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Hi Guys,

When doing the swap meet thing this summer I ran across more than one M37 that had steel cab roof supports in place of the two canvas straps. I'm talking about the two straps directly overhead when sitting in the truck that keep the canvas roof from sagging. The first time I saw the metal straps I figured they were handmade. They were simply flat steel with the ends bent over to engage the metal loops in the windshield and the rear bar that the straps would go thru. But the middle of the flat steel had an indentation in it that ran lengthwise, to stop the flat steel from bending. A corrigation if you will.

Then I saw another M at a different meet with the same set of metal straps. Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe someone just copied someone else's good idea. But then I read something the other day that simply mentioned "the metal cab roof straps" in an M35 discussion. Did the M35 use a metal strap instead of the canvas straps used on the M35? Or does anyone know who makes the steel roof straps for the M37? I'm not looking at the steel as a long term solution, but I don't have a top on my M right now, and the steel straps would really help support the tarp I have over the truck when it rains. Or when the cat goes to sleep up there. Anybody know what I'm talking about? I may have a pic of what I'm talking about somewhere....if I find it I'll post it.

thanks,
bob

I'd be interested in running these supports if they are a factory option for either truck.

Hey ZG,

The way the guys were using them the metal straps had a positive bow up, meaning they were pushing the canvas roof up and not letting it sag like the straps do. Funny thing was I know I've seen those straps somewhere before.....not in anything military related......but I know I've seen them somewhere. The way the center of each strap was indented (to make a smooth trench in the middle of the strap to stop it from buckling) tells me it was machine made. It's gonna come to me at some point where I've seen them before.......but hopefully someone will know what I'm talking about well before that happens. 'Cause with my memory it could take a seriously long time.

Have a good night,
bob

As good as they sound, in even a minor accident they have the potential to be an effective gilloutine, hardtop or all canvas would be the way to go, just my 5c anyhow...

MM

That's a good point MM. In my case she's just going to be sitting in the driveway over the winter with a tarp on her and the rain and ice have a tendency to collect on the top and make the tarp sag. I'm just looking for a way to keep that crap off there in the first place.

I was thinking hard last night where I saw that strapping material before. I'm leaning toward hanger material used for duct work, but not the simply flat stuff....or what they use to cross brace large metal shelving in the back.....if you know what I mean. I looked into what the M35 has, and it's a set of bent rods, not flat steel strap. So that wasn't where it's from. I'll keep thinking......

regards,
bob

I just want all the members to have a good time and be on the planet for a long time also, I'd hate to hear Bob got a crew cut of the worst kind.....

MM

You might look into this if all you want to do is keep a tarp up. There are large air pillows at pool stores used to lift the cover. They aren't very much money, get one, put some air in it and stick it inside the cab. Put your tarp over and unless the cat digs it's claws into it, you should be good.

Hi Guys,

Despite my wonderfully precise and impeckable organizational skills I was unable to find any of the interior pics I took of the M37s with the hard top bows I'm talking about. But what I did find was a pic of the outside of one, so at least you can see how the straps support the canvas top. I blew the pic up and the name of the guy who owns the truck is a R. Le Clair. I checked the Registry and Gallery and didn't find that name. If anyone knows Mr. Le Clair can you tell me how to get into contact with him? His M is a '52 and I took the pic at the MTA meet in Sussex, NJ back in April.

thanks,
bob


DSC02509 by w30bob

You might contact the MTA group and ask if he is a member. If not, you could try Redball as many members go to both shows.

Hi Warren,

Hey, that's a great idea. I've contacted MTA and we're discussing via email. I'll let you know what I find out.

thanks,
bob

The M35s had a MWO kit that came out in the late 70s or early 80s for their canvas tops. It was two 5/16 steel dowl rods that where bent into a slight bow and then bent like 90 degrees or so at the ends so that one end of the rod would slip into the windshield frame and the other end slips into the bow. To install the kit one had to measure and drill four 5/16th or like 11/32nd I forget the actual size and pop the rods in the holes and wahla you have an antisag kit for your top. Great to keep the top from sagging. I would think one could modify the bow rods from a M35 to do the same thing on their M37. Or make your own.

Hi K8,

Yes, I found on eBay the kit you're talking about for the M35s. I guess that would work if I modified the windshield frame and the rear bar.....but when you see how slick the metal straps are that I'm talking about you'll understand why I'd rather use them than modify my M for the M35 parts. I did get a phone number for Mr. LeClair from the MTA, but was too busy tonight to call him. I'll try tomorrow and let you guys know what I find out.

regards,
bob

Hi Guys,

I was finally able to contact Mr. Le Clair today, the owner of the M37 I saw at the Sussex show with the metal cab top bows. Turns out they were on the truck when he bought it and has no idea where they came from. We agreed that I should call him before the next MTA meet in Sussex this Spring and he'll bring one of the straps for me to measure and take pics of. So we'll get back to this topic in the Spring!

regards,
bob

Ok well we know that the military as far as anyone knows didn't make a kit to modify the M37 to to have the extra supports. Therefor I would guess that someone made their own set. Probably simular to the M35 ones but out of strap steel intead of steel dowl.

Hi K8,

Yeah, there were no mil issue metal straps for the M37 cab top.......I just found the idea interesting. I'm not sure if they were made or if they are for some other application and just happen to fit. But I'll find out.

The M35 rods perform the same function as these metal straps, but they're a little different. The M35 rods have round ends that go into holes in the top of the windshield frame and the rear cross bar. The metal straps required no mods to the M37 windshield or the rear bar, the ends of each strap are the same width as the canvas straps they replace and simply fit in the existing metal loops at both ends. Also, the M35 rods are straight with 2 bends in them, whereas the metal straps I'm talking about are a smooth shallow continuous bend or arch. But I'm splitting hairs......they're similar.

I think you guys will like them when you see them. Or maybe not.

Stay tuned,
bob