New member, M56C.

[Paladin]

Hello all, new guy here. I was just given a '58 M56C w/w Contact Maint. Truck. It's really complete, minus one panel door, front drive shaft, front blackout lights, spare tire, and passenger seat cushion. It has just over 5000 miles, and has been parked for around 20 years. Turns over nicely, and has good compression, but I haven't tried more than that yet. It's extremely solid, and totally straight. I'll trey to post some pics asap.

Few questions... The data plate says M37B1, were these not stamped M56C? It gives no indication of having been swapped ever? Is there any idea how many of this variant were made? I don't love maint beds, and would prefer a normal bed, but hate to alter a rare truck? Any info would be appreciated.

Also, I've owned several other military vehicles, so not new to the hobby, but I've only ever owned one M37 variant, an M43, and it didn't have original drive train unfortunately.

Thanks in advance!
P.

[Cal_Gary]

Hey welcome aboard! This is the place for everything M37. Can't answer your question about the data plate but the Index might have the Production numbers. Yours is pretty rare as I recall. We love pictures as well as the many questions you are sure to have. Where are you located?
Thanks,
Gary

[Paladin]

Thanks, I look forward to learning more about this animal. There is a lot of familiar stuff from my M38a1, and the M211 and M43 I used to own, but lots of new as well. As to where I'm located, that would be the magical land of Utah.

[Cal_Gary]

Yeah? Where in Utah--I'm in Draper!
Gary

[Paladin]

I'm in Salem, down by Spanish Fork. Are you in the UMVC?

[Paladin]

Ok, upon further inspection, it does say M56b1 on the tag. Also, with batteries and gas, she runs! I gotta find a tire and wheel though, so if anybody nearby has any take offs it would help. I'll look locally too, just putting it out there.

[Cal_Gary]

No, I'm not in the UMVC-considered it once but they tried to rope me into leading a number of their events before I even met any of them so I've stayed away.

You're only 41 miles or so from me--if you wish, PM me your contact info and I will call then stop by some time!
Thanks,
Gary

[Paladin]

Sounds good, will do. I don't do much with them, too far North most of the time. I try to hit the parades, and car shows though.

[T. Highway]

One of you two will have to post some pictures of this truck.

Bert

[Paladin]

I'll try to get some posted soon, gotta clean her up some, been sitting since the '80's.

Are there any others on the board?

[Paladin]

I can't seem to attach a pic? May be due to the fact that I'm doing it from my phone? Does anyone know if this model came with a pioneer kit? If so, where was it mounted?