I have been looking for a dodge WC51 or WC52 for a while. I don't know why, because I am at a pretty low point financially now. I can't afford to play with the toys I have. Anyway. one of my coworkers showed up with a picture of a "Jeep" her cousin had for sale. Since I have a 1943 Willys MB she thought I'd be interested. Her "jeep" ended up being a fairly straight and complete 1951 Dodge M37. I went out Monday to see the beast. According to the owner her husband bought it and drove it regularly until he died unexpectedly 4-5 years ago. She also said they pulled mobile homes around on their property with it, and thay they drove it on the highway some. I took these pics while checking it out.
For those of you who know more about these things that I do. What would this "steel soldier" be worth? We are in the negotiating phase of the deal. And I'll have to sell some stuff to get it too. Anyone want a '51 Allis Chalmers CA?
Check the pics out and tell me what you think.
To answer some questions.
1. the engine was free. I put it in neutral and by applying pressure to the fan belt with one hand and turning the fan with the other, I was able to make the flywheel pulley on the end of the crankshaft turn. no issues.
2. I checked the oil. Oil level was good and oil was dark, not milky or brown from having water in it. No beading.
3. I checked the water. Good water level in radiator and it was still green with antifreeze.
4. I checked the air cleaner and carb and they looked good. little or no rust inside.
5. I did see one mouse, and actually took a picture of him, but did not see any evidence of chewing on the electrical. Still 24 volt.
6. All four tires were holding air and were about equally worn and some weather checking.
7. The glass all looked decent, maybe some fogging but it was hard to tell with all of the green growing on them. The passenger side windshield had a hairline crack running diagonally but appears intact. Easy replacement. It is just a flat rectangular piece of glass.
8. Had no way of checking fuel system, and the cab was infested with wasps.....grrrrr. I did not get to hang around long inside because of them for me to check the brakes.
9. I was shown an picture of the truck before I went over and the canvas top was still intact. When I asked about it she said that a recent rain storm had made it collapse, but the the material is obviously dry rotten.
10. overall light rust pitting not too bad. A few places of repair needed. Bottom of drivers side door rusted out. easy fix though. Inside floor was solid. Bed appeared pretty solid but I did not climb in it.
hmmmm I think that's about it
For those of you who know more about these things that I do. What would this "steel soldier" be worth? We are in the negotiating phase of the deal. And I'll have to sell some stuff to get it too. Anyone want a '51 Allis Chalmers CA?
Check the pics out and tell me what you think.
To answer some questions.
1. the engine was free. I put it in neutral and by applying pressure to the fan belt with one hand and turning the fan with the other, I was able to make the flywheel pulley on the end of the crankshaft turn. no issues.
2. I checked the oil. Oil level was good and oil was dark, not milky or brown from having water in it. No beading.
3. I checked the water. Good water level in radiator and it was still green with antifreeze.
4. I checked the air cleaner and carb and they looked good. little or no rust inside.
5. I did see one mouse, and actually took a picture of him, but did not see any evidence of chewing on the electrical. Still 24 volt.
6. All four tires were holding air and were about equally worn and some weather checking.
7. The glass all looked decent, maybe some fogging but it was hard to tell with all of the green growing on them. The passenger side windshield had a hairline crack running diagonally but appears intact. Easy replacement. It is just a flat rectangular piece of glass.
8. Had no way of checking fuel system, and the cab was infested with wasps.....grrrrr. I did not get to hang around long inside because of them for me to check the brakes.
9. I was shown an picture of the truck before I went over and the canvas top was still intact. When I asked about it she said that a recent rain storm had made it collapse, but the the material is obviously dry rotten.
10. overall light rust pitting not too bad. A few places of repair needed. Bottom of drivers side door rusted out. easy fix though. Inside floor was solid. Bed appeared pretty solid but I did not climb in it.
hmmmm I think that's about it