Re: '54 M37 3/4T Military to buy or not??????


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Dodge Power Wagon Forum ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by john k. seidts on July 29, 1999 at 19:40:11:

In Reply to: '54 M37 3/4T Military to buy or not?????? posted by JWH on July 29, 1999 at 18:11:36:

Here is my short buyer's guide for the M37, based upon my belief that components as close to original are of the following values, and assuming that you want to leave it in its original state:

1. Good running original engine, with fairly straight compression across all six (~100 lbs per cylinder). No overheating problems. Original carb and air cleaner, and evidence that it was not run without an air cleaner for any extended period of time. Good manifold sets. Good radiator without too much bashing from work. $1500 to $2000 to rebuild an engine, if you do none of the work yourself.

2. 24 Volt electrical system in place, with operating generator and voltage regulator. $400.00 if both of these have to be worked on.

3. Expect it to not have brakes, but if it does this is a plus. $350.00 to totally redo the brakes with brand new parts.

4. Look for rust on doors, cowl sides, door sills, cab floor, sides of bed, and bed floor. Make sure it has a tail gate. Body parts are expensive if you have to buy new ones.

5. Good windshield and door glass frames. Broken glass is easy to fix, but the frames are not- they are stamped 20ga, and hard to weld unless you are experienced.

6. Good rubber. 9.00 X 16.00's are expensive, especially to some one like me who drives beat up BMW's with 30,000 mile tires.

7. Clear title. Sometimes expensive if you have to chase one around, or invent one.




Follow Ups:



Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Dodge Power Wagon Forum ] [ FAQ ]