Appreciation for the M37

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

Now that I've had a full day to climb up, around and under my new toy I have to say I'm pretty impressed. I didn't realize just how massively built these things were, nor how simple they are work on....meaning how easy everything comes apart with just a few bolts. The shocks on this thing are HUGE! What really amazes me though is how tough the steel is. I spent about an hour yesterday taking about 20 lbs of dirt, leaves, and old seat foam out from the under the front seats. It was pretty much moist top soil at this point, so I threw it in the garden. When I got all that junk out I figured I'd be able to see right thru to the ground........but no.....the surface of the steel was rusty but it didn't penetrate. It's hard to believe steel soaked in moist dirt didn't rust after all this time! I almost bought a rust bucket Jeep M606 before I found this M37 and I would have spent the entire summer welding that Jeep back together. Not so this M37. Restoring this one is going to be FUN!

regards,
bob

[WarrenD]

When you get to driving it, remember that! You've got a single servo brake system and all that solid steel to stop.

[vinnytruck]

Hey Warren, Are you saying that the brake system isnt so great to stop the truck? Would you like to tell me how many feet I need between cars aprox. Mine is not on the road yet, I would like to know, please help, thanks VT

[WarrenD]

I'm just saying that we have become used to very good brakes in our cars, power assist discs and light vehicle weight equal short stopping distances. These trucks are just that, trucks, and old to boot. They are heavy and don't have any back-up brake circuit should the main one fail. When you drive one of these, you have to keep in mind that it's old, heavy and have a plan if you hit the brakes and nothing happens. With good maintenance failure should never happen, but one really never knows. Once you get to driving it you'll find out that you have to keep back and plan your stops. I drive mine more like a tractor-trailer, not in any hurry, heavy and takes a while to stop.

[RMS]

. have a plan if you hit the brakes and nothing happens. I drive mine more like a tractor-trailer, not in any hurry, heavy and takes a while to stop.

i love driving my truck like a lazy trucker. many times i have made it across town without ever touching the brakes or stopping at a light.

don"t forget if your running NDTs and lock up the brakes you will speed up!

[8543bob]

GOOD MORNING,
I have been driving my '52M for the last 3 1/2 years, in and around NYC, mostly Queens and Brooklyn. Lots of stop and go traffic, I have never had the feeling that the brakes were inadequate. But I hardly ever go over 40-45MPH. Good luck with your new M. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do mine
BOB