My 1953 Air Force M37 Build Blog

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refit1701
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My 1953 Air Force M37 Build Blog

Post by refit1701 »

I've had this truck for over 4 years and it's finally starting to come together. I guess no need to get in a hurry, eh? But now I have the fever to drive it and I am hitting it hard these days.

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The superlugs in front are the tires I will be running. Those old NDT's on the back will be gone soon enough. It may not look like much but it has come a long way in three weeks!!
Last edited by refit1701 on Thu Nov 28, 2013 3:02 am, edited 1 time in total.
-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
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HingsingM37
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by HingsingM37 »

Looking sharp :mrgreen: . Keep up the good work :)
David
HingsingM37
1958 M37B1
1968 M101A1 Trailer
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52 M-42
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by 52 M-42 »

Your truck looks great! Nice job.

I run STA Super Lugs on my M-42. They certainly last a lot longer on asphalt roads, but they are a little harder to steer , especially in tight spaces.

Good luck with your restoration!

52 M-42
T. Highway
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by T. Highway »

John,

That is one NICE looking truck, I can't wait to see more pictures.

Bert
1952 M37 W/W Rebuild @ 59% complete
Engine rebuild @ 95% complete
1985 M1009, 1990 M101A2, 2008 M116A3 Pioneer tool trailer
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Cal_Gary
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by Cal_Gary »

Makes me want to tear mine down and blast all the crud off then prep and paint-still on the fence if I really want to, as I might need it this winter for those 10% down grades....
Gary
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by k8icu »

Your truck is looking good! Don't feel bad. I got my truck in 2008 and you're much farther than I am. I have yet gotten to the sanblaster or any paint. Good for you keep at it!
M37s are HMMWV in my world!
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by Carter »

Looking good, four years of occasional work only saw my truck this far along so it seems to me you are doing great. It took me over 22 years of very part time work to get mine to where I thought I was nearing the end although there is never an end to doing work on our rigs. Take your time, enjoy the trip and keep us informed.

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m-37Bruce
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by m-37Bruce »

I agree with Carter, your truck is looking sharp, I've been at it since 2000/2001, and now starting the re-assembly (again).
Bruce,

1953 M-37 w/ow

Retired Again

Keep Em Rollin'

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refit1701
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by refit1701 »

Thanks guys!

It seems these projects creep along until one day everything begins to come together. I spent three years collecting parts!

Hopefully updates will be regularly forthcoming. If this Hurricane would get lost I could do more painting.....

8)
-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
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Cav Trooper
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by Cav Trooper »

I bought mine "DONE" as I told my wife. I sold my show car and took the money right down and picked up the truck. I was not knowledgable about M37's and this one looked good a first glance and a few more glances after so, I spent the money. Turns out the resto was what the guy called a Parade Restoration. He and a mechanic friend rebuilt it. New paint, new brakes, lines and hardware, new electrical wiring, all of the components were old. New fuel lines, rebuilt engine, all new seals on drive line, new canvas, new tires. Turns out most of the "look good" stuff was new but, the engine wasn't rebuilt well, runs good now with good compression. Never could get the brakes to work well until I converted to disc front and the list goes on. Anyway, after seeing yours, I'd really like to sand her down and skim the surface rusted spots on the all the panels, hood etc. and take the dents out and repaint her. I've fixed everything else so far. Yours is going to be a real looker. Don't scrimp, you will only have to redo it later. Finished pictures will be appreciated by all.

CT
HHT 2nd ACR
Merrell Barracks, Nuremberg, Ger.
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Chu-Lai, S. VietNam
1969
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w30bob
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by w30bob »

John,

Looks great. Keep posting pics as you go, as I need the motivation to get off my butt and restore mine. I don't know if you read my post asking about mounting a 50 cal on the back of an M37......but interestingly enough I just found a 50 cal ammo can with original Strata Blue paint on it! There's lots to be learned when it comes to our AF M37's.....but yours is looking fantastic!!!

regards,
bob
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by refit1701 »

Thanks CT and Bob.

I did read your post about the 50 cal but I didn't have any good info for ya'. I have WWII cans in grey, blue and green so there might have been more colors.

Our trucks did many different jobs while they were serving so who's to say what's correct? Just enjoy your truck the way you want it.
-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
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by vtdeucedriver »

I responded to your FEAF markings.
Green Mountain Military Vehicle Club Army Transportation Association Vietnam

http://linehaulrvn.tripod.com
1951 M37
1954 M37
1953 M62
1967 M54A1C
1968 M54A2C
1968 M52A2
1966 M151A1
refit1701
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by refit1701 »

Some work from Labor Day....a cookout and some engine accessories assembly.

Image
-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
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m-37Bruce
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Re: My AF truck's jolt of progress...

Post by m-37Bruce »

DANG!
Bruce,

1953 M-37 w/ow

Retired Again

Keep Em Rollin'

VMVA
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