M37 Build Records from Chrysler

[Kaegi]

well since M37s didn't exist in 1941 it must be some mistake in the vin you gave maybe?

[Gerry]

It has the correct vin.

[Kaegi]

that build card is for what appears to be a 1.5 ton truck with 160 inch wheel base and 6.20 gears. do you have the VIN number off of your frame rail?

[Gerry]

Yes the vin matches the build card.

[Kaegi]

this is what I come up with on the T137 decoders. Maybe the Mexican part of Chrysler had its own VIN numbers? it looks like the VIN card they sent has 1 too many numbers. I would write a letter back to the archivist at Chrysler and see if they can take a harder look into the file cabinets.

http://www.t137.com/registry/help/decode.php

[Gerry]

Kaegi,
Excellent info.Will be sending out a letter.
Thanks,

[Kaegi]

I posted this on a WW2 dodge forum where a guy there is very good at deciphering the build cards. He said the Mexico City Mexico is the delivery point and not the plant it was built. and he agrees that it is a much bigger truck than a 3/4 ton. it looks like the build card they sent you has one too many digits in the serial number for 1941, I think anyway.

[Gerry]

So your thinking that they accidentally added a number to come up the same as mine? Any idea what the standard numbers were for the trucks in WWII such as 800XXXXX is M37

[Kaegi]

I think you gave them the correct number but the build card number has 1 too many digits for WW2. I am pretty sure the WW2 truck would only have 7 digits not 8. All my WC 3/4 tons had 7 digits.

[06boblee]

I know this is an old thread, has anyone lately tried to get a build card? There is a link for the form, but it no longer works, I would like to get one.

[Elwood]

I know this is an old thread, has anyone lately tried to get a build card? There is a link for the form, but it no longer works, I would like to get one.

The link to the PDF form worked for me when I tried it a few minutes ago.

[06boblee]

The first link listed went to FCA homepage. I did find the correct link in another thread- and mailed out my request today. I'll let you know when I get a reply.

[townwagon]

There were a couple overlaps in the serial numbers over the years. I can only assume that Chrysler never figured the M37 military serial numbers would ever come in contact with the 1941-1947 FK4, FK5, and DE4 truck serial numbers. There is an overlap of 4900 trucks in the 80050101 to 80055000 range. Ask Chrysler to look again. They found the 1941 version first and stopped looking as they didn't know what your truck actually was. I don't believe they are unaware of the overlap.

Eric

[06boblee]

I received my build sheet from FCA today, was only one month, not too bad. They said that they could not decode the build sheet and did not charge me for the sheet! It is a little blurry- but I have it.

[Cal_Gary]

Looks about like mine and I got the same letter about the inability to decode; however, it has the USA number, engine number etc. which is more than I had previously. I'm glad I got mine as I'm sure you are as well!
Gary