No markings left on my truck...what can i do?

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m37_power
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No markings left on my truck...what can i do?

Post by m37_power »

Ok, im in the process of getting my m37 ready for paint. its been repainted and then painted over a few times. my issue is, the markings are gone. it looks like someone stripped the orginal paint layer off. its going to kill me not to have my original markings. Is there any way to find out what markings need to go back on it from the data plates? It was discouraging to find this out. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
1952 Dodge M37
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Re: No markings left on my truck...what can i do?

Post by MSeriesRebuild »

m37_power wrote:Ok, im in the process of getting my m37 ready for paint. its been repainted and then painted over a few times. my issue is, the markings are gone. it looks like someone stripped the orginal paint layer off. its going to kill me not to have my original markings. Is there any way to find out what markings need to go back on it from the data plates? It was discouraging to find this out. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Man I'm sorry that you think death is near over this trivial issue. No way to tell original unit markings from data plates. Most folks who are concerned about unit markings simply use markings from their old unit or those from a friend or relatives unit. I've seen many marked with stuff that were not from military units at all, I'm not a fan of that, would rather use none at all. Bottom line, there are far more discouraging and important issues in doing a rebuild than worrying over markings, this really amounts to having no worries at all. I'm sure you will reach a decision on this delima before you get to that point in the process. Maybe someone else will tell you what they did in the same type situation, as it happens all the time.
Charles Talbert
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Captnsim
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Post by Captnsim »

I agree with Charles. Use your own units # if you served, or the # from some one you know.
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m-37Bruce
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If No Unit Marking Are Left

Post by m-37Bruce »

Mine were gone, but the Data Plates spoke to me.
Do some research, and pick one that did something significant! What info have you gleaned from your Data Plates? If they say US Army, go that route, if it says US Navy, as mine did, go that route. If you have paper clips on the front bumpers, it's Semper Fi for you.
NTJMHO, :wink:
Bruce,

1953 M-37 w/ow

Retired Again

Keep Em Rollin'

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m37_power
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Post by m37_power »

Thanks for the advice. not near death over it at all. i was just hoping to find out where it was from...etc. the history of the truck intrigues me as much as the truck itself. i was just bummed out that the numbers are gone. guess ill keep researching.
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Post by Lifer »

The VIN won't tell you anything, actually. If you had the hood number, the history could possibly be tracked down through Army records if they have been saved. CARNAC, on the Steel Soldiers forum has been able to help a lot of deuce owners with that information, but they are considerably more "recent" and records still exist. Not "just anyone" can gain access to such records, though. I'd suggest that you go to Steel Soldiers and drop CARNAC a PM or something. He may be able to help you or, if not, to point you in another direction.
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Post by Tom @ Snake River »

As said above, I have restored several outfits, did the research and marked them with their proper markings. But like suggested, if there are no markings, I have marked outfits to honor my father in laws, or several of my uncles units during WWII. That way it has special meaning to the owner and his family.
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Paul in Kempner, TX
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Available information

Post by Paul in Kempner, TX »

There is an explanation of "hood numbers" and "bumper numbers" that answers your question in the Frequently Asked Questions on the Kempner Power Wagon Museum web site. http://www.texaspowerwagon.com/vehicle_history.htm

The Museum covers all of the military and civilian trucks in the "flat fender" Power Wagon family.
Paul Cook at the Kempner Power Wagon Museum MVPA#27246

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Post by Captnsim »

Great link. Thanks for sharing.
Took a peek at the rest of the site...looks very interesting. I'll be checking it out in more detail for sure. :D
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Post by vtdeucedriver »

m37_power wrote:Thanks for the advice. not near death over it at all. i was just hoping to find out where it was from...etc. the history of the truck intrigues me as much as the truck itself. i was just bummed out that the numbers are gone. guess ill keep researching.

If you want some Vietnam war markings..............I can give you some suggestions :)
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