Hi Folks Have been lurking after I purchased this '51 M37.. I'm new to the M37 but not new to military vehicles, I completely restored a '44gpw and have a number of CJ2A projects (one is Ser.# 10021 21st civy Jeep made) I also have had a couple M38A1's. I have yet to pick up and play with my new toy but I just wanted to say hi and show everyone my new toy. It looks clean as anything just ain't the right paint. Please let me know what you think, I can take constructive comments and thank you in advance of anything that will move me foreword in my new purchase. http://brainerd.craigslist.org/cto/4598792965.html
I have yet to pick it up. Girlfriend says I have to sell some stuff before I bring it home...You know the drill I've always wanted on of these and I couldn't believe how complete it is. As far as I know everything works but the gas gauge.
There is a heater mounted in the cab on the passenger side, I'll have to get some pics of it so you guys can tell me what I got. I'm out of town for the week and won't be picking it up until early next week.
It has a fiberglass top on it now buy he has the canvas top and bows. How hard is it to find the top and bows for the cargo bed?
You can still find all the parts for these trucks, but if you want them NOS some get a bit pricey. But there's still tons of good used parts out there and lots of folks parting these trucks out. You're best bet for finding parts is to go to any military vehicle swap meets in your area or list what you need here on the forum. Most of the old codgers on here have huge stashes of M37 parts they'll never possibly use, and others have vehicles they're in the process of parting. Sometimes you need a little patience, but all parts turn up eventually.
Gas gauges are easy; top bows and side pieces a little harder and more $$$. The heater is a personal preference thing. The standard (or stock heaters) go on the left front fender. There is a fuel fired one for REALLY, REALLY COLD places (Korea, North Dakota, Northern Michigan, Northern Alaska) and an engine coolant heater for the rest of the world. There are a lot of heaters that can be "made to fit" under the dash but the passenger looses a lot of leg room.
I have an engine coolant heater on my fender. I like it. It is also covered by the manuals, so I have instructions (and a parts list) to fix it if I need to.
What you might find more helpful is a stock defroster duct and diverter box for under the dash. It will really help keep your windshield from fogging over on damp and rainy days.