I ended up with an M37 that I am using as a camping vehicle. Quite by accident I ended up with a Korean war era setup with tent (purchased prior to truck), truck, and other items. I was interested in the M37 since it was larger than a jeep and I thought having a mil vehicle would be more fun than a SxS. I have some experience from active duty on reading a TM, but digging in past checking fluids is all new to me. The gentleman I got the truck from kept it in good shape and restored it beautifully so I don't have to do a whole lot. As I accumulate tools, and a hefty amount of reading and taking it slow, I am finding I understand what is going on with the various systems fairly well which wouldn't be possible (for me) on a modern car. So far, beyond basic maintenance, I have tackled the brakes, wheel hubs, and cooling system. I need to refresh wiring, work on steering, and rebuild the engine at some point.
The M37 is a blast to drive, I very much enjoy mine, but it does not move fast. 50 is about where I feel comfortable topping mine out but 45 is my preferred cruise speed. I plan trips to take backroads or 4 lane highways so I don't get a stack of cars stuck behind me.
Vintage power wagons is my favored parts source, they patiently answer my silly questions and have steered me right so far. Parts are wildly variable in price, things I think will be cheap are expensive and vice versa. Tires are quite expensive and not common apparently. It amuses me greatly to get parts made in the 40s-60s that are 'new', in the original packaging. I have not run into a part being impossible to get so far.
One thing I didn't anticipate is the attention it brings, people enjoy seeing this truck and I always get visitors when I am camping. Ill have to participate in some car shows I think, even if that was not really the original intent.
Gas mileage is atrocious at 6 MPG. Diesel conversions improve this, but I don't believe I will convert mine, I like it being the uncomplicated thing it is as originally made.
There is a youtube channel, Watson's Wagons, that details what he is doing to rebuild his M37. I have gathered a lot of information watching his videos.
The M37 is a good, medium sized vehicle that has enough room to haul stuff while being practical to maneuver on smaller roads, appears to be reliable/durable with maintenance, is easy to comprehend the various systems and maintain them, and fun. Downsides are its like a horse, may be inexpensive to buy, but expensive to feed. I really enjoy mine, its a project, but I couldn't be happier with it.
You mention you are in NC KS, I am east of you in Topeka region. If you find one and need to move it, it will be around $2k +/- if you use a transport company. Mr. Ronald Tomasso with Nationwide Transport Services LLC. moved mine and the driver he assigned got it to me safely.
