new M37CDN restoration

Ewen B · #1 19-06-12, 05:10

Hello,
I have a 1952 M37CDN I picked up in Manitoba. It needs a bit of work to the electrical to get it going. I drove it home but the former owner was a John Deere mechanic and over the years is adopted some non army green parts. It was also wired over to 12 V. This truck was an artillery truck, and I assume from CFB Shilo which was only just over an hour away from where I picked it up.

My second truck is a 1954 M37 Cdn. It has the 1970s prairie camo paint scheme. I'm trying to find the proper paint to repaint it, in the same scheme. This truck came from just west of CFB Wainwright. It is complete with 24V. Just needs some cosmetic work, and passenger fender, and other odds n ends. I'll play with them for a while to get them up to snuff for some local stuff, but won't get serious with a rebuild till I retire and have a garage to work in.

I also have a 1980 M101A1 Trailer, which came from Edmonton. It had a mech brigade sign on same before I painted over it to hid the camo from my wife. I can't remember how many kids or loads I have moved with that trailer. I had the brake hitch welded together so it does not work, as it had twisted on me one day while moving a kid. Other than that it is intact.

Some names on this site I recognize as people I have met or spoken with over the years. I may even be related to one M38 collector.

I'll keep you posted on how things are going. With all the house work and rain I have not had much time to do anything. Don't worry I'll be looking for some part for those of you who are looking for another sucker to sell to.

Cheers, Ewen

Eric B · #2 21-06-12, 20:20

Welcome to MLU

Yes your name sounds familiar.

By the way there is a M38a1, GPW, M151a2, M100 and MBT in my collection but no M38. Even my loving wife knows that.

haha

Eric

Gunner · #3 25-06-12, 20:55

Hi Ewen:

Welcome to MLU! I owe you a PM about paint schemes...

Mike

Hanno Spoelstra · #4 25-06-12, 21:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunner

Hi Ewen: Welcome to MLU!

I second that!

Quote:

I owe you a PM about paint schemes...

Why not post them here?

H.

Gunner · #5 25-06-12, 22:20

Yer right, Hanno... and I will!

Mike

Ewen B · #6 12-07-12, 05:22

Well I have done some work on the truck, wanting to have it ready for a parade at the end of the month. I was lucky a friend stopped in and brought a pipe wrench and a couple of sledge hammers. A few hours later all my fenders were straight and I realized I did not need a new front right fender after all. It still looks rough, but probably the best it has looked in 40 years. I put a couple of coats of paint on it. Flat black where the black used to go. Kakki tan where the off white used to be, and a gloss green matched up with to a chip of paint off the truck at Home Hardware. These colours actually look pretty similar to the original when I waxed a sample area on the truck and wet it down to look new.

There is still some small work to do before I'll get some photos on the site. Presently waiting for parts to come from the states so I can get the brakes working. Biggest dilema is what call sign to put on it. It had
42A painted over by 69D. Not sure if this would be the same unit, but I would like to try and keep it original. I also put new wood and made some backrests in the rear. Next major cost for the truck would be tires.

So far the budget has been pretty good:
Truck $1,700.00
Paint 110.00
front clevis hooks 50.00
lights 100.00
muffler 68.00
brake kit.. 211.00 (and a whole wack of other little parts)

I have my eye on some other parts for it later.
stay tuned for some photos.
Ewen

Ewen B · #7 10-11-13, 01:29

Not much progress..working too much. I got the brakes working and put it in the Prince Albert Fair Parade. I was attached to the North Saskatchewan's Reg't display. Their pipe band was choking on my exhaust fumes and they had a Milcot following the band. By the end of the parade my brakes were gone and I realized a wheel cylinder seal is gone. I pulled my M101 CDN 3/4 ton trailer with a poster honouring the Korean Vets. Too bad nobody gave me a photo.
holbein nov8.jpg
Here is a photos I took two days ago when I went playing on the local ATV trails with truck. This is the ultimate ATV. The other one is at the end of a rainbow. (not a pot of gold yet..)

Monday is a big day for many of our website participants. "At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we shall remember them!"

Ewen

Eric B · #8 13-11-13, 15:12

Ewen

Don't bother looking for the Pot of Gold, you are spending it.
The Pot of gold is what you require to restore these things properly.

When you visit you can admire my Veteran plates

(That is... when i eventually pick them up.)

Eric

Ewen B · #9 20-11-13, 04:48

Actually the costs in addition to the above postings for this truck was another $150 for a new fender and some other small parts. I just could not fasten the fender properly due to the warping and a few bolt holes were ripped. I wanted it strong so that the Jerry can bouncing around did not loosten the fender on me. So the pot of gold really has not cost me much so far. Two pieces of flat glass have to be replaced, and I want to get canvas and bows. The biggest cost will be a new garage once I settle into the retirement home..whenever that happens. The truck is pretty solid, and is working out well.

I guess the one ton truck and the 20 ft trailer can be added to this cost but don't tell anybody.