M37 production figures, interesting

[powerwagontim]

I was browsing the production figures listed on this site. The first month, they built 22 trucks. each month, more and more, sometimes less than the previous month, but generally increasing. By September of 1952, they hit the high, building 2834 M37s. In one month, WOW. That works out to roughly one truck every 15 minutes, 7 days a week for 31 days. Anyone here built their truck from a pile of loose parts in 15 minutes? Even with all your buddies and lots of free beer it couldnt be done! I wonder how many individuals laid hands and tools on a truck as it went down the assembly line? I also wonder how many assembly lines they had producing M37s?
Fun to think about.
Tim

[rixm37]

Now that is something 15 minutes!! It took me over a month just to put together my electric system !!

[Paul in Kempner, TX]

Tim, I still have a pay slip from that era when I worked at the International Harvester truck plant in Springfield, Ohio. In 1957, I was a quality control inspector, and in 1959 I was a production scheduler (build tickets).

That plant built small trucks (pickups, travelall, etc.) on up to medium trucks (smaller dump trucks, school bus chassis, etc.). Because I worked in the industry back then, I have to challenge your math.

There are many pictures in reference books such as Don Bunn's and on the various Dodge and Power Wagon web sites showing assembly lines in those years. Your math assumes only one assembly line and no sub-assembly lines. Those pictures and my own experience show that is not the way it was.

I give you an "A" in math, and a "D-" in history.

[NebM37]

I also find the production of these trucks quite fascinating. What I wouldn't give to talk to someone who was there in 1950-51 especially.

Old photographs that do pop up in books/web suggest multiple assembly lines and huge parking lots full of trucks. At one point over the years I have seen on little piece of evidence that has always intrigued me. A photograph of M37's sitting awaiting delivery with no hood numbers. Then a pic I saw latter of M37's exiting an assembly line with hood numbers. Wish I could find those pictures now. The above said, I own three of these trucks, and amongst my three there are considerable differences/oddities.

I have a 1951 build 4778 that is clearly the winner in the worst fit and finish department of my three trucks. The way the cab is welded together is different, it's sloppy almost like it was hand done. Who knows maybe it was built on Fri lol The same truck also shows to have considerably more paint up under the dash and the color looks to be much darker than the 1952 truck. The paint under the dash on the 52 truck looks to have been machine sprayed....the 51 sure suggests hand sprayed. I have no way whatsoever to explain this other than to say "who knows" My 51 was already in the hands of the Sioux Nation in 1958. So it served 7 years doing something and then was sent to retirement. It has multiple holes in it from radio gear, but it has the standard generator and stuff. The oddest thing is it still sports most of it's original paint, and I have found no evidence it ever had bumper markings. 8000 miles, 50 plus years, who knows.

But one thing is sure... Dodge sure got busy building M37's at one point LoL

NoRM

NoRM

[powerwagontim]

Hi Paul,
I give you a D- for Reading Comprehension!
I stated the possibility of multiple assembly lines, naturally if there were 2 lines, it would be 30 minutes per truck, 4 lines 1hour and so on. No matter how you slice it, its a heck of a lot of trucks to build in a month.

Norm,
I have noticed the same thing, the welding on my cab is quite crude and in many places sloppy. They were not designed or built for longevity, as is seen by the many places for rust to get trapped and eat them up. But, they lasted at least as long as the government wanted them to last. Mechanically they are well tested, a tried and true drivetrain, with several improvements and enhancements from the WCs that they evolved from. (There is some history Paul!)

[Glenn]

You both get a "D" on knowing the days in the months. September has 30.

[powerwagontim]

Hi Glenn,
Guilty as charged! I will accept that D as deserved!
That has never been one of my strong points.
Tim