M37 Radio Prices

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

I've been looking out for Korean War era radios for my M37. We've talked about them a little on here before and now that I've seen a few I need to ask what they should be selling for. I know most don't like to talk prices on things.........but help me out a little bit and ballpark it for me. What are RT108, RT66, PP112, RT70, and AM65's going for these days? Most of the ones I see listed on Ebay say working condition unknown, so what should I pay for something like that? Working would obviously be better, but I'll just use them for display anyway....so not knowing if they work or not isn't a show stopper.

Any info would be appreciated..........and if you aren't comfortable posting just PM me. I'll keep your info confidential. I really just don't have a clue about radio prices and don't want to get burned.

thanks,
bob

[Cal_Gary]

Well Bob I'm not too familiar with the units you listed but I will tell you that I got partially burned on an AN-PRC77 I picked up for mine. I wanted a portable unit for security purposes that was 'Nam period correct that I could connect to my M37's antenna. I got mine used for less than $300 but it only works on the low side-won't power up to transmit a signal on the high side but was advertised as a working unit. I haven't made it a priority to get it fixed-still working on my brakes and body panels but I'll find a shop to fix it some day. Some of the other guys might have more detailed info but I wanted to share my story for whatever it's worth.
Gary

[w30bob]

Hi Gary,

Thanks. From what I'm seeing, the units I mentioned seem to be selling in the range of $100 to $150 each (plus shipping) in unknown working condition on Ebay. Looking at completed auctions there are some that sell for a bit less and some for a bit more....but that's a good average. Looking at the pics of the guts it's obvious these are tube units and I'm assuming that getting those working can be expensive....depending on the issue(s). I really don't want to invest a bunch of money into the whole radio thing, but if I find them on the cheap I'll pick them up as I run across them. So I'm just looking for some guidance on pricing. I haven't talked to any of radio collector guys selling their wares at the military shows and meets.....so I don't know if they're getting more or less than what I'm seeing on the auction sites. Again, not looking for specifics.....just ball park numbers to avoid unnecessarily lightening my wallet.

thanks,
bob

[sturmtyger380]

Hi Bob,

You might want to look for the RT68. It was in the frequencies for Infantry and can be used for communication today with a ham radio license.

Alan

[52 M-42]

Hi bob,

I'm a little late to the thread on this, but I have a number of the early radio systems that were installed in the M-37. I have complete A/N GRC - 3, -5 & -7 radio systems with almost all the accessories (antennas, remote & local operation boxes, the different mounts for the various configurations, etc). I also have the A/N GRR -5 and an extra A/N VRC -7. I have all the manuals for these radios (complete sets for each system and extras for the shop).

There are a lot of places on the internet (I can email you a list if you want) that explain the use and set-ups for these systems. I can also send you a copy of the PS Magazine articles on these systems if you want.

These "Boat Anchor" radio systems can actually be used if you have a HAM General Class license (not really that hard to get - I got one, after all).

BTW, John at Midwest has some radios, mounts, etc. He might have some of the harder to find stuff.

PM me if you are interested in learning more about these systems. I'm starting to get mine working and installed now that I've pretty much gotten my truck completed.

Good luck with your search, and let me know,

52 M-42

[w30bob]

Hi 52,

I 've just gotta ask......all my life I've heard about Ham radios and licenses, etc. So what really happens if I get one of these military radios working and start broadcasting without a license? Do the Feds show up at my door and take me away in chains? I always thought it was weird that you had to have a license to use the free airwaves. I'm not knocking the system....just trying to understand it a little.

thanks,
bob

[52 M-42]

It all depends on what you do. If you are interfering with police and military communications, someone will be on your doorstep VERY QUICKLY. If you are interfering with commercial broadcasts you will probably also get a visit; especially if you are causing problems with cell phones.

The whole thing is like an HOA. There are radio guys out there who's whole life is focused around "policing the airwaves". They live to report people to the FCC.

If you get reported for "little stuff" (failing to ID your station every 10 minutes, being on the wrong frequency, too much power, etc) you will probably get a letter or a phone call if you are obnoxious. It won't be too big a deal if you apologize and correct it.

However, if you are caught BROADCASTING without a license, it is a BIG EVENT. The FCC can hand you a fine that STARTS at $10K. Of course you'll have to go to hearings and maybe eventually Federal Court. Not a fun way to spend time.

The system is set up to be really easy to get a license and REALLY NASTY if you don't. Big carrot and a horridly brutal stick.

The radios are fun. The little 1/2 watt A/N VRC -7 (RT 70) are fun at meets and rallies (they only have about a 1/2 mile range so you probably won't get in any trouble). They also look cool, especially if they work. Some of the sets work on the 6 and 10 meter band so you can actually use them legally, if licensed (they are "wide" band not "narrow" band so the "watchers" get grumpy but there is nothing illegal about that, so they just have to put up with it).

A license is only about $10, I think and lasts for 10 years. Renewal is by mail with no retesting and is $10 for another 10 years. It's really pretty simple.

52 M-42

[w30bob]

52,

Thanks for that explanation........seems there's a whole "radio world" subculture out there I just wasn't aware of. I need to get out more I guess.

thanks,
bob

[w30bob]

Hi 52,

I would have PM'd you but I figure others on here might like some of this info too. I've spent a few hours now looking into the whole radio thing and I'm starting to get the hang of it. I picked up an RT-68 that's in nice shape cosmetically (don't know about functionally) and I've got a line on a cheap PP-119 that I'll probably pick up this week. But I've got a few questions for you.

First, I understand the components were grouped into sets called the AN/GCR 7,8 and 9, which included the RT-68. But did infantry every just have an RT-68 and a PP-119 installed in the back of an M37.....or was it the whole GCR package or nothing?? Reason I ask is it's a little more involved getting all the components for a full GCR set and I think having just the RT-68 and the power supply mounted properly to the troop seat might look good enough. But if that's totally unrealistic I'd like to know.

Next question is about the mount. From what I've read both the MT-297/GR and MT-299/GR might be correct for an M37 install. But I don't quite understand the difference between the two mounts. Do you know what's different about them? And did the MT 297/299 just get bolted to the troop seat....or was there another part (like a flat plate) that bolted to the troop seat first these mounts then bolted to. That might be a really dumb question......but I haven't run across any original pics of these radios mounted in an M37 to figure this all out.

And for those reading this who might want some more info on radio sets.....I found this website to be the best for a QUICK understanding of what components made up each AN/GCR....so check it out.

http://www.greenradios.com/Radios/Ameri ... y/Sets.htm

Thanks 52,
bob

[k8icu]

Bob,

If you haven't figured it out yet my handle on here is my Ham Call Sign. I've been licensed since Feb 1980. Original call sign was KA8ICU now just K8ICU. Name is Joe and 52 M-42 is correct. Getting caught operating with out a license can be as simple as a stop order or as big as massive fines and jail time. Also you could loose the radios and the truck if they are mounted in the truck as part of the penalty. Remember we're talking the feds here and they make the rules up as they go. When I got my license you had to learn morse code. Now you can get a license with just a little bit of studying and no code. Did you know that Joe Walsh of the Eagles is a licensed Amateur Radio Operator? I met him at a radio event we were both looking to by the same radio. I'm sure he doesn't even remember the moment but I remember.

As for the radios they are a lot fun. They are tube radios so finding the tubes can be a bit of a challenge. You can also try Fair Radio Sales in Lima Ohio. http://fairradio.com/

[w30bob]

Hi Joe,

You got me. I never would have figured out your handle is your Call Sign.......I'm just clueless about some things. Ok.....most things.
I read you guys loud and clear about messing with the FCC........I was just wondering what the real deal was. At this point I think the radios I put in my M will be for display only. Heck, I'm not even remotely near that point, but it's never too early to start learning about things. Joe Walsh, eh? That must have been pretty cool to see him at that event.

I've checked out Fair Radio and a bunch of other sites that I sent to my home email from work today. Seems most radio parts from the Korean War era are still available, the challenge is just getting a good deal (as always). Now that I'm understanding the whole military radio thing it's not as intimidating as when I knew absolutely nothing. Might even turn out to be a fun side-hobby.....if I didn't already have too many of those already!!!

Thanks for the reply,
bob

[refit1701]

I picked up an RT-68 and the PP-112 power supply at the nationals. The RT-68 is good for 38-54.9 MHZ which is part of the Ham Bands. To really get some use out of these, you'll need a PRC-10 which covers part of the spectrum the 68 covers. Then you'll have a backpack unit to use. I bought a MT297 mount, which are almost extinct apparently, to use with the radios. The MT 299 is shorter but not easy to find either. I think it only holds the power supply and the radio whereas the 297 holds the radio, power supply, auxiliary receiver, intercom box and something else I can't remember.

You'd have to have a reinforcement for the troop seats cause all that stuff weighs upwards of 100lbs.

I do want to put radios in my truck but first my mount has to be repaired. Radios have become mega expensive since the "preppers" decided to get involved.

[52 M-42]

Hi Everyone,

You can use just about any combination of radios you want in the M-37 / M-42 series of trucks; from a simple little RT-70 / VRC-7 to enclosed A/N VRC-46 Teletype set-ups that have their own self contained enclosure. There is also the Korean War - Early Vietnam systems (mostly tube sets) to Late Vietnam systems (mostly solid state sets). The tube sets are generally referred to as Boat Anchor Radios or Old Family Radios because they are incredibly heavy by today's standards.

There are 3 basic systems and their variants that I have focused on: the Artillery Command Group, the Armor Command Group and the Infantry Command Group.

These are the three systems that cover the communications from the Battalion up to Division and down to the company/platoon level. The A/N GRC-3 covers the 20.0 to 27.9 MC band (Armor), the A/N GRC-5 covers the 27.0 to 38.9 MC band (Artillery), and A/N GRC-7 covers 38.0 to 54.9 MC band (Infantry). Here is a website that explains it in much more detail and gives you a list of the components which make up each system.

http://www.hypertools.com/armyradios.html

Not everyone had all these components. The site above does an excellent job of listing all the variations, including mounts and accessories.

I've collected the complete A/N GRC -3, -5, -7, systems and all their manuals. I also have a couple of other radios (an A/N GRR-5 which receives TV stations, SW, and some AM Radio Stations) and a brand new, stand alone RT-70 (A/N VRC-7).

If people are interested, I can post some pictures this weekend and explain mounting positions in the truck, power connections, junction boxes, antennas, retransmission capabilities, control boxes (for switching between radios/speakers/headsets/microphones, etc.). In the meantime the above website should help demystify the various radio configurations.

52 M-42

[refit1701]

Please do!

[Rich Johnson]

Here is the radio in the back of my M37
http://richardsjohnson.net/id4.html

I also have replaced my bench seat in the cab with a new bottom and had half seat made and put an RT-524 in the center between driver and passenger. It faces the driver and has the crypto hood over it with a VIC1 tank intercom mounted on it for driver and passenger to wear headsets to talk back and forth and listen to the radio as well as AMFM stereo piped into the VIC1 via the audio input jack.

Check my website back again in a couple days, I will try to post some pics of the radio install in the cab. The pics are a tad to big to upload here. I tried.