M37 Restoration (53-41242)

[Peter Phillips]

Looks amazing Wayne, I'm stunned by your level of detail! Maybe your wiper motor was built on 4/20 of that year, lol.

[Wayne Hingley]

Last week after topping the system up with coolant, I discovered a small leak in the top radiator tank. I removed the radiator and dropped it off at a shop yesterday, hoping to get a repair to the tank. Visually, the radiator is in very good overall condition and it seems quite solid. However, from past experience with old radiators, I know there can be more issues than what can be seen. As it turns out, my fears were real. After doing some basic checks the shop has discovered there are many defects in both the top and bottom tanks... too much to repair. So Im now now in the process of getting a completely new radiator manufactured for this truck. I knew this old radiator was a bit of a gamble... At least I wont need to worry about cooling system issues for a few years.

[super dave]

I had that also when doing my M37 years a go I took a couple of rads in to get checked as they looked perfect just to find out the the tanks had multiple cracks in them and were not worth fixing them

[Wayne Hingley]

Yes, that's it Dave. Mine had those small micro-cracks throughout both tanks. They said adding heat in the process of doing any repairs will make it all worse. I had a similar situation with multiple M38A1 radiator tanks in the past. The metal seems to get brittle with that much time and use (heating and cooling).

[Walde Libera]

I tried fixing used rads on my first restorations and always ended up having issues leaks and overheating.
We spend a fortune on the engine and skimp on the radiator to save on costs but in the end you’ll ruin your fresh engine rebuild.
Good call.
All 4 of my restorations have had rads redone, no engine issues whatsoever never had overheats even in the hottest weather.

[Wayne Hingley]

Walde; I totally agree.

[chris vickery]

Never a restoration without a full radiator re-core. That’s always been my mantra.
My seemingly good Jeep rad unexpectedly decided to dump on my garage floor one day even before I got around to starting my restoration. Gave me incentive to get it done right

[Wayne Hingley]

I received my new radiator back in May, but I’ve been slow to get my updates posted. I’m quite satisfied with the quality of the new radiator. The top tank however, does not have the same arched shape as the original, so it leaves a 1” gap between the top of the tank and the upper shroud. I made a small metal section with a rubber strip to fill the void.

[David Dunlop]

Nice work-around, Wayne.

David

[Wayne Hingley]

I have also finished the side boards and troop seats, installed the hood, glass, doors and fired the engine up yesterday. Some tuning to do and brakes to bleed before heading out the door.

[Mike Cecil]

Looking great, Wayne. Very skillful.

Mike

[Lynn Eades]

I have followed this thread. You have done a great job Wayne.

[Wayne Hingley]

Thanks for the comments David, Mike and Lynn. More to follow when we get out in the direct sunlight.

[Peter Phillips]

Great looking rig Wayne.....and the rad modification looks perfect! . Are you going to bring it by the previous owners place once it's done?

[Wayne Hingley]

Thanks Pete. Im sure Ill eventually make it over to the property where I found the truck. Maybe something else sprouted up in the spot where this one was found...?

[Marc Montgomery]

wow...beautiful!

[Wayne Hingley]

Long overdue update on progress. Still some tuning and various small items to work on, but its getting close. I also have a brand new set of NDCC bar-grip tires for the truck, but that will not happen for a few months.

[Mike Cecil]

Looking really good, Wayne. Well done.
Mike
PS: your place looks different without the snow!!

[David Dunlop]

Fantastic, Wayne! A result worth waiting for.


David

[Wayne Hingley]

Thanks gents. A few more photos.

[rob love]

Very nice Wayne. It's going to look even nicer with those NDCC tires on it.

[Mike K]

10 out of 10

I remember seeing one of these many years ago. Testing the memory somewhat ! But my brain is saying it was owned by a AMVCS member who had what I believe could have been the trials vehicle the Govt. had imported for a trial against the Land Rover in the late 1950s. From memory, the vehicle had a 318 Chrysler V8 fitted as a upgrade by the owner. In 1978, the AMVCS drove down to Victoria and we met them in a park near Tallarook, next day, a extended combined convoy ended up at J. Belfield's at Lysterfield. The vehicle may have been shown at a early Corowa as well. The owner had a habit of wearing Jodpurs.

[Wayne Hingley]

That's some interesting history Mike. I cant imagine a left-hand drive vehicle would be very popular with the drivers of the government trials in Australia. It sounds like the private owner got many years of enjoyment with the truck in the following decades. I admit that I had to look up "jodpurs"... Those MV collectors are an interesting bunch!

A few more photos.