Building a retro M37

retiredguy · Post by **retiredguy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 7:52 am

I am building a retro M37. It was originally a 1952. I'm attemptiing to slide a 1992 chassi under it. I really want a 6bt drive train so I thought I'd give it a go. This way if I am travelling with it and need parts, I go get 1992 parts. Easier than trying to find 1952 replacement parts. Would like to smooth out the lines some, get rid of the reflectors, tarp hooks etc. I will post progress pics as I go along. Estimate time to complete - 2 years.

retiredguy · Post by **retiredguy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 8:11 am

removing the body off the 92 and starting to prepare it.

retiredguy · Post by **retiredguy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 8:21 am

then we grabbed the old girl and began stripping parts off.

mike_l · Post by **mike_l** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 9:51 am

Well, that's different. I'll certainly be following this thread. Good luck.

retiredguy · Post by **retiredguy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 1:34 pm

I'm a little slow on progress pics so here are some more.

retiredguy · Post by **retiredguy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 1:39 pm

So we loosened the cab and the box and removed all the front end. this so I can access the parts when I need them all winter.

retiredguy · Post by **retiredguy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 1:46 pm

then I got after the 92 chassi. I cut 38" out of the frame and welded it back together.

retiredguy · Post by **retiredguy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 1:56 pm

then I took the piece of frame I cut out and cleaned it up and welded it back it as a gusset. so the gusset is welded in and bolted in for max strength.

retiredguy · Post by **retiredguy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 2:06 pm

then I bolted the original 92 crossmember back in with the front spring mount so the bolts went through the gusset and the existing frame for added strength.

retiredguy · Post by **retiredguy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 2:13 pm

I then had to relocate the shocks to then front of the axle because the stock M37 fuel tank was too large to have the shocks in the rear. I went flawless.

retiredguy · Post by **retiredguy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 2:17 pm

Then I installed the M37 rear crossmember and Tank crossmember and gas tank and bumpers. (I know they are upside down)

retiredguy · Post by **retiredguy** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 2:25 pm

Then a mock-up fit of the box. Yikes! too high! have to remove the 6" stock 92 spring spacer. and have to modify the box to sit on the factory box mounts. The 92 crossmember is taller than the 52.

W_A_Watson_II · Post by **W_A_Watson_II** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 2:51 pm

WOW, I can't wait to see the continuing progress as well as the finished product. Looking neat and great.

M37UK · Post by **M37UK** » Sun Oct 31, 2010 3:23 pm

Yep, you've certainly got my attention, look forward to following your progress!

SOTVEN · Post by **SOTVEN** » Mon Nov 01, 2010 8:54 am

WOW!!! IT WILL SURE BE AN INTERESTING APPROACH!! IT ALREADY SEEMS IT IS GOING TO THE RIGHT DIRECTION

AS OF THE BED SITTING UP TOO HIGH, DO NOT LOWER THE BED, JUST GO WITH 44 SWAMPERS

I LOVE HOW MOST OF YOU GUYS HAVE SUCH NEAT AND TIDY GARAGES TO WORK IN, MINE YOU OPEN THE DOOR AND YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HIT YOU FIRST LOL!!!

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK FRIEND!!

Building a retro M37

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