During World War II, the successful WC Series served Dodge and the U.S. military well. It would be replaced by the ¾-ton 4X4 M37 in 1951, just in time to help with the new war effort in Korea (you’re bound to have seen one of these on the M*A*S*H* TV series). This example from 1953 is said to have been a civil engineer’s truck in the Army. It comes with a parts truck (rescue squad) to help get the primary vehicle back on the road again. Located in Milledgeville, Georgia, this dynamic duo is available as a package deal here on craigslist for $6,000. Our thanks to Barn Finder “arkie” for this tip!
The M37 would remain in production through the late 1960s and account for more than 115,000 vehicles. Mechanically, the truck would borrow from its predecessor, including its 230 cubic-inch “L-head” six-cylinder engine. Dodge managed to squeeze 78 hp out of the motor for use in the M37. By the time the M37’s day was done, many of them were sold to John Q. Public via government auctions.
We don’t know the more recent history of this ’53 M37. It has waterproof wiring which we assume was standard fare considering the terrain these vehicles may have served in. It wears its original 16-inch lock rim wheels and has an all-steel transfer case for its 4WD. It sports a Braden 18k PTO winch up front in case you need such a device in your line of work or hobby. The running electrics on the truck have been converted to 12 volts.
To help thwart rust (we assume), the bed and floorboards have been sprayed with a product by Rhino. The seats in the cab have been recovered in vinyl which looks appropriate for the job. The status of the truck’s mechanical health is not mentioned, so perhaps you can borrow parts from the Air Force rescue unit that came with the deal. That should provide you with access to a spare engine, transmission, transfer case, and axle components. If you were to buy the truck, what would you do with it?
Upgrade to a Cummins diesel?
Re: seeing this on MASH. Um, no. MASH was one of my favorite shows, however, generally, TV producers aren’t too savvy when it comes to accuracy with vehicles, hoping the audience doesn’t know, and for the most part, it works.. Fact is, I was told by a very reputable person, there could be a job for me in Hollywood authenticating vehicles for shows. Naturally, I declined the offer( me in L.A.???,,maybe)
Anyway, MASH producers used vehicles they got cheap or on loan, and some were out of date. Many were WW2 Power Wagons for the show as these were the ones used in Korea( anyone?) Jeeps too. Many times you’d see a WW2 Jeep, when the M38 was used.
This is a great find, and I complain there are no more backyard mechanics, but I know there are still plenty, and this has a slew of uses for one,,,,for now. Stuff like this is getting hard to find, I wouldn’t drag your feet on this one.
Yes, we had those left over from WWII, and we used them regularly in Korea, and in Japan. I’ve driven them because I preferred to drive myself rather than trust a driver. They were rugged machines. We also had backup generators that used the Chrysler engines.
Call me bat-faeces crazy but I’d rather see the parts vehicle back on the road. Food truck or put a pop top on it and go camping. Call me nuts but there is my 2 cents worth.
🗣️”Nuts” only because you asked me to. I feel your sentiment, but man that one looks a lot farther gone. Much bigger project in my humble opinion
We had one of these in my unit in Viet Nam. A left over from korea that ended up there. Tough truck, BUT no power steering or brakes. A real bear to drive, got your PT it trying to turn the wheel and STOP! It didn’t see much use as you couldn’t keep a water pump on them so ate alot of radiators. One vehicle NO ONE missed when new jeep came out.
Thank you for your service, wes,,
Convert to 2 wheel drive V8? Blasphemy! I don’t understand why the majority of writers and readers on an “old car site” hate old cars. I would complete it as originally constructed and drive it- warts and all. Is it more difficult to drive than a new $100k hybrid SUV? Yes. Does it take some thought and judgment on when and where it should be driven? Yes. If it’s too hard for you, buy a PT Cruiser- they kinda look like an old car.
Dammit, this site is doing it again, logging me out mid-comment,,,,
Hey Bunky, it’s not that we hate old cars, more like how they can be used in todays world. While the woody Power Wagon was state of the art for 1953, there are dozens of ways to get to grannies, most better than the 8 marbles in an empty coffee can feel exhibited there. Don’t get me wrong, every resto-mod kicks me in the gut, but I’ve accepted the fact, kind of, that nobody wants this stuff anymore, as is.
This motorcar has definitely seen better days.