M37 Restoration (53-41242)

[Wayne Hingley]

I don't know what was used as a seam sealer on these trucks originally, but there was nothing left on the outside of the cab. On some of the seams inside the cab there was a hard material that I can break off in pieces. Looks like it was originally installed by hand (like putty).

I used seam sealer on every seam on my M38A1, and will do the same on this truck to keep the water from getting between the layers of metal.

[Peter Phillips]

That seam sealer stuff is a great choice to upgrade the old iron before painting! That will definitely help in keeping the water out.

[Wayne Hingley]

Originally Posted by Peter Phillips

That seam sealer stuff is a great choice to upgrade the old iron before painting! That will definitely help in keeping the water out.

This is the stuff I’m using. I’m sure there are hundreds of different brands out there.

[Wayne Hingley]

If anyone is looking to replace the end plugs for the top rails of the M37 cargo box, I found some standard plugs at Home Depot that fit rather nicely. I tacked them in with small welds just to keep them from popping out. Sandpaper or sandblasting will remove the shiny coating so paint will stick.

My cargo box sides are almost ready for primer.

[Eric B]

Hello Wayne

Looking very nice.

Here are some Black Watch marked M37 photos as requested.

They are taken in CFB Gagetown and can be found on the National Archives of Canada web page.

[Wayne Hingley]

Thank you Eric for taking the time to locate these photos. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

The photos are very interesting.

If anyone out there can help, I have a few questions as listed on the photo attached.

The second photo is on parade, and the formation sign appears to be red background with yellow maple leaf.

The last two photos are one of the M37's that my father purchased from Gagetown in 1967. Similar marking patterns to the photos posted by Eric.

[Wayne Hingley]

Finished with painting for now. All the body parts, other than the cab tub and doors are painted and stored.

The remainder of the truck is back inside for further disassembling. As usual, I have fallen well behind my desired timeline.

[Dan Martel]

Originally Posted by Wayne Hingley

If anyone out there can help, I have a few questions as listed on the photo attached.

The second photo is on parade, and the formation sign appears to be red background with yellow maple leaf.

Wayne,

Sorry for the late response but I've just seen your thread for the first time today. I think I can help you with your questions about markings for your truck.

In 1958 the Canadian Army Field Force reorganized from an infantry division to separate infantry brigade groups.

According to Annex F, Vehicle Unit Signs, of CAMT 1-36 Vol III, the unit sign for the infantry battalions of an Infantry Brigade Group was a red backing with a white serial. The serials used were 7, 8 and 9, which were allocated based on the seniority of the battalion within the brigade group. As the Black Watch would always to junior to the Van Doos, the other regiment in 3 CIBG, their serials would be either 8 or 9. These instructions applied to all three infantry brigade groups in Canada and to the one in Germany.

The formation sign would have been for the 1st Canadian Infantry Division rather than for Atlantic Command. All of the Canadian Army Field Force units within the brigade groups were designated as a part of 1 CID. Non-field force units would have used the Atlantic Command shield. So you're correct about using a red rectangle with a gold maple leaf.

Now the light coloured squares are a bit of a mystery. I'm inclined towards tactical signs, which would have designated which company and platoon the vehicle belonged to within the battalion. But it's hard to tell from the photographs. I don't think it would make your vehicle any less authentic if it didn't have them.

Cheers,
Dan.

PS: I've attached Annex F should you wish to have a look.