Tracing M37s

[Marine_9195]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the forum. I am acquiring a 1953 Dodge M37 truck soon in good running condition. It was a part of a collection a friend had, who passed recently. I will add the truck to the registry once I get it back to my house and can take pics and get the serial number. I wanted to know if there is a way to trace these vehicles to see if they were in country (Korea) and what unit they may have belonged to? I know it belonged to the Army by not sure past that. Thanks in advance.

Mike

[w30bob]

Hi Marine,

Welcome to the group!!! I'm not the expert on this stuff....just the first to read your post....but I'm guessing the guys will tell you to lightly sand the front bumper to get down to the original unit markings (if they're still there). With those I would suspect you could determine if that unit was in-country during the conflict. We had a discussion on unit markings a few weeks ago, and if you search on "unit markings" you should find it. I listed the military's directions from the manual on how vehicles were to be marked....so with that info you should be able to decipher what's on your bumper.

regards,
bob

[T. Highway]

Welcome to the site Mike, we can't wait to see pictures of your M37.

There is a wealth of information on this site. If your friend restored the truck previously it would be hard to tell which unit it may of been assigned to, unless he only gave it a fresh topcoat of paint.

Bert

[52 M-42]

Hi Marine,

Over on another website called Steel Soldiers there is an ongoing thread named "2012 vin info thread". A gentleman over there apparently has access to a lot (not all) old records for old military trucks. He will look for your serial number and post what he finds, if he finds anything,

It might be worth a try to see if he can help.

52 M-42

[RMS]

2012 vin info thread

wow that is a big thread

[pwrwagonfire]

I talked to the gentleman on Steelsoldiers last year...found out my truck was with the 1st battalion, 151st infantry in Jasper, IL...they apparently surplussed my truck in 1974.
I googled this regiment and found out they WERE in Vietnam...I assume if my truck was in country it would have been dumped off an aircraft carrier?

[52 M-42]

Yes, it is a big thread, and that is only this year's thread; and that thread has been going on for many years.

Lots and lots of vehicles were left in VN. Only helicopters were getting pushed off of aircraft carriers, not trucks.

The bases were just left to the jungle. Da Nang is now almost completely overgrown I'm told.

These trucks are little pieces of history. Like fragments from an archeology dig.

52 M-42

[Marine_9195]

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for the replies. I posted pics in the gallery area under Michael Riordan. I'll try the suggestions.


Mike

[T. Highway]

Mike,

That is a good looking truck. Is the engine stock in your truck?

Bert

[Cal_Gary]

Hey welcome aboard Mike-glad to have you with us!
Gary