1963 M37B1 and introduction
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Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
More prep work just before painting.
Tony
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
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Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
Finally painting! How satisfying.
This week I am removing the cab so I can do some necessary repairs. Lets see how that goes. First time doing sheet metal work.
This week I am removing the cab so I can do some necessary repairs. Lets see how that goes. First time doing sheet metal work.

Tony
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
I have learned to de-rust and prime and paint small and larger projects on my own truck, but beyond that, like metal work, is beyond my equipment and especially my meager ability. There is something deeply satisfying in making some tool or object look good once again. Yours does. Eventually, you will spin and fire your motor for the first time. Nice work, and good pics too. Keep it up.
NV
NV
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Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
You are so right! Thank you.NAM VET wrote:I have learned to de-rust and prime and paint small and larger projects on my own truck, but beyond that, like metal work, is beyond my equipment and especially my meager ability. There is something deeply satisfying in making some tool or object look good once again. Yours does. Eventually, you will spin and fire your motor for the first time. Nice work, and good pics too. Keep it up.
NV
Tony
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
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Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
After a long time letting the red oxide cure, I applied 3 coats of paintable under body protection. I think this chassis will last another 57 years.
I made a decision on the paint color. After many, many months of researching and pondering colors and options, I decided to paint it "Early WWII Lusterless Olive Drab", code 33070.
I made a decision on the paint color. After many, many months of researching and pondering colors and options, I decided to paint it "Early WWII Lusterless Olive Drab", code 33070.
Tony
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
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Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
Thanks to my stepson and great neighbors, I removed the cab. Due to space limitations, I moved it to the rear of the chassis where the bed is supposed to be. Now I'll be able to work on some required patches. As you can see the previous owner "restoration" was done without removing the bed.
Once I'm done with it, I'll flip it and start working on the floor. The interior part of the floor was previously fix and it's good, but underneath the floor the job done was very poor and will require some cutting and welding. But this time, it will done right and time well spent.
Once I'm done with it, I'll flip it and start working on the floor. The interior part of the floor was previously fix and it's good, but underneath the floor the job done was very poor and will require some cutting and welding. But this time, it will done right and time well spent.
Tony
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
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Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
Believe or not, under all that caked mud and grease, there is a transfer case.
Possibly 40 or 50 years accumulating all that crap. This truck wasn't well loved. But that is changing as well. I still need to work on the transfer before is ready for paint, but it's looking 100 times better already.

Tony
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
Vast improvement, you are moving right along!
Bruce,
1953 M-37 w/ow
Retired Again
Keep Em Rollin'
VMVA
1953 M-37 w/ow
Retired Again
Keep Em Rollin'
VMVA
Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
Hey look at that, your power to weight ratio just went up!
I found on my truck that often the dirt accumulated inside crossmembers and cavities to the point where the bolts that protrude into them had rusted entirely away. That, or the captured nuts were wasted down to nothing from the retained moisture. Oddly enough the sheet metal was usually fine, but the fasteners were all junk.
I always get a kick out of before and after pictures with cleaning parts.
I found on my truck that often the dirt accumulated inside crossmembers and cavities to the point where the bolts that protrude into them had rusted entirely away. That, or the captured nuts were wasted down to nothing from the retained moisture. Oddly enough the sheet metal was usually fine, but the fasteners were all junk.
I always get a kick out of before and after pictures with cleaning parts.
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Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
Yes, this week was very productive. Thanks!m-37Bruce wrote:Vast improvement, you are moving right along!
Tony
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
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Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
LOL! Big time!RCrombie wrote:Hey look at that, your power to weight ratio just went up!
I found on my truck that often the dirt accumulated inside crossmembers and cavities to the point where the bolts that protrude into them had rusted entirely away. That, or the captured nuts were wasted down to nothing from the retained moisture. Oddly enough the sheet metal was usually fine, but the fasteners were all junk.
I always get a kick out of before and after pictures with cleaning parts.
Good call. I will be checking every bolt and nut before putting it back together. Thanks!
Tony
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
Looks great Tony-well done!
Gary
Gary
Cal_Gary
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004
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Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
Thanks Gary! Hope all is well.Cal_Gary wrote:Looks great Tony-well done!
Gary
Tony
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
Still isolating and masking up-thanks for asking!
Gary
Gary
Cal_Gary
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004
- Explorer0863
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Re: 1963 M37B1 and introduction
I made some progress with the rust repairs. Completed the first patch but it is not welded yet. I still have a few more repairs on this panel, then I'm flipping the cab and start working underneath the floor. Thanks to the donor truck, I am using the same steel from 1963 to make the patches.
Tony
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon
USAF SP/SF Vet
1963 Dodge M37B1
1955 Dodge Power Wagon