Right now I’m thinking about where to take this project. The metal is in good shape and the engine ran a few years ago. My dream is to drive it in parades, so it doesn’t need to be show quality just reliable and serviceable.
M37
YEAR: 1954
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m-37Bruce
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by m-37Bruce »

Welcome to the asylum!
Truck looks solid, looks like the garage/shop is plenty big enough.
I started in 98, still pluggin' away!
Bruce,

1953 M-37 w/ow

Retired Again

Keep Em Rollin'

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greeno
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by greeno »

Kids and I got a lot of wrenching done. Already sick of fine threads.
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M37
YEAR: 1954
Cal_Gary
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by Cal_Gary »

Glad to have you with us Greeno!
Gary
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1954 M37 W/W
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sturmtyger380
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by sturmtyger380 »

That truck looks to be in really good shape!
47 CJ2A
53 M38A1
52 M37
51 M38
67 M416
?? M101A1
greeno
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by greeno »

Yeah, overall decent shape. Surface rust mostly.

For those who painted their frames...did you take the axles off? Wondering if leaving the axles on would help me roll it out of the shop and onto the trailer. Tires need replacing anyway so what’s wrong with a little overspray?

Anyway, took photos of mud tonight:
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M37
YEAR: 1954
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m-37Bruce
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by m-37Bruce »

Man you got some mud!
Bruce,

1953 M-37 w/ow

Retired Again

Keep Em Rollin'

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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by RCrombie »

Nice truck! Looks to be a good starting point for sure.

Regarding removing the axles: I wouldn’t unless you’re intending to dig into redoing the springs, shackles and bushings or the axle itself. It’s also heavy, and makes moving the truck pretty difficult once it comes off.
I only took the rear axle out of my truck as the springs were spreading from rust between the leaves, and I couldn’t leave them in that state.


Cheers

Rob
greeno
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by greeno »

Found the original color. I like it, but I am considering Marine Corp paint, pops did a tour as a demo expert in Vietnam with the Corp. That said, grandpa was in the Navy... Posting the numbers here too in b case I loose them ;)
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M37
YEAR: 1954
greeno
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by greeno »

Found some rot, no surprise here.
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Also pulled the water tube. Use a flat bar and push it in to loosen, then pull out. It was a struggle for sure.
M37
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by RCrombie »

Those water tubes can put up a fight coming out. I don’t know if they are available for the 230, but the longer 251 engine uses a brass tube which doesn’t corrode the way the steel ones do.

And if the flange around the fresh air vent is the only rot you have found so far, I would say you’re doing alright!
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by Cal_Gary »

John at Midwest has the coolant tubes-stainless steel, and includes the hook for fishing out the old remnants.
Gary
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by greeno »

Uh, I think I called the wrong shop. Or they don't want the business.
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M37
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by RCrombie »

Um...
Uh......
I guess they really hate sandblasting and painting?
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Re: Grandpa’s M37

Post by greeno »

It’s hunting season so I’ve spent little time in the cave. Got the engine out. What’s the engine weigh? I’m not in love with my engine stand.
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M37
YEAR: 1954
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