Did M37 Have Turn Signals???

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

The turn signal switch in my M is something called a "Signal Stat" model FV-700. It's totally shot so I've been looking online for info on it. I've found nothing. Signal Stat made a bunch of directional switches for cars in the 40's, 50's and 60's but I can't find a single bit of info on the model FV-700. Then I started thinking.....I looked in the TM9-840 and there is nothing written on the use of directional signals. I found that odd. Also the pic of the dash doesn't show a directional switch mounted on the steering column. Then I went thru hundreds of M37 pics here and online and I'm not seeing a directional switch mounted on the steering column in any of them.

The only thing I've ever seen to indicate an M37 had directionals was an eBay auction the other day for what were called "Special Clamps for Turn Signal Wiring". They were simple pieces of metal that bent around the steering column and they had a bump in them for the wire to not get crushed against the column. Many people bid and they sold for like $36 for two little clamps........so I figured they must be a bit hard to come by, but that there were directionals on the M37. So am I right in saying my directional switch was added later and the M37 didn't have directionals (turn signals) or are those clamps for real? If they are what type of directional switch should I be looking for???

thanks,
bob

[k8icu]

Bob,

When your truck came from the factory the only turn signal was if the driver stuck his hand out the window straight for left, or bent at the elbow pointing up for right. Because as stated in another one of your million questions the truck only had one stop light on the driver's side as the passinger side had the black out (combat) stop light.

I know that a Modification Work Order was put out in the late 60s or early 70s to upgrade any M37 in inventory (mostly guard and reserve at that time) to turn signals and bigger brake lights. There was even a kit for them that I know was sold surplus in the mid to late 80s when I got into the hobby.

Your turn signals were probably added by the previous owner (Fire Department perhaps?) and the turnsignal lever you have is most likely a commercial one. Those clamps are used on M37s, M715s, M151, M35s, 5-tons, HMMWV...it is a mill standard clip for turnsignals. They came in the above mentioned kit (no longer available as far as I know). The clips can be found at a lot of different places.

[Carter]

M37s did not come with turn signals but the later series trucks the M37B1s did. Early trucks were retro-fitted with them as was mine which took place when the truck went thru rebuild at Letterkenny Army Depot in 1968.

Click to enlarge:



One of the systems installed on M37B1 trucks, others look slightly different but all functuon the same. This was taken from TM 9-2320-212-34P dated April 1972

[Tim Powell]

"Signal Stat" still is available in "heavy trucks". My last International Harvester had a Signal-Stat unit installed. (2005 Eagle)

[cuz]

The kit illustrated above was introduced in the 70's and was often retrofitted to both M37 and m37B1. The mil kit introduced in the 60's and included on the M37B1 was the relay type kit using a firewall mounted relay box and a Signal Stat early 900 series switch on the column. The later Signal Stat switch you have is a commercial truck switch and was available in both 12 and 24 volt.


Early relay box mil kit.


Early mil kit Signal Stat switch mounted.


Switch used in late Mil transistorized kit.


Electronic flasher/controller used in late Mil transistorized kit.

[jordankjcm]

I am installing a new harness into my 63 B1 and the original is a fire hazard. Somewhere along the life of the truck the signals were removed and the harness cut off. I now have an "original" from Vintage Wiring of Maine (nice product by the way) and I am looking for the place that the transistorized flasher/controller unit was installed. I know it has to be on the firewall somewhere, I just can't find holes that match up or a photo on the internet of the installed location. Anyone have an photo or description of where the unit was installed at the factory?

Thanks.

Jeff

[Tim Powell]

Good Luck With Your Wiring Project Jeff.
I still don't have my wiring even close to being finished.
Can't drive the truck because I never hooked up the tail lamps after the re-painting.
Tired Old Trucker-Tim

[52 M-42]

Jeff, if someone doesn't post a photo tonight, I'll try to take one tomorrow. I can't guarantee it is the correct location, but at least you will be able to see where mine is installed. I just completed the second restoration on mine last August so things are still pretty clean and visible.

52 M-42

[52 M-42]

Btw, thanks for those photos, cuz! Now I'm going to be looking for the plate & bracket shown in the manual page you posted (top 2 photos of tail & blackout light mounting). My truck currently has 2 of the standard tail lights (and turn signals) but I want to at least have the correct blackout tail light (like it used to have) and the little bullet marker lights on hand, if not installed. I've been trying to figure out how to mount the bullet marker lights, and now, thanks to your post, I know how.

Thanks again,

52 M-42

[jordankjcm]

Thanks Tim and 52 M-42!

The re-wire project is going better than I thought it would. Passing the harness through some of the passages underneath the truck was an experience....as well as the delightful task of re-installing the gas tank. You know as many times as I have had the tank out, you'd think I would have found a better way then just physically manhandling it into place and then practicing my circus act routine (as a contortionist!) to find the bolts and hang the tank. Every single light housing on the truck has contained corroded internal parts. John from MWM as well as the guy from Saturn Surplus and I have a dialog going! So I am down to the last section...the dreaded dashboard. I re-worked the instrument panel and here is a link to a few photos of before/after.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/8966866/2012-1 ... .04.23.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/8966866/2012-1 ... .04.47.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/8966866/2012-1 ... .56.10.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/8966866/2012-1 ... .56.57.jpg

Thanks for the help guys!

Regards,

Jeff

[52 M-42]

Your instrument panel came out great! Nice work. Looks like your wiring should turn out just as well.

52 M-42

[Tim Powell]

I am impressed!! WOW, does that ever look nice!
Did your "Vintage" wiring come with an instruction book?

[vtdeucedriver]

M37s did not come with turn signals but the later series trucks the M37B1s did. Early trucks were retro-fitted with them as was mine which took place when the truck went thru rebuild at Letterkenny Army Depot in 1968.




One of the systems installed on M37B1 trucks, others look slightly different but all functuon the same. This was taken from TM 9-2320-212-34P dated April 1972

If anyone comes across this style control, Id be interested!!

[jordankjcm]

Thanks Tim & 52,

Yes the Vintage Wiring of Maine harness came with a list, of what went to what. There were quite a few harnesses in set-up, rear, main, front, headlights, etc. Each one was identified and marked clearly, so even me, an electrical system chicken, could figure it out. I could scan the manual and post if you wish.

Regards,

Jeff

[Tim Powell]

Hey Jeff.
Thanks for the offer to scan your "book" but right now your plate is full.
I have all my projects on hold right now so no need on my part. Maybe somebody else will want a copy?
I've sort of hit a brick wall and can't seem to get restarted. Just going to ride out the winter months for now.
Keep up the good work!!