Intro and Some Questions

WarrenD · Post by **WarrenD** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 8:31 am

Hi Everyone, guess I should introduce myself. I found this site from a link on SS. I currently don't own a MV, but I'm doing research on several types to see what might be a best fit for my first one. Ideally, I have a list of at least a half dozen, but lack the funds and room to make that wish come true! For the time being, I'm satisfying my lust through my photography, MV shows and other stuff is in my gallery at www.pbase.com/baywing

I have 3 vehicles under consideration right now. I'd like a Deuce, but it would have to be kept outside and while not against any zoning regs I know of, might create a bit of an issue with some neighbors. I don't need nor can I afford a court case/lawyers/etc. Next is a Willys MB. Always wanted one, will probably have one someday, will fit in the garage. The only downsides are the prices and the physical comfort. I'm over 6'-1" and the jeep seats don't move back like modern vehicles! It's a bit cramped and while I don't intend on long roadtrips, I'd like not to cramp up during a parade!
This brings me to why I'm here, the M-37. I'm equally interested in WW2 and Vietnam, so the M-37 fits the latter. It's small enough to fit in the garage (I think, question to come!) and it still has a truck look to it. I have yet to sit in one, but it appears there is much more room than an MB.
My ideal M-37 will have a winch (like the look, kinda looks like a mini-deuce), heater (I want to drive it in the winter....heck, I've been know to use the heater in June!) and possibly a hard top (depends on the garage thing).

So, if I may, I'll start with a few questions. I'd appreciate it if someone could post a measurement from the ground to the top of the windshield frame and a second to the top of either hard or soft top (ideally both). I'm sure any cargo bed bows/cover will be too high. None of this is a deal breaker, I'm sure dropping the top and laying down the windshield will get it in my garage but I'd like to know what I'll be in for.

I recently joined COMVEC and MVPA, so hopefully at some point I'll get to sit in one to check "the fit".
That should be enough for now, I've got many more questions to come!

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:08 am

Welcome to the world of MV madness, otherwise known as "M-thrax."

My all-time favorite MV is the M37, which is why I bought one.

It's small enough to fit in the garage (I think, question to come!) and it still has a truck look to it.

An M37 will fit in a standard garage, but not with the top up. To get it in, you have to remove the top and frame and either fold the windshield down or block the door up so that the bottom edge is above the outer opening.

I have yet to sit in one, but it appears there is much more room than an MB.

Having never sat in an MB, I can't swear to that, but I do know that there's not a lot of difference in leg room between an M37 and an M38. I drove both quite a bit during my first hitch in the AF and found the M37 to be marginally more "comfortable." Since then, however, I have grown 6" in height and 14" in girth and can no longer get my left knee between the door and the steering wheel in order to operate the clutch.

Captnsim · Post by **Captnsim** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:31 am

I have to do some odd leg antics to operate the clutch myself being 6' 4".
There is a bit more room then a jeep has...but not much.

Post by **Cal_Gary** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:53 pm

Welcome aboard Warren! Many of the specs are linked to the forum homepage if you will look up top. I believe an M37 would fit you comfortably, as I'm 5'9" and don't have the seat bucket all the way back. If you give us a locale, one of our members might be close by and "get you fitted"

Again, glad to have you with us!
Gary

m-37Bruce · Post by **m-37Bruce** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 2:00 pm

I'm 6'-2.75" and it works nicely, another option might be airing down the tires a bit, mine fits & I have 36" tires mounted.
Lifer didn't announce it, but he had/or had a rig for sale in GA or IL?

greencom · Post by **greencom** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 2:59 pm

Welcome WarrenD,
I'm 6' 4" and have no trouble driving my MB , don't let that keep you from a jeep. However they are not very "big belly" friendly, there were not many porky GI's driving in those days. Just keep your size reasonable and stay kind of nimble, you'll do fine, I'm 58 yrs old and I'm sure you're a whole lot younger than me.
Greencom

WarrenD · Post by **WarrenD** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:54 pm

As for the belly, I don't have much of one, still keeping lean (and that's by choice so far...) so that shouldn't be an issue. I'm not that young anymore, Greencom, you've only got me by a few years!
Thanks Gary, I'm in the middle of CT. I've seen some M37s at shows over this past summer and I'm sure next year I'll have a chance to see some more. Looking forward to the MTA show in NJ and the COMVEC show in CT, both early in the season. I've seen the specs but there's nothing like actual measurements.
Bruce, not in a position to buy one just yet, got to get back to working full time first. As soon as I get a new job, I'll be in a better position to actual start searching for one to buy but for now I'm doing my research so that when I'm ready financially I'll be able to act.
It'll take a while for me to search out all the corners here, but I'll be reading.

m-37Bruce · Post by **m-37Bruce** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 6:52 pm

Warren, I'm afraid it's too late for you, you are already smitten w/the dreaded M-Thrax! Anything OD will suffice & maybe cure your ill's!!
Very nice photography thanks for sharing them w/us.

8543bob · Post by **8543bob** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 3:52 am

GOOD MORNING WARREN, I BOUGHT MY FIRST AND ONLY M 37 IN THE SPRING OF 09. NEVER BEEN IN ONE BEFORE OR EVEN SEEN ONE, I WAS IN THE ARMY FROM 62-64. WE HAD PLENTY OF JEEPS ON THE AIRFIELD BUT NO M37'S. I'M 5'10" AND DONT HAVE ANY TROUBLE WITH THE FIT. I LIVE IN ROCKAWAY BEACH, NY 11697. SO IF YOU EVER GET DOWN THIS WAY I'LL TAKE YOU FOR A "SEE IF YOU FIT DRIVE" ON THE BEACH.
GOOD LUCK WITH THE SEARCH.
BOB

MikeOneSix · Post by **MikeOneSix** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 11:51 am

Warren
Welcome aboard! I've owned several flat fenders (mutts,mostly) including a CJ3A which is roughly the same size as a W.W. II MB/GPW. They are small, I used to say "you don't sit in a jeep, you sit on it." One memory that comes to mind was the "pleasent" experiance of whacking one's knees on the steering colume when either entering or exiting the vehicle. On the plus side, they are nimble off road and can get into places that a larger vehicle can't fit. When working on them, parts are also lighter in weight so you won't need an over head hoist to do simple maintenance.

I have also owned two WC Dodges and two M37s one of which I'm currently tearing down for restoration. The M37 is a little bit bigger but not so much that it inhibits it's use or fun factor. Even with the rag top, the Dodge is still more "weather proof" than a jeep and it has a lot more room in the cab as well. Parts are a bit heavier (hey, it's a 3/4 ton truck) but there's not too much there that two healthy adults and an engine hoist can't handle.

The next time you're at a show, I'm sure if you asked politely, the owner of one of those M37s would probably let you slip behind the wheel and try one on for size. Doesn't hurt to ask? Good luck with your quest!

8543bob
Far Rockaway huh? I used to live in Woddhaven about 20 couple years ago. Small World.....

Matt

Master Yota · Post by **Master Yota** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:09 pm

I understand your concerns for fitment. Me, I'm a square peg according to my tailer - 5'10 tall and 5'10 around. I don't have any issues with leg room, but it takes awhile to get used to the "smile" marks on my shirts from the steering wheel.

I've heard of some folks removing about half of the stuffing from the back seat cushion - this allows you to move back from the steering wheel and gain some needed leg room to operate the clutch pedal. Its easier to drive a jeep as you can hang your knee outside the body when clutching.

Good luck with your search!

cuz · Post by **cuz** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:24 pm

Welcome Warren,
If you lean towards a jeep the CJ3A, M38 and CJ3B are the roomier flat fenders and have about 2 extra inches of belly room on the steering wheel since Willys shaved back their rear wheel houses some allowing the front seats to move aft slightly. The MB/GPW's and CJ2A's are 2" tighter in the belly.

MikeOneSix · Post by **MikeOneSix** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 5:02 pm

Never had a problem fitting in to my 3A when I owned it. That's because when I owned it, I was 5'10" and 150 Lbs. Of course that was almost 20 years ago...... I've "grown" since

Matter of fact, I purchased that jeep from the same guy who let me drive my first MV which was incidentally, an M37!

Matt

Wayne64 · Post by **Wayne64** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 6:58 pm

Welcome Warren, and I'll also give you an offer of a test fit. On Long Island and mine does fit in a standard garage, no aired down tires but I have a fiberglass topped M37B1.

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 4:39 am

m-37Bruce wrote:Lifer didn't announce it, but he had/or had a rig for sale in GA or IL?

My truck's with me in GA. The reason I didn't announce its being for sale is that it's "spoken for." Ownership will change hands shortly after the holidays if all goes according to plan.

Intro and Some Questions

Intro and Some Questions

Welcome Aboard

Great Pic's

IF THE SHOE FITS

Re: Welcome Aboard