M37 Restoration (53-41242)

[Jes Andersen]

Having a new harness built will set you on your ear, and as Rob mentioned, there are some other options. When I got my first M37 about 40 yrs ago, there was no internet and lot of sources who had either a phone number or a small printed catalog. These days there are still a few of the old time vendor and a lot of eBay. If you look, there are reasonable prices but since most are in the US, it can get costly. John Bizal is one of the better US resources and there are still a few in Canada. You'll get to know them all by the time you're done. You likely know the differences between the US and CDN trucks but if you don't, I can give you the short list. Rob as both an owner and a maintainer would have all the answers. My experience is from learning the hard way in the early days with no manuals and only militia experience. Its all good fun. If you plan to strip to the frame and running gear, its a great time to do the wiring harnesses, fuel lines and brake lines. Brian Asbury had the wheel cylinders and some other parts that you may need.
We'll be following along on your new adventure.

[Wayne Hingley]

I had some time today to remove the canopy over the cargo bed. I cleaned out all the mouse turds and pressure washed the truck inside and out.
I also realized the last three digits of the CFR are 242, and not 842 as I originally thought (242 was stenciled on the back of the driver's seat, so I went back and rechecked the frame stamp - sure enough, I had misread it the first time).

A couple of holes were cut in the front left area of the cargo box... should be easy to repair.

[Jes Andersen]

Looks pretty good all cleaned up. The troop seats still being there are a bonus. The stakes are available from the usual sources if you can't find any locally. That is the first jump seat that I have still on a truck. With the door mounted spare, it would have provided and extra seat space. All mine have spare carriers in the box, so may not have ever have had a jump seat. If you are short a battery box lid and can't find one, let me know as I think I have a spare somewhere up on the shelves in the shed. It looks like a good solid starting point for a winter project. I have one ongoing now for more winters than I want to admit...

[Wayne Hingley]

Hi Jes; I have a battery box cover, but what I'm missing is the passenger seat bottom and backrest. I also need a tailgate and the spare tire carrier for the cargo box. I'll be on the lookout for those pieces.

As you point out, the jump seat is in tact and in good shape. There was a spare tire carrier in the cargo box (I can see the outline in the paint), but it was likely taken out when the canopy was installed.

Question: What are the brackets in the photos below for? There is one on each side.

[rob love]

You can patch the hole or simply unbolt the front panel and re-fabricate or replace it. Those boxes were great in that they were almost completely knock down assembly with just bolts.

[Wayne Hingley]

Originally Posted by rob love

You can patch the hole or simply unbolt the front panel and re-fabricate or replace it. Those boxes were great in that they were almost completely knock down assembly with just bolts.

Good point Rob. I didn't look closely at the front panel, but I did notice all the bolted seams in the box. Great design.

I didn't know much about these trucks, but the more I learn - the more impressed I am with the details and design. Even the quality and detail of the repair manual is second to none.

[Jes Andersen]

I think the bracket you are asking about is used to stow the fording kit stuff or to stow the bows when removed I can't remember and don't have the manuals here at the cottage. The exhaust extension and intake snorkel would be stowed there. Your previous under hood pictures show an air cleaner that I believe is the fording air cleaner. It draws from a snorkel pipe set up above the jerry can holder. The fording kits are hard to come by and expensive but pieces may still be lying around. I have a few passenger seat plywood bottoms and the backrest if that will help. As n alternative for the seat bottom, I could do a paper pattern and you could make one out of 1/2" plywood. Not sure about getting stuff to you but the MLU express does cross the mountains once in awhile.

[Wayne Hingley]

Originally Posted by Jes Andersen

As n alternative for the seat bottom, I could do a paper pattern and you could make one out of 1/2" plywood. Not sure about getting stuff to you but the MLU express does cross the mountains once in awhile.

Thanks, Ill send you a PM on this Jes. The pattern may be all I need.