- Seller: Mark H
- Location: North Royalton, Ohio
- Mileage: 65,151 Shown
- Chassis #: 91404319
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: Supercharged Chevrolet 350 V8
- Transmission: Turbo 400
You can’t get much more rugged or overbuilt than a vintage military-spec version of the Dodge Power Wagon. These trucks were built to get supplies in and out of hard-to-reach locations during combat, so they had to be capable and dependable. Unfortunately, this means that they aren’t well suited for modern road use. This 1955 M37CDN is one of the 4,500 built for the Canadian military but has been significantly upgraded by the seller, so it shouldn’t have any issue keeping up with modern traffic. It has been in their family for the past 40 years and while they have truly enjoyed this supercharged 4×4, the time has come to let someone else drive it, so they offer it here as a Barn Finds Auction.
When new, this M37CDN would have been powered by a 250.6 cui straight six rated at 78 horsepower and was paired to an Acme Model T-98 4-speed transmission and NP transfer case. Today, it is powered by something a bit more powerful! It’s been equipped with a supercharged Chevrolet 350 cui V8. The blower is a Wieand 671, and power is routed through a TH400 automatic transmission. To ensure all that power gets to the ground and that this Dodge can still traverse rough terrain, the 4×4 system was retained and works as it should. The electrical system has also been converted to 12-volt, so it can run/charge modern electronics.
The inside of the truck has also been upgraded, but it isn’t quite as radical as the engine bay. We find a pair of bucket seats, four-point seat belts, newer gauges, a Chevrolet steering wheel, and a B&M Shifter. It’s still quite spartan, but that’s not a bad thing. This thing looks like a serious machine. In our opinion, keeping the interior simple adds a sense of purpose rather than to distract from the driving experience.
The M37’s mechanicals were almost identical to those of the civilian roadgoing Power Wagon but with a different body. This means getting mechanical parts shouldn’t be difficult, especially with the engine swap. While the body lacks all the curves of its Power Wagon sibling, there’s something cool about all these flat panels and sharp corners. The seller doesn’t state how much power the engine puts out, but it should be more than enough to make for one incredible experience! So, if you’d love to hit the road in this unique truck, cast your high bids below. Take a closer look at the professional photos in the photo gallery, and if you have any questions for the seller, please leave them in the comments.
Bid On This Auction
JeffM bid $4,000.00 2024-07-24 11:21:05
Sikerd bid $1,250.00 2024-07-24 11:00:12
OnTheBrink bid $1,000.00 2024-07-19 17:10:05
One thing about the old drivetrain was keeping things under control at a slow speed. Now that it’s souped up how does it steer and stop? Otherwise it’s a cool looking rod. Should offer it to one of those you tubers for a proper test drive.
Steers and brakes not bad. It’s a truck for sure. Switched to 4.89 gears and Detroit lockers. Steers pretty good actually. I have power brake unit just never installed.
I would be happy to test drive it for you if you can arrange such with the seller. I’ll even livestream it to you for viewing pleasure.
How bad could it be?
“Honey, dial 9-1- and wait to see what happens.”
Would have been a perfect candidate for a Cummings diesel but it does look like the folks that had it at least cared bout quality and doing a nice job.
No such thing as a “Cummings” diesel. 😖
Cummins made a lot of different motors. Usually when suggesting a swap most people will refer to the 12V or the 24V. Either would be very nice in this type of rig.
Over the years, I have rebuilt a couple of barn find M37s, keeping them to military spec. I kept each a few years before selling or trading them off. Around 8 years ago I found a rare WW2 Dodge 3/4ton “Air Portable Truck” version in a junk yard and restored it to original condition, and I still have it.
The M37s are overbuilt, tough trucks but…… By modern standards they are slow/underpowered, with barely adequate brakes and no power steering. They are geared for low speed, and the original flathead 6 is (eventually) redlined about 55 MPH.
There are a number of companies that provide parts and services for M37s like: power steering, power disc brake conversion, and gear ratio changes. I have seen some nicely upgraded to diesel engines.
As much as I appreciate preserving military vehicles in original condition, M37s are not rare, and many are found incomplete or otherwise suitable for modification.
I like the truck shown here. It must sound fabulous when the blower sings. I do, however consider it a “work in progress” as it sits. If it were mine I would want to:
1) Upgrade the brakes to power disc. The crusty manual master cylinder and drums are really not up to the job.
2) If it is not already done, I would do the power steering conversion. These are not pleasant to drive at low speed without it.
3) Change the gear ratio in the diffs to be more highway friendly.
4) Replace the (potentially dangerous) old split-rims and narrow tires, and fit bigger buns/wheels.
5) The CDN truck came with removable hardtop. I would unbolt it, and go topless. Maybe buy a US style soft-top for rainy days.
6) This truck appears to have originally been equipped with a PTO winch. I would fit an electric winch.
There are several M37 projects available in my area. I am actively considering one for a resto-mod project. I would likely just mount the M37 body on a modern 3/4 ton 4×4 chassis. I would likely keep it all Dodge. I am torn between a hemi with auto trans or a Cummins and stick. The Cummins is significantly longer than the original engine and would take some engineering.
Now that’s a 4×4 after my own heart! Who said the Canadians are not our brothers are clearly wrong.
You know, being a regular on the site, I’m pretty much shell shocked as to just what will come along next, not much surprises me anymore. Same for this post. This SCREAMS imagination, and to a most unlikely candidate, I doubt you’ll find. This would get Sarge back to the base in a hurry. Is any of this needed? Of course not, but to turn a military machine into a supercharged hot rod,,well, they did an outstanding job, probably limited appeal but will certainly get attention.
At least the old 6 is gone, as it liked to launch the water pumps thru the radiator (1st hand experience in Viet Nam). Not to mention driving it w/out power steering or brakes! Only the weight lifter in the company could drive it.
Ruined it. Get the motor back right.
You will need a supply of spare rear differentials and axle shafts. I repowered one with a Nissian SD33T. yes 3.3 liter (Scout engine), and it would break axles if you weren’t careful in the lower gears.
Never Broke an axle in 40 years. Switched to 4.89 gears and Detroit lockers.
Another Bellybutton powered rig. The Chevy steering wheel is adding insult to injury.
There are lots of Moper and Cummins
(no g) engines that are overpowered enough to scatter axles and peripheral pieces all over the trail- it is a Dodge- in case no one noticed.
Thanks for the comment. It was my fathers dream to do something to it before he died of cancer. Didn’t want a parade wagon anymore.
I love it.thinking outside the box.
Well, that’s one way to limit the market for the truck.
way ta go w/these is ta throw the body on a dodge chassy that has the 12v (& allison (47re w/48 internals).
“…Today, it is powered by something a bit more powerful! …”
I’d say the 4L i6 was “more powerful” – its tq came in around 1500RPM.
(less tire spin on loose stuff, more usable immediate ‘power’). Yup almost 2 more L but way up there in RPM, not so useable (even on st). U gunna drive
THAT vehicle 60, 70 MPH for that power to come in/B usable? I’d not ‘race’ it cept in safety @ the track (& then, no thanks anyway). May B this is for a sled-pull event summer’s end/county fair?
Had to read this twice to understand, but I think I catch your drift
Wow. Got a chivy motor. Just wow