g741.org

I dont usually get my M37 parts outside Vermont but I ordered the cab to hood welting from VPW. I was a bit un easy when the fastners that were sent with it were small tack nails. Knowing that my wiring harness ran near where these nails are protruding to I did not install them.

Today I found the correct split rivets at my Grainger and ordered 100 of them. Guess next time when it comes to ordering something, I will give John Bizal a call.

Just was a bit disapointed on the nails.

mine had the original welting on it, and they were held in with nails. I think on some trucks, the nails were correct.

I just removed that welting last weekend in preparation for sand blasting and also encountered nails holding it in place.

Tack nails are correct for the early series at least-I've had two early cabs and both had the nails. I also recall seeing them in one of my manuals.
Gary

The drive nails on the welt material is correct for ALL Dodges, WC and M series. No split rivets on the M37 welt.
John

As John stated, drive nails were the original equipment item. I don't use them either however, I like using the blunt end self threading sheet metal screws that fit the original holes. We get them with a low pan head, they don't stick up too high and they are a breeze to just back out with a #2 phillips screwdriver. The nails aren't so easy.

Well it has been 13 yrs since I took the truck apart. I certinly dont remember nails and I sure dont like putting them back in near my harness. It would be my luck that I hit it.

Back in the late '30s, the '40s, and the '50s, nails were commonly used to secure hood, fender, and trunk welting/seals on almost all cars & trucks. This may have been a "carryover" from the 'teens and '20s when all car/truck bodies were framed with wood, but it worked so perhaps no one saw any need to change it. Nails, screws, or rivets, it doesn't matter to me. They're all better than today's plastic bodies and glued-on trim!

My 46 PW had the twist fluted nails on the cab welding and the split rivets on thew cowl welting.