M37 Restoration (53-41242)

[David Dunlop]

WOW!

She’s come a long way, Wayne. Looking REALLY nice!

David

[Wayne Hingley]

Thanks David. Another step last night with getting the sides on the cargo box. Lots to pick away at now, as I can connect the wiring and controls. I’m also rebuilding the steering box with new bearings gaskets and seals.

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Wayne Hingley

Thanks David. Another step last night with getting the sides on the cargo box. Lots to pick away at now, as I can connect the wiring and controls. I’m also rebuilding the steering box with new bearings gaskets and seals.

In my experience there are three pivotal moments in a restoration. When you bring it home (and dream), when the rust and grease is finally all removed and it is all uphill (like where you are now) and when you crank her up and drive it out of the garage for the first time.

Great work. looks terrific!!!!

[Peter Phillips]

Looks great Wayne! I can't believe the shape the floor of the box is in after so many years, hardly a dent to be seen. I'd say you got very lucky with this old girl as it may of had an easy service and post-service life.

[Wayne Hingley]

I agree with you Bruce... those are the big milestones for sure. There are many ups and downs in between each phase. It is definitely nice to be done with all the dirty and greasy parts (clean hands).

Pete: I did have to repair some holes in the floor, and I banged out some of the bigger dents, but you are correct - the cargo box is quite good overall.

[Wayne Hingley]

Two components that I left in original condition are the battery box and the driver’s seat (other than getting new seat covers). The battery box has a patina to the original paint that I love the look of, and couldn’t bring myself to sand it off. The driver’s seat has the last 3 digits of the CFR stencilled on the back which was the only original marking I could find on the truck other than the tire pressure “40” stencilled on the inside of the passenger door. The other nice thing about the driver’s seat is when you remove the seat-back cushion the original semi-gloss OD paint is in perfect condition. A great area to get a sample from in the future. I get a bit of joy from these two pieces now that they are bolted back into an otherwise completely repainted truck.

[David Dunlop]

Nice little touches, Wayne!

Not always possible with a lot of restoration projects, but when it is possible to to do so, I think it really honours the actual history of the item being restored.

David