I have been eyeing up purchasing an M37 in the spring when I stumbled upon this vehicle.
As you can tell its been lifted. I did not want to go this big but it has a 12" lift, 44 inch tires. Frame off restoration 7 years ago. No rust, undercarriage was rhino lined same with truck bed. 318, with 727 auto transmission. Power steering, disc breaks, locker in front axle. Standard 5.88 gearing and 12 000 lb winch.
The bad is it needs a new canvas top and seats. That's all it runs great. Cost $5000, these things are hard as hell to find in Canada in good condition. This M37 I was going to lower down by 6 or 7 inches and drop down to 38" tires and 4.89 gears.
That's an awful lot of stuff to undo unless you're into the labor-intensive work. M37s are plentiful right now on eBay and the right one could be modified to your liking for less than tackling the M37 pictured here.
Just my 2 cents,
Gary
Cal_Gary
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004
Interesting dilemma you have there. If it's really that hard to find a nice M in your neck of the woods that does tilt the scale a bit in favor of you buying it. Finding an unrestored M and truly restoring it would cost you way more than $5K.......and take a lot of time and effort. It also depends on what "restored" meant to the guy who's selling it. It's obviously been heavily modified, so it wasn't restored to factory original.......what he probably means is it's been refurbished. Splitting hairs maybe, but if you ever do decide to bring it back to original it's gonna cost a bundle.......so there is a difference.
If you're looking for a modified and lifted M37 then it might be better to start with this truck, rather than find one needing a lot of work just to get it in good condition before you did all the modifications. Canvas is cheap, so I wouldn't worry about that too much. I'd be more concerned that all the mods were done properly. I'd ask why he's selling it and who did the modifications. I'd take it for a good shake down run to make sure everything works without issues........and then get it up on a lift for a thorough inspection. Oh........and if it were me I'd lose the German Iron Crosses on the back of the bed side and at the end of the hood lettering.....way more trouble than they're worth....at least around here.
Well I wasn't looking for a stock m37. Wanted a little bit of lift and maybe 37 - 40 inch tires. I just got done test driving it and thinking about taking a check to him tomorrow morning. At 50 mph going down the road rpms were about 2800 rpms and I let go of the steering wheel. It did not wander on the road at all, turns out he also installed power windows but the passenger one isn't working. Maybe bad motor or wiring, 318 was healthy but slight misfire, probably new plugs, wires and timing adjustment will fix that.
The power steering was a custom job and looked great. Front axle complete rebuild with new shafts, detroit locker, locking hubs. Rear axle is completely stock, thinking i should maybe tear that apart if i purchase it this winter. How much are canvas tops & new seats? also here is an interior shot i have of it.
I also think i would lose the cross at the back, skull and lettering. Just debating about what to paint there.
I'd look around, because they are out there unless this one suits your needs. You don't have your location listed and Canada is a big country. If you are on Ontario or Quebec, check out Kijiji for some currently listed. If you can't find them, let me know and I'll post the links. As noted in the other posts, expect to spend money on anything you buy or get one already done. The end cost won't be a whole lot different. I have mine for fun and like to work on them once in awhile, but they are neither 'restored' or 'rebuilt', just stock and 60+ year old CDNs. A few US models keep coming up on Craigs list in US states closer to Canada and importing one isn't difficult. Out here on the west coast, they are around but rust is our biggest enemy. Take your time and find the right one for your interests.
Jess
Another thing to think about if you are bringing this in from another province or the US will be the requirement to pass a mechanical inspection before getting it registered. This becomes a problem with some home built lifts and other modifications. Tires that extend past the fenders can also be a fail. Out here in B.C., the rules can be quite strict and its better to know before you buy. If its already registered where you live, you could get by unless stopped and given an inspection ticket. Your local 4x4 Club web sites will have lots of info on the issues related to modifications and mandatory inspections.
Jess
From the New Life website a canvas top will run you $375 and a set of 4 seat covers will set you back $172. Now if you're handy and don't mind admitting to knowing how to work a sewing machine.......you can make seat covers out of surplus Army pup tents for about $10.
Regards,
bob
PS Sounds like you've decided to get it. Don't forget to post some more pics!!
In looking at the beauty, I'm not sure the performance is there. A 318 and stock M axles with 44's? granted my stock 318 with 39.5's does well, I cant spin the tires as fast as I need to run the mud holes.
CalledInSick wrote:I have been eyeing up purchasing an M37 in the spring when I stumbled upon this vehicle.
As you can tell its been lifted. I did not want to go this big but it has a 12" lift, 44 inch tires. Frame off restoration 7 years ago. No rust, undercarriage was rhino lined same with truck bed. 318, with 727 auto transmission. Power steering, disc breaks, locker in front axle. Standard 5.88 gearing and 12 000 lb winch.
The bad is it needs a new canvas top and seats. That's all it runs great. Cost $5000, these things are hard as hell to find in Canada in good condition. This M37 I was going to lower down by 6 or 7 inches and drop down to 38" tires and 4.89 gears.
Any input would be great. Thanks!
It's a good buy really, if the 318 and 727 are in good condition you're set, all the good mods have been done (auto, PS, locker etc.) and it's not a huge job to take it back to 900-16's if you wish or keep the 44's and change the rear diff if you wish (or carry a pair of spare axles).
Personally, I would buy it but the guys are right, check the legalities in your area to make sure you have not bought yourself a traffic fine magnet....
Sadly I would be screwed at bringing this across the border. When importing a vehicle to Canada a truck cannot have a lift kit on it, or heavy modifications. So looks like I am back to hunting for another one. Oh well if anyone is interested in the M37 here is the craigslist listing:
Too Bad, but at least you know about those restrictions and didn't find out at the crossing. I'll assume you are in Ontario or Quebec but you should update your profile so we kinda know where you are in case something shows up that might be of interest to you. Importing from the US or the other way around is done every day, just know the limitations. You should be able to find a decent rig to suit your needs in your price range or somewhat less if you don't mind some work.
Jess
Home 
If it's really that hard to find a nice M in your neck of the woods that does tilt the scale a bit in favor of you buying it. Finding an unrestored M and truly restoring it would cost you way more than $5K.......and take a lot of time and effort. It also depends on what "restored" meant to the guy who's selling it. It's obviously been heavily modified, so it wasn't restored to factory original.......what he probably means is it's been refurbished. Splitting hairs maybe, but if you ever do decide to bring it back to original it's gonna cost a bundle.......so there is a difference. 
