New Guy Looking at M37

[NCM]

Good morning everyone. I live in North Carolina, and have been lurking here and on craigslist for several months looking for a truck in the eastern U.S. I think I found one in South Carolina that looks decent (except for the 1980's van seats).

https://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5384560756.html

The owner has had it for four years. It came from Arizona so the claim is no rust. Are there any major items that should be on the lookout for mechanically with these trucks?

[w30bob]

Hi NCM,

Looks like a nice truck from the pics. I assume you're asking this question to mean what should you be looking for OTHER THAN the normal mechanical stuff you'd check on any other 60+ year old vehicle. I'd say check the following;

Play in the steering wheel when parked........this one is a bit subjective, but if you can rotate the steering wheel 90 degrees and the front wheels don't budge you've got issues. The smaller the angle the better.......I'd say 10 to 20 degrees is excellent.

Also check the play in the steering wheel when you're driving in a straight line........does the truck wander all over the place unless you constantly correct the steering wheel........or stay straight?

Inspect both differential pinion shafts........the seals shouldn't be leaking and there shouldn't be lots of backlash in either diff.

While you're under there check the universals in all the driveshafts.........things can get ugly when one of them lets go.

Otherwise I'd say the basic mechanical inspection (engine, trans, 4wd, etc) will catch the normal stuff. One thing I'd look at very carefully that's not "mechanical" is the condition of all the wiring. Even if some wires are just a little frayed or cracked you're looking at a good amount of money and time to replace it all. Because once you start getting into it for just a few wires you're going to end up replacing all of it.

For what the guy's asking for that truck I'd expect it to be pretty good to go in regards to all these things. I'm not understanding why he has a wooden spacer between the instrument panel and the dash........but I'm sure there is a reason. And make sure title is clear.

regards,
bob

[isaac_alaska]

It's not so much a wooden spacer, as a wooden "frame" that holds the sheet of acrylic that's protecting all the gauges from dust and knees

[NCM]

Thanks, all good info! I agree that the price seems a little high. I don't think this is a concours truck, so something several thousand dollars lower seems more reasonable.

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

Thanks Isaac........I see what you mean now about the instrument panel. Still looks a little "unfinished" IMHO, compared to the rest of the truck.

NCM.......I blew up the pics of the truck and looked a little closer.......it does seem to be a nice truck. I gotta give the guy this.......the easiest way to make an M37 look like crap is to spray it a gloss color over the stock bodywork.....which was none. To say the as assembled sheetmetal was far from perfect is an understatement. So to take the time to get the truck straight and then spray it with a gloss color says something about the previous owner's commitment. I wouldn't be surprised if the mechanicals are in just as good shape. It's a winch truck, which is a plus, and the only thing I see as possibly a nit to pick is the tailgate was replaced by a homemade flat gate with the pioneer rack installed. If it really is as nice underneath as it is on top.....and it's in good shape mechanically....the price might not be that far out of line.

When you negotiate tell him you're really looking for an M37 to show at the military meets, and thus you'll need to repaint in OD, buy a set of NDTs, find a tailgate (expensive), the correct seats...etc. Knowing that he may consider dropping the price a bit. But if you let him know you like it as is (which is a gamble when someone customizes a military vehicle) he probably won't move much. Good luck with your purchase...........looking forward to seeing more pics once you own it.

regards,
bob

[xm708]

I have bought and sold 20 or more of these trucks all I can say from the ad is

1. pricey
2. doesn't want to sell it because there is ZERO description if I were selling it there would be more than 3 sentences and definitely more pics..

deserves a look in person. don't buy too quick there are a bunch out there I know of one B1 personally on the outer banks of NC for about 7k although it is 100% original and garage not barn kept for 30 plus years winch hardtop and rear canvas /. If I had the cabbage it would be here at my house.

[NCM]

xm708 - Is the B1 advertised anywhere? Or, for that matter, do you know of any other good trucks for sale in the eastern U.S.?

I have been searching craigslist adds for several months, but it seems like all the trucks I come across are either rust buckets or they are priced at $15k.

Thanks everyone!

David

[carolinamv]

A high end nice M37 will be near 15k or more if its done right. But I bet you can get the price down a little on that one , paint it back Military if you wanted and have a good truck to start with.

[sturmtyger380]

Hey! That's right in my back yard so to speak. I don't need another one but could be boots on the ground to go take a look. Alan

[NCM]

Well, I'm heading down this afternoon to take a look. Sturmtygur, I appreciate your offer and am happy to have you along if you are free.

[Cal_Gary]

Belated "welcome aboard" to you NCM! Glad to have you with us-always exciting to go check out a potential purchase. Feel free to post your many questions-we've all done so in order to save these workhorses-you'll be glad you got an M37!
Gary

[NCM]

Update: I drove down yesterday afternoon and took a look. In my opinion it wasn't a $10k truck. Rust in the toolbox, rust bubbles on the body, torn or missing weather stripping, cracked glass, dry rotted tires, etc, etc. More importantly, this was the first time I've driven one on the open road, and boy was that engine screaming at 40mph! I knew in concept that 40-45 was tops, but I think actually experiencing it has made me realize that I would rather try to find a truck that has been modified for better road worthiness (engine swap, different gearing, etc.).

[RMS]

what was with the wood and plexi around the instrument panel?

[NCM]

I'm not sure. It was no longer there when I looked at it.

[RMS]

this was the first time I've driven one on the open road, and boy was that engine screaming at 40mph!

was it the engine or was the drive line threatening to tear through the floor ?

a stock m37 is best suited for ruff off camber tracks. it can plow through the roughest roads leaving all civilian 4x4s in its dust or stuck in its ruts. in my opinion any m37 that attempts to keep with modern traffic requires better than 6.65to1 comp ratio and 4.89s or <37.5in tires.