Does the M37 share the same pioneer tools with the WC's...?

[Argie1978]

I did some research and I cannot find the concrete answer.
As you might know here in Europe WC's are extremely popular. Almost all sites here list the tools (shovel, pick and axe) for WC51/52 or sometimes as "WW2 truck/Jeep tools".
I know the rack is different in the WW2 trucks, but I cannot tell for sure if this happens with the tools. I am assuming NOT, so this is probably a stupid question.

Just trying to avoid things like in this picture....

Oversized shovel shaft.

M37rack.jpg (124.44 KiB) Viewed 11380 times

Also never thought these are so darn expensive! (85€ for a shovel ).

[Murf]

I don't have the numbers handy but jeep shovels were shorter than wc/m37s 34 1/2"ish. Another issue is the shovel head shape. Everywhere I see m37 shovels advertised a closer look reveals a modern pointy shovel like those used on a humvee. The "drop point" shape has evolved over the years. Modern shovels are more pointed than those that were used on wc/m37s. They will fit in the rack if the correct handle length is used but not as snug as the original it was designed for, which sits straighter.
It's a matter of how authentic you want to get. If you are getting judged you probably want to take the extra time to find the correct stuff. If not, you can find stuff "close enough".

[ashyers]

The maul and the axe are not hard to find in the US. I picked up an NOS head for the maul for cheap and purchased a new hickory handle. For the axe I picked up a used one that fit well. For the shovel I purchased a used one and modified (shortened) the handle to fit since all of the stuff I could find was too long. I was looking for well fitting and functional tools.

Andy

[Argie1978]

Thanks for the info.
Good point on the shape change. I checked online and indeed there's a difference. Both at the blade's point and a folding in the upper part of the steel where you step on.
Just for enriching the info....

Shovel_comparison.jpg (111.3 KiB) Viewed 11335 times

Also the Humvee's seems to be slimmer.
I'm not going to be that detailed in this restoration. The question is just for fitting purposes.
Again, the truck is not intended for exhibitions nor parades. Nobody is going to judge (....still wondering how many on the streets will identify the truck as a Dodge).

[John Mc]

So is the WC shovel head design what we are looking for to get the best fit on an M37?

[Argie1978]

Seems so. The info I have doesn't declare if the tools changed from WW2 to Vietnam. Probably even the M715 carried the same ones.

[PoW]

The axe & pick are the same.

I've seen two different length military pioneer shovels.

The shorter of the two fit M37 racks, I'll have to measure one and report.

PoW

[Argie1978]

Ok, to put an end to this topic the M37 pioneer rack I have is 31 x 96,5 cm.



The shovel I got is from WW2 and is 94 cm long, the blade at its widest 23,6 cm; and when laid facing down the floor it elevates about 15 cm (big curvature). The axe is 89 cm long.



The shovel fits really well....if the ax wasn't there.







I mean, the handle's palm swell does not allow to sit underneath the iron stripe which would be the right way, even if positioning it a bit up on the rack).





But ain't no big deal, maybe polishing a bit I can make it sit.
Note that the axe is a repro from WW2.

I hope this helps another ridiculously meticulous person like me.

Edited: added an augmented and cleared pic of the shovel's blade when positioned correctly.

[PoW]

The axe handle goes under the raised hoop.

[Argie1978]

Hi PoW.
Even though I think that's wrong, because the handle has its own place to rest, I have already tried what you suggest (and took pictures).
The tip of the handle is not able to fit, and the head of the ax cannot get inside the holder properly.



The original axe must be 2 cm or 1 inch shorter.

[PoW]

Yep. The right tools are harder to find, and not at your usual hardware store.

[Murf]

Axe handle goes up into the top right corner. Anything else and the flat (aft) section of the axe will be askew from the rack flange that keeps it down in its pocket AND the handle should sit in the flattened out portion of the rack bar at the mid-way point. Shovel head goes under the loop on the right side. This is where you find the fitment issue I mentioned above about the shape. The originals fit perfect under the loop. This puts it over the axe handle end. Sorry for the squished look. I had to keep cropping and resizing to get it to post.

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[Murf]

Midway

20231118_111900.jpg (254.06 KiB) Viewed 10936 times

[T. Highway]

Excellent details included in this thread that I had not actually stopped to think about, Thanks to everyone for the replies.

Regards,

Bert