A 1959 would be an M37B1, or second generation. The spare tire is located, or
was located on a swinging carrier over the driver's door. There should be 4 holes
between the door hinges where the beast mounts.
These carriers are REAL hard to find since many of them were tossed by civil
defense or municipal agencies. They are a pain! My 1965 M43B1 was missing it's
carrier and I called all over looking for one. John Bizal sold his last one for
$200. I luckily found one in a junk yard, and along with a seat bucket, 2
lifting shackles, and 3 blackout lights, cost me $50.
All the Blackout lights, shackles, top hardware, etc. is readily avilable.
Pioneer racks can be tough to find, but they're out there.
There's no realistic way to estimate what all this stuff will cost, since there
are lots of suppliers. Best to join MVPA and subscribe to Military Vehicles
Magazine and start shopping.
The paint is another issue. There are frame-off restorations, which are costly
if done right. It's hard to do this without a garage.
I drive my trucks and use them, but still like them "all military"., so I
usually do what I call a "Field restoration". I spent a little time in the Army
doing this, and we painted the damn things with brushes!
I don't do that now, but it's close. I hit the thing all over and under with a
Hotsy power washer, feather sand the huge paint chips and prime them. Mask off
all the glass and spray 3 coats of OD green everywhere. If I get a ding, I haul
out the brush and touch her up.
You can then add registration numbers, bumper markings, tire pressure stencils,
etc. Original number can usually be found under as many as 10 coats of brush
applied paint! Happy sanding
Does this truck have a winch?
Ben
--------------------------------------
Date: 3/7/97 8:43 AM
To: Ben Hughes
From: rbong@cda.com
To all those who provided the sage advice about the M-37 I've looked
at, THANK YOU!
***this is a long msg, so you may punt at any time.***
I live in Falls Church, VA, just outside Washington, D.C. The M-37
beauty (okay, I admit, I am falling in love with the thing!) is on a
farm outside Lynchburg, VA. Since I don't have a garage (I live in a
condo) to do any major work, I have access to (rent) a one-car garage
in Rockville/Bethesda, MD (which is due North of Washington, D.C.)
--about 25 miles from where I live, but only 15 minutes from where I
work.
MORE ABOUT THIS M-37:
This M-37 has a delivery date of 1959. The guy wanted $1800, but
again, I want to make an educated offer that is reasonable (and
affordable) based on what work needs to be done and what risks there
are. I want to fully understand what I am committing to (basically to
myself!) by purchasing the beauty in terms of dollars and TLC.
For example, one of the windshields is cracked and needs to be
replaced (cost=$??). Other than the headlights in the front, all
other lights are missing as is the pioneer tool rack, 5 gallon jerry
can rack and the spare (where does it go on the thing, anyway??). Cost
for each item (I am not sure what is even missing) is $??. What about
paint? It currently has a matte black finish (which has helped to
preserve it). I would have to take it somewhere to get it
painted--which means I should pull the engine and all
components--yikes this is major stuff!! So, what do you guys do when
you get your mil veh's painted? I could just paint the exterior and
leave the engine well alone--since there is good paint on it (but the
wrong paint at that).
Also, with replacement canvas, does all of the fastening hardware come
with it? I noticed two M-37s sitting outside a firehouse (used for
parts for the mint brush truck sitting in the firehouse), there are
quite a few metal components that go with the canvas I noticed on the
tattered remnant of those two forlorn, rusting M-37s sitting in the
elements (--what a disgrace!). Jim R. gave me some figures on canvas,
so I know how much I will blow (er, uh, excuse me, INVEST) in bringing
my beauty back to fighting shape.
So guys, I am sizing up the cost of my MISSION: To rescue this fine
beauty from mother nature, the elements, and those damn thorn
vines--and bring her back to her once proud glory as a lean, mean,
fighting machine!
okay, I need to get back to work so I can make some money and afford
this stuff!!
Russell Bong
Rbong@cda.com