what to look for m-37

[BYTOR]

i got my eyes on a m-37 and was wondering what to look for... what is a fair price ect.. any imput would help thanks

[Nickatwork]

What kind of shape is it in, unrestored vs restored? Does it run? Does it have an engine? Is it missing parts(especially under the hood)? Does it have many non-military parts in place of the original(ie carb, trans, gas tank, whole engine, etc)? Are there body issues(dents, cancer, missing pieces such as tailgate, etc)?

A decent unrestored truck in running condition usually goes for between say $2,500.oo to about $4,000.oo depending upon the above factors. Older restorations but complete go for between $5,000.oo to maybe $6,500.oo. Restorations to like new status with all the correct parts, etc, can go over $12,500.oo. These are guesstimates mind you, but from what I've read since getting into this hobby, I thin kare fairly accurate for a going price.

Can you post some pictures?

[BYTOR]

trying to see the truck up close this saturday. thanks for the imfo...i will get pic asap...

[HWooldridge]

I have three of them at this point in time. Look for rust everywhere but they are especially bad behind the hood hinges on the top cowling. Another bad spot are the tool boxes and the cross member that is under that spot. If you can start it, listen for rod knock as a lot of people tend to overrev them if the governor has been tampered with. Brakes may be out since that happens quickly if it has been sitting for long. The drivetrain is rugged but the axles are the weak point and occasionally break for no good reason. If you want to do a mil resto, try to make sure the tailgate, troop seat hardware and any other bolt-on stuff is included as it's pricey to buy later.

All in all, the M37 is a very good truck for a lot of reasons - relatively easy and cheap to work on, big enough to do real work but small enough to park in most places and it will go almost anywhere off-road.

[Al Schneider]

Hello Bytor,
Are you familiar with "Military Vehicle Magazine" by
Chet Krause's publishing business out of Iola, Wisconsin?
The M37 was the featured vehicle in the August, 2004,
Issue Number 104.
The feature article spoke directly to your question about
what to look for.
Al S.

[BYTOR]

thanks al i will try to get a copy. i drove the one i am interested in buying today. what a beast. following some good advise in this post i looked in the key spots for problems and looked over the whole truck. no rust. everything works. the guy put gamma goat rims with 40 inch tires on it. he never took it off road. it has 30k orig. miles on it and it runs great. hope to pick it up sat.

[Nickathome]

Post some pictures when you get it.