1944 Dodge 3/4 ton truck

[vintage hunter]

A friend has a 1944 Dodge truck I'm trying to talk him into selling but neither he nor I have a clue as to what it may be worth. It has'nt ran in 5-6 years but the engine will turn by hand- it's not seized, body is in good unmodified condition with no rust or dents. Needs painting. According to the data plates and color it's seen service with the German military at some point. At this time I don't know what it might take to get it running but I'd like to try my hand at restoring it. Any ideas on what a fair offer would be?

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[Emri]

Do a search for the Military Vehicle Collectors Club. There should be someone there who could help with the value. As far as restoration goes, it takes lots of time and LOTS of money !! Ask me how I know !! There is a lot more to making a 60+ yr. old vehicle driveable than getting the motor to run and painting it.

Good Luck !!

Emri

[frogman]

I wish someone would answer his question, theirs a 53 Dodge 3/4 in my neighborhood that I'de like to make an honest offer on and restore.

[gtodan]

This thread is worthless without pics......

[Bill Hollinger]

I wish someone would answer his question, theirs a 53 Dodge 3/4 in my neighborhood that I'de like to make an honest offer on and restore.

The 1953 Dodge would be a M37. Again, value depends on a great deal. The M37 is not near as valuable as the WWII WCs but if you guys could post some photos I'd be more than happy to help.

[CINDERS]

Yes agree gtodan pics help as we may as well be blind like need them of the sub frame rails, engine mounts are the wheels free moving or have the drums seized then you get into the wiring has water had the chance or been able to enter the gear box or the diffs I know the Case back hoe I operated had breathers on the diffs I could go on but you need to go over it with a fine tooth comb.
As when purchased its yours and then you find it is going to cost you 3~4 times the amount paid to restore it not just a quick prime/paint and oil change.

To get a better idea on a full resto look for the thread on the half track dialupbeware on this site and see what a proper resto is all about there is another with a centurion tank as well gives you an idea of what your going to get into.

[Bill Hollinger]

Is it a WC 51 or WC 52 ? The WC 52 has a winch, the WC 51 does not. There is really no way to place a value on one without more information. That said, I will add that depending on condition, $500.00 to $5000.00. Pictures man!!!!!!

[Peter Laidler]

I'd use this tack....... Approach the man with an idea in your head. Ask him what price HE wants YOU to pay and let HIM tell you. After all, it's his car! If he does and it's higher that what you want to pay, either walk away or start to haggle. But at least he's set a ball park.

If it's lower, then shake his hand and buy the thing.

If he says - and I suspect he will, because it's the trait of a tosser..... 'what'll you give me for it' tell him straight.... £x or $x. If he starts trying to up you with no price, ask him outright....... 'is this a sale or an auction........' BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT IS TURNING OUT TO BE. But not only that, it's a DUTCH auction and you ain't got any idea who the rest of the bidders are - if there are any!

You just gotta be ruthless

Annanuvverfing too. Whatever you restore in a ground-up nuts and bolts restoration will never return your investment in my opinion as one who's done it a couple of times. Also, factor into it the 3factor. That is it'll take 3 times as long, cost three times as much, give you three times as much aggro but give you three times the pleasure afterwards

Just my take on things

[Hal O'Peridol]

Good condition complete running unrestored M37 about 3-4 thousand. The more rust, the further down the price goes. Parts USED to be plentiful for these, and cheap. Not any longer.