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Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2014 4:57 pm
by F18hornetm
Funny you bought the set he mentioned. Well it would have been a lot easier to just glass bead a set and bolt them on, but never got around to calling and was off a few days so just moved forward with them. Had about 4 hours in them so not terrible really.
Update on progress, need to install parking brake lever back on, then on to body work. Slow this week as decorating our M151, M35, M813 and M931 for local Christmas parade. M37 will make next years hopefully.
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2014 11:43 pm
by Cal_Gary
Yeah, and I thought mine were bad until I saw yours. Nice job fabbing those up! I considered that but don't have the space or materials to do so myself. That's great progress you are making-thanks for keeping this thread active!
Gary
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2014 12:29 pm
by choppa
Question: has any one seen front fender, rear mounts anywhere?? Its the formed angle iron part that bolts to the frame bracket then to the fender. Both sides are very rusted and need replacing. Have an idea for making new ones but if were available would consider cost vs time making them.
I know this is a little late, but seen a set of those brackets on Ebay the other day.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Power-Wag ... 69&vxp=mtr
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 3:43 pm
by F18hornetm
Thank you, Yup already made them. Those look ok on eBay, Glass beading and would look like new probably. Bid and buy price not bad but shipping is a bit much. But they do weigh a little bit. Seems they are hard to find, glad I could just make those. All other parts I've needed so far have been pretty easy to get.
thanks again
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2015 5:35 pm
by F18hornetm
hey everyone. haven't posted in awhile, have been busy. But progress on the old girl has been moving forward. Got the top off ok and started on windshield. Found rust under windshield as well as around cowl area. So cut it all out. Here I made some cross pieces for the hinges to bolt to that will be under the cowl.
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2015 5:40 pm
by F18hornetm
Here I made the hinge brackets with captive nuts. After tacking to cowl using the old rusty part to establish height. I cut out the rusty part
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2015 5:44 pm
by F18hornetm
I made new pieces for the front of cowl edge and tacked in place. Also cut out sheet metal to make the new cowl top. Just sitting on there to test fit. Still need to cut out for vent and drill holes for hinges. I think I am also going to add a couple small pieces below the end edge seems. As well as on either side of cowl vent to stiffing cowl/
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2015 9:06 pm
by Cal_Gary
Nice work F18, impressive how you're progressing along!
Gary
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2015 4:57 pm
by F18hornetm
Few more pics. Worked on the cowl more today and made good head way. Added support braces at each end of new panel. Made up new new opening for cowl vent. Bolted vent to hinges to see if worked and worked great. Primed everything under cowl and tomorrow hope to weld new cowl panel in place. After that plan to move down the sides of each side of cowl and repair whats need and move toward the rear. Not much work needed on the rear bed, so hopefully go quicker. Those solid pieces of square stock and round stock in the pics are great for holding pieces in place. I have a bunch of then and use for everything.
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 6:37 am
by camoyj7
That's a lot more work than it looks. Nice work!
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 1:26 pm
by Monkey Man
That is true craftsmanship, magic work.....
MM
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 2:10 pm
by F18hornetm
Worked a bit more today. Got the cowl all welded in and the vent glass beaded and primed. It did get to see the light of day and took out and ran around field some. Plan on work ing on right side of cowl next. 2 spots that need cutting out and replaced. driver side is fine with only a dent. Here she sits outside, enjoying some sun. Wont be long and it can go play with its bigger brothers in the back ground.
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 2:12 pm
by F18hornetm
camoyj7 wrote:That's a lot more work than it looks. Nice work!
About 16 hours to be exact. By the time everything is cut off and removed, new patterns fitted, braces and supports made and welded in.
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 2:18 pm
by F18hornetm
Monkey Man wrote:That is true craftsmanship, magic work.....
MM
Thank you, that's to kind.
Ive been blessed working on equipment/trucks all my life. Made a living at it and still enjoy it. Although I am certainly no body/paint man. Not to many more years before retirement [I'll be 51 soon]and will enjoy getting up and just working on my stuff.

I have enough work here to keep me busy the rest of my life.
Re: 1953 M37
Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 4:25 am
by T. Highway
Very nice work on that repair. How did you make the channel for the cowl vent?
Bert