Help me sort out my mixed up M37

[Texjun]

Help please. I purchased this M37 a few months ago and I have been going thru it to access what it needs. I finally found the Frame Serial Number with the help of a local collector. That is where my questions start to come up. Data Plate says it is a 1962 M37B1 and the frame Serial number says it is a 1952 M37. Cowl Serial number says it is a 1952. Attached are pictures of serial number. I am still going to get it road ready I just need to know what to call it. Can anyone shed any light on this Mystery?

 

[73m819]

Data plates change, frame numbers do NOT, you have a 52

 

[NDT]

Does your truck have the B1 transmission? I was tempted to say it is a B1 based on the very factory looking rivets on the serial number plate, but what is fishy is that the seemingly original USA registration number on the hood is vintage 1950's, and the faded OD behind the stencil is the same as the faded OD behind the 1962 data plate. So I will go with Ron.

 

[SSG Gibb]

52. Love to see more Pictures as you go.

 

[SteveKuhn]

I have exactly the same situation with mine, a '51. Nice to have company. I have a B1 cab, a '51 frame, and a hood from sumppin' or other. And it's all Army-done. You can tell by the consistent condition of all the pieces.

We talked to a couple of old-time motor pool guys about it and they all said that M37s in particular were prone to being rebuilt or repaired out of salvageable parts, often at the unit level where they weren't real sticklers for keeping numbers straight, and where a bunch of details like repainting and moving plates wasn't a priority. The frame number is actually what the truck was built on, much like if you were to repair your car with parts from a salvage yard.

Steve

 

[Ferroequinologist]

My 1954 M37 also has a B1 cab, however all the data plates match the frame, and it must have been done in service. Makes me wonder what happened to the original cab, fire? some one crush it?

 

[Texjun]

Should I replace the Glove Box Data Plate to reflect a 1952 M37

 

[T. Highway]

It's up to you but I would get the plates to match if your doing a restoration. Post up some more pictures.
Don't forget to enter your M37 Vin into the registry on the G741.Org site. The site is a M37 only forum.

Bert

 

[Texjun]

What is the difference between the M37 Transmission and the M37 B1 Transmission?

 

[mkcoen]

My 1954 M37 also has a B1 cab, however all the data plates match the frame, and it must have been done in service.

Ditto with mine. But that's okay since I like having the spare on the door.

 

[tbone1004]

some internal parts are different, they are bolt in replacements though and both are id'd as NP420. The Canadian Acme tranny's are much nicer though, especially since 2nd is syncro'd. Early tranny on left, late tranny on right

 

[GUNNY 155]

Sort of putting things in perspective think about the fact your vehicle is 60 years old. Forget what may have happened in civilian hands. In its military life it went through rebuilding at various levels, modification orders and possible repairs for combat damage. I agree with what one person said about the frame number indicating what the vehicle started life as. Bottom line is find out what you can about its history but most of all just enjoy having it!

 

[pwrwagonfire]

I have exactly the same situation with mine, a '51. Nice to have company. I have a B1 cab, a '51 frame, and a hood from sumppin' or other. And it's all Army-done. You can tell by the consistent condition of all the pieces.

We talked to a couple of old-time motor pool guys about it and they all said that M37s in particular were prone to being rebuilt or repaired out of salvageable parts, often at the unit level where they weren't real sticklers for keeping numbers straight, and where a bunch of details like repainting and moving plates wasn't a priority. The frame number is actually what the truck was built on, much like if you were to repair your car with parts from a salvage yard.

Steve

Thanks! This is good info!

 

[Texjun]

I have the older style Transmission, Thanks for the info.

 

[vtdeucedriver]

There was a MWO givin to move the spare to the door. There is no difference in cabs. Chances are your 50s cab has had the spare added to the door.

 

[SteveKuhn]

Now that's a piece of info I didn't know about. Thanks.

Now if the prior owners had just left it there instead of taking it off and stuffing carriage bolts in the holes . . .

Steve

 

[vtdeucedriver]

Now that's a piece of info I didn't know about. Thanks.

Now if the prior owners had just left it there instead of taking it off and stuffing carriage bolts in the holes . . .

Steve

That is too bad, the carriers are now getting pretty pricy. Ive got mine installed and at some point it needs to come back off and I need to install bushings at the hinge as its pretty worn and does not close well.

 

[jeepsguy]

B1 xmsn has synchro 1st gear.