Dodge M37, 1953

[Carter]

I did keep a complete photo and log record of the entire process that stretched over a 20 year period and had hundreds of shots on Webshots that were taken down when that site closed. Still have all just don't know where to repost them.

[HotTom]

That's a beauty!

One question: Is the driver's door tire carrier original or did you add it? I believe those were only on the Vietnam era M37B1s built from 1958 to end of production in 1968. The older M37s had the tire mount on the front of the bed.

I had a 1952 M37CDN (slightly larger engine, enclosed cab, otherwise identical to the US model) for many years. In fact, if you ever see the movie "To End All Wars," it puts in a brief appearance early in the film. I was living on Kauai and the film crew needed an Army-looking truck to haul around British prisoners.

A joy to drive but it generally only got 6 mpg, so it became kinda pricey to operate. I sold it to a Kauai firefighter, who probably keeps it parked a lot with gas prices as high as they are.

Only problem it ever gave me was a series of broken rear axles, which I was quite common. I always kept spares handy.

Your restoration is amazing! Thanks for sharing it.

[Bill Hollinger]

What is the WC 51/52 bed sitting on?

[Peter Laidler]

I was going to ask the same. What is the other truck in the left background? Anyone?

[Bill Hollinger]

Well the bed is a WC 51 or 52. It might just be an M37 with the WWII bed.

[Carter]

Sorry guys, been recovering from major back surgery and off line. Yes the other truck is a 1943 Dodge WC 52. I bought it in 1982 from White Owl Equipment, Kinston N.C. Rebuilt the engine. The hard top is one I made as I did not have a canvas top for it. Here are some other shots of it:

[RCEMERalf]

Canadian M37s had the door tire carriers, as I recall. They were still in service well into the late 70s.

[browningautorifle]

That's correct Ralph, we had them but not all of them had it. Some still had the tire in the box, against the cab. (3PPCLI)

[ArizonaBeagle]

Yours is mighty pretty......Makes mine look kinda shabby......

Mine in Viet-Nam 1965.......
Attachment 43854


AZB

[Carter]

One question: Is the driver's door tire carrier original or did you add it? I believe those were only on the Vietnam era M37B1s built from 1958 to end of production in 1968. The older M37s had the tire mount on the front of the bed.

I installed the carrier, the truck is a 1953 and I wanted the door carrier look as well as having another carrier for a second spare if needed, one in the bed and one "on the door"

---------- Post added at 04:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:45 PM ----------

Yours is mighty pretty......Makes mine look kinda shabby......

Mine in Viet-Nam 1965.......

Mine is only pretty because it has fresh paint, markings and is garage kept, not like yours in VN.