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Painting an M37 and Navy Grey is what has been decided up with black markings. As used in a Navy shipyard in the '50's. I'm not getting into the shade debate, but, rather, the gloss discussion. I presumed, like the green colors, a semi gloss paint would be the standard. But, to my surprise, the major paint supplier and the various vendors do not offer a grey in semi gloss. It is either flat, lusterless, or gloss. If this were a WWII vehicle, the flat, lusterless would be my choice. But to jump to the extreme sheen of gloss seems rather non military to me. There will be a trailer in the mix as well and that seems like a lot of gloss reflection for the rig, especially contrasted with OD canvas and straps.

I don't want to get into a blend the two scenario, as that would take rattle can touch ups out of the scenario.

Were M series vehicles ever painted full out gloss paint?
Were cargo trucks and trailers painted a different sheen than jeeps and staff cars?
I'll bow to the experts.

You should dial up Mark Dodd at Rapco-he knows the skinny on all the paints.
Gary

From the RAPCO web site:

16081 Gloss Navy Gray A high gloss finish used on various Navy equipment from WWII to present.



36173 Lusterless Navy Gray A dull finish used on various Navy equipment from WWII to present.36173 Lusterless Navy Gray A dull finish used on various Navy equipment from WWII to present.


Not much help, but I guess I can go either way. I'm leaning towards gloss.

Gloss is much more rust-resistant, if that helps.
Gary

Not sure if it will help you decide on your paint finish, but I chose a high gloss paint and am very pleased with how it looks. I've included a photo, perhaps seeing it will help. Good Luck!
Dennis

Looks squared away. I'm leaning towards the gloss.

My 53 is a Navy truck, never been grey, always OD. I do like the gloss grey!

Most Navy base vehicles were gloss grey.

SeeBees tacticals used OD green mostly, at least from what I've seen in San Diego and pix from Viet Nam.

PoW