M37 Barn Find

[jeffhuey1n]

Been working on the truck the past week or so. Removed the Rube Goldberg winch/hoist thingy from the bed. Still bits and pieces that need removal but it’s gone. Pulled the solid front bumper off and reinstalled the split bumpers that came with the truck. I replaced the battery with a new one and she cranks right up. Won’t run because there’s no fuel getting to the carb from the gas tank. I used a trick my Dad taught me, pour a little gas into the carb. It starts, which tells me one the fuel delivery gets fixed she should run okay. I dug up a 12 volt fuel pump and I’ll scab it in next. While changing out the battery, I noticed there was a small cover attached to the “hump”. It’s held on by two wing nuts. I’ve got no idea what it’s purpose is. Pics will get posted the next day or so.

 

[jeffhuey1n]

Got a 12 volt fuel pump plugged into the engine. She started right up and purred like a kitten. Got some tweaking to do but I can move her about with more confidence. Here’s the pics for the panel between the seats:

 

[jeffhuey1n]

Found out what’s under the panel. The mechanism for the emergency brake.
Update: the panel was installed on M-37’s up to 1952. They were removed after that. That means the truck is much older than the title indicates. Hmm, I wonder if I can get it changed?

 

[jeffhuey1n]

She’s a might bit cold blooded. So far I can keep her running with judicious use of the gas pedal. Lights work, horns sort of work and the turn signal works although I’ll have to replace the little bitty bulb on the arm.

 

[jeffhuey1n]

I here by name her Bride of Frankenstein!

 

[love-horsepower]

I found a M37, I think it's a M37B1. It's said to be a 1966 Fairly straight, has a winch, heater and trump seats. Top is in poor shape. Little to no rust. It has a couple "upgrades". One is a V8 engine and the other is power steering. We've already shaken hands on the deal, just waiting on the paperwork.
here's a few pics. Any ideas what type V8 this is?

will get more pics in a few days.

Chrysler engine.

 

[BinderDriver68]

subscribed to this one

 

[jeffhuey1n]

Spent the last couple days replacing heater hoses and associated hardware. The truck had some real sad sounding electrical horns. I needed something much louder. I picked up a air horn set up some years ago. I dug it out, cleaned everything up and installed the two horns and small compressor. Nice and LOUD now Still got a spaghetti mess of wiring. It appears the previous owner was in the midst of a complete rewire when he passed away. There’s a couple bundles not hooked to anything. The metal has a shiny silver color and the coating is a white fiber material over a Teflon inner wrap. Picture is attached. Any suggestions on what these wires are made of? I’ve got an older M-37 wiring harness to use as a template to return the wiring to a more stock look.

 

[jeffhuey1n]

And the wiring problems continue...
The lights were acting up. Neither front ones were operating correctly. I went to start the truck and except for a slight popping sound, nothing is working. Battery is fully charged and the terminals are nice and clean. So, I’m removing all the newer stuff and keeping the older stuff for now. First problem I came across was a real bad connection at the alternator (she was converted to 12 volt). It was in very poor shape. So I cut the end off and did some repairs. Replaced the terminal end, put shrink wrap over most of the cable and reinstalled it. More to come...

 

[jeffhuey1n]

I’m not sure how the wiring job did what it was supposed to do. It’s a spaghetti mess! Think I’m going to call uncle and just replace the whole harness. Fortunately, thank you again hendersonj, for those harnesses! Now to make it all work again...

 

[jeffhuey1n]

Here’s the mess when I finally gave up:

 

[Roller]

Yikes!!! Go back to square one and rewire that mess.

Frank

 

[jeffhuey1n]

Yikes!!! Go back to square one and rewire that mess.

Frank

I started cutting out wires. Got most of the stuff out of the engine compartment. I’ve got a used M37 wiring harness. I also picked up a complete wiring harness from some unknown truck. It’s got all the metal connectors that are messed up on the M37 harness. Still got to dig into the instrument panel. That’s a King Rat mess!
Thanks again to hendersonj! I’d be stuck without him.

 

[hndrsonj]

Jeff if you need help let me know. Maybe you should just throw another flathead in it and use the harness I gave you???

 

[jeffhuey1n]

Jeff if you need help let me know. Maybe you should just throw another flathead in it and use the harness I gave you???

The thought crossed my mind. Unfortunately, there’s too many modifications done in the engine compartment to go back to the six cylinder. I appreciate the offer! Pretty much everything electrical is toast. Gonna be interesting to get it all working again. Here’s an example of a hillbilly fix:

 

[jeffhuey1n]

Last night I decided it was time to look for correct era front and rear tail lights. I have 10 or so older style light assemblies. Unfortunately, it was extremely difficult to take them apart. Screws had snapped off, water had gotten into the innards and just plain age related damage. After fiddling with some of the innards, I found two usable tail and two front light assemblies Some pics:

Yikes!!! Go back to square one and rewire that mess.

Frank

 

[jeffhuey1n]

I found two good tail lights amongst the box of light assemblies. Both have glass lenses and both have good wiring. One of the lights has two wires and the other has three. Been going through the aft wiring harness and almost have it ready to install. The forward harness is a lot more difficult to figure out.

 

[M-37Bruce]

I did Gamma Goat rear lamps, did turn signals at the same time. Turned out real nice.

 

[jeffhuey1n]

I did Gamma Goat rear lamps, did turn signals at the same time. Turned out real nice.

Do you have a picture of them?

 

[hndrsonj]

Tail Light (Early Style Solid Red Lens), M561 Gamma Goat & M129A3 Trailer, 10920548-1 / AC-12337

Early style 3-bulb tail light with cast aluminum housing and composite red lens. Commonly used on the Gamma Goat and semi-trailers such as M129A3. P/N 10920548-1, AC-12337. NSN 6220008801237. Has 24 volt bulbs installed. Item is new/unused. Factory original part, made in USA by Aurora...

www.eriksmilitarysurplus.com