2 Mile High M37

[DCook]

I am looking for those interested in participating in an informal M37 gathering in Durango, CO. next summer. I threw out the idea, and several comments came in expressing interest. I live here, and have room at my place for campers, trailers, etc. We have hosted numerous Scout Troops and the like, at our house near Durango. A number of day trips could be accomplished from scenic easy drives, to as difficult as one might want to take an old truck! A close favorite is a run to "The Notch". The notch was cut out of the ridge of Laplata mountain on the West side of town. It was cut through the ridge to bring Ore wagons through on their way down the mountain. It is about 12,000 ft, and looks down on Durango. This is at Kanabec Pass, and at the South end of the Colorado Trail to Denver.
Please let me know if you have an interest, and I'll do my best to answer any questions.
Dana Cook

[52PLOWERWAGON]

can you post a link to google maps w/a point so we see distance ?

are you going to do this every year ?

would love to come but it would have to be in 3-4 years

lets see some pics

cant wait

[DCook]

Right now I am just looking for those interested. This is a beautiful area, with many attractions. But there are many of these places around our "Awesome Country". This is a "COOL PLACE" that is not too far away for folks in the hot Southwest.
I know this could grow into an annual event, if done right. It easily could attract Military Vehicles of all types. If there were more than a couple of guys interested, I'd need a little help putting it together. I don't have any Grandiose Plan at this point. However I sure would like to spend a little time with other MV folks to share the Knowledge, and enjoy making a few memories.

[carolinamv]

Id bring mine if I can find a way to haul it up there. I don't have a trailer that can handle it.

[just me]

My trouble is transport. I'd have to drive there and the heat this time of year is murder. M37 and M38 at 45 mph is a long trip at 100 degrees.

[Hal O'Peridol]

When we were driving through the West last year, I saw an M37 outside of Durango, top of the hill on 550 after the 550/160 interchange. It wouldn't hapen to be one of ya'lls is it?

[DCook]

The M37 South of town on 550 is not mine. It belongs to an old Gentleman who has one of every dodge truck ever built. His is a 60 something M37B. I stopped and talked to him just after he got it, and he went out and started it for me. It hasn't moved since. I do not think his health is good.
I understand the transport issues mentioned above. We have a whole year to pull this together, so we'll see what comes of it. I will post some pictures when I get mine running and up there. I am also interested in how altitude will affect it. I can not find any leaner metering rods for my F-head 4 banger Navy jeep, to make it run real good above 10,000 ft.

[52 M-42]

Thank you for the invite, but western Washington to Durango is is about 1250 miles by the most direct route. While I am sure my truck would make it, I'm pretty sure I don't want to spend that much time driving in the desert (I grew up in the desert and on beaches and I'm pretty much done with both).

Thanks again, though and good luck with your get together. The Arizona and Utah guys should be able to get there pretty easily.

[DCook]

I completely understand the distance thing. I'll continue to explore the possibility of a few guys getting together, and see what develops.

[rixm37]

I live down in Tucson and would be interested. I could trail mine up. I drove through Durango years ago . Beautiful place and the Durango and Silverton RR is there . I just retired so have the time to plan ahead.

[DCook]

Great to hear from you!! PM Sent

[52PLOWERWAGON]

I google mapped it yesterday and its 1200 miles one way and its gonna be a long time and a lot of parts before my m37 is ready for a 2400 mile journey

will I/we have to adjust carbs due to elevation ?

any one want to convoy to moab UT afterwards and hit some trails

[DCook]

I will let you know how mine does on the altitude question. I hope to have it up to "The Notch" above Durango before the end of summer. My F-Head 4 banger in my Navy Jeep is running way too rich for that altitude, but it is a stock metering rod Carter carb. with no leaner rod combinations than what I have in it.
You must have a lot of patience to consider a 2400 mile drive in your M!! However if you like to drive, there are some Awesome trips you can take while your in the Durango area. Then hit the Moab country on your way home.