Dodge M37, 1953

[Hal O'Peridol]

I found a 1953 M37 parked next to a local fire dept. Hadn't been run in over 10 years, but seems to be all there. Gonna try to pick it up this week.

[Peter Laidler]

Good on you Hal. Keep us informed pictorially of its progress. Great things to see. MY brother has an old 1945 Bedford 3-ton QL. It started its life out as an RAF one. Never left the UK probably and had been used in a timber yard for its PTO facility. Now restored to post war gloss finish c1955/56 BAOR/Germany

[Hal O'Peridol]

A few pics of the M37

Attachment 44130Attachment 44131Attachment 44132Attachment 44133Attachment 44134

[Peter Laidler]

Looks like a good, sound basis from which to start. Great things to see. Good on you!

[Hal O'Peridol]

Well, it is officially mine. Paid for and bill of sale in hand. Kinda embarrassed at the deal I got, but the seller was happy and so am I. He was glad to sell to someone who wanted to restore it and not soup it all up.

[browningautorifle]

Then well done that, now to keep us info'ed on your restore...

[RCEMERalf]

Just confirmation that browningautorifle was correct about spare tire carriers in the box of Canadian M37s. It looks like this was the case with cargo variants and maybe some others. Door mounts were found on specialty vehicles.
The trucks with which I was most familiar were outfitted for Mobile Repair teams. These served as living quarters in the field along with storage for tools and spare parts. As I recall, in Germany, they also towed trailers. Heavy assemblies, such as engines, were transported and moved around by the M62 5T wrecker. During the early 70s, we had not yet received the M113 Fitters vehicles.

[browningautorifle]

The tire took up room in there and we didn't have much. Also you got dirty off it. We lived out of the back, rucksacks and all. I envied the guys that had a cool truck with the tire on the door.

[Carter]

I saw your post on G741.org, good find and a nice truck Hal, you have a good vehicle to bring back to life. Many other folks like me have put them back on the road beginning with one that was in much worse condition. Please keep us informed about what it takes to get yours road worthy and keep posting those pics, we love to see progress shots. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Good luck Hal. Carter

[Peter Laidler]

Ralf will confirm that the REME/RCEME/RAEME/RNZEME et al fitters trucks were generally fitted out with all the creature comforts. We had a saying that nyone could live uncomfotably!!! Not us...... Up until the late 60's we also had half-tracks until they were replaced by the M113 (434's to us). The half tracks were bitterly cold as you couldn't keep tyhem insulated. An the Centurion ARV's we used to live in a penthouse flat over the rear engine decking made from a Bedford lorry rear canopy/canopy frame. Early in the morning someone would nip inside via the recovery/winch/commanders compartment and turn the engine on. It didn't take more than a couple of minutes until the engine decks were lovely and warm. The exhausts would be boiling gallons of water for a good wash and shave.

Good times.......... Not really! Good memories, yes!