new M37CDN restoration

[Ewen B]

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]

Here are some photos of the 1954 M37 CDN I picked up west of Wainwright. So far my neighbour and myself (mostly him) bashed out the fenders and running boards with two sledge hammers and a large pipe wrench. I tested some spray paints to match colours and took a paint swatch from the truck that fell off, to Home Hardware. They scanned it onto their computer and were able to come up with an oil based beauty tone paint that was gloss in the green I needed. Cheap option, and i then brushed away as they did the last time the truck was painted in the 1970s. Waited for some parts to come from the states and now have to put the fender back on. Life in a small town with no local implement dealers...hard to find the right bolts you need when you want them.

Here are some photos to look at for now. One from the trailer ride home, and two from the work being done in my driveway. Still having a dilema as to what call sign to use. Threw my old Black Watch licence plate on the front for now. Ewen

[Ewen B]

Got the truck into the Railway Days parade in Melville. I had a group of Air cadets ride in the back and hand out freezies. I had 600 at the start of the parade and told them to hand one to each kid and people in wheelchairs. Well I didn't have any left by the time I hit 1/2 way through the parade. Cute kids but got a little too enthusiastic. Truck was a hit, and I left it at the car show for the day as well. Still lots of work to do on it, but this is what it is all about. Hey, I even got the wife to ride in it a couple of times. Keeps missing 3rd gear, but I can almost leave it in 4th for most of the driving in town anyways.
Getting ready to Move north, so the wife said I can't play with the truck till the house is ready to sell...and sold...and we are moved into our new house...and I hope I get a yard with a big work shop....and now I am really dreaming.

Some more photos for you.
Ewen

[Casey B]

It looks pretty good from way over here! the paint looks as it should too. nothing wrong with the hand applied coat of paint either. the thicker the better! LOL

Noticed you have it insured with regular plates for Sask. may i ask what you have to pay for insurance for this type of Vehicle? I am in BC and the lower mainland so we still have AirCare which really sucks the money out of our wallets.as well the insurance is very expensive even when put at month to month or a period of a few months...and each time we have to renew we have to aircare for the next year. Not an idle test as for collectors plates or Vintage. I failled the collectors plates. It had dents all over it... Duh Some one does not know dents from the depression left by spot welds! Alas I am at a crossroads as to insurance...PM if you like for the cost if you would ablige me.
thanks... Casey from Burnaby BC

[Harry Moon]

.... vintage plates Casey, repeat after me.... "Vintage plates"... $70.00 a year for 2 Million liability.

[Casey B]

yes Harry V V Vin Vint Vintage Plaaaates there I said it...Hahahaha

[Ewen B]

Actually the plates are cheap.. They are standard plates but it is registered as an antique. Approx. $120.00 the year. This is without the extra carrier for glass, wildlife or theft. If I wanted that I would have to have the truck appraised as it is an antique. I have done some research and I have enough hours in the military (reserve and CIC officer) to apply for Veterans licence plates. Then I can also get custom plates done up...so once I am done I will pay a one shot deal of $5.00 to the legion to get the veteran plate. I then get the custom # I want for an additional $99.75 for two licence plates. (In Sask we only use one plate but I wish a second in case somebody steals the first). Then the usual registration fee noted above. That way the trucks will be veterans with their own custom licence plate. They served more time than I did, so they are the real veterans here, not me.

This is all available on the Saskatchewan Government Insurance web site: http://www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/reg...tes/index.html

The really nice thing about antiques in Saskatchewan...no safety required! But then again that could be why there are some old junkers still on the roads. Off to a car show (local A&W) tonight to show off the old beast. The wife will also be coming with me (To my surprise..and no she is not the old beast..haha)
Will get some more photos. I will be looking for bows, tarp, Ammo boxes etc to finish it off and ad as props later. I taught her (the wife) how to shoot a '.22 and .38Spl handgun last weekend so I better watch what I type...not that she will ever find this website...but you never know.
Ewen