Convince Me...

[bosco]

I would like the folks on this forum to convince me why I should buy a Dodge PW, specifically a M37. I've been toying with the idea for some time and am pretty sure I would like to have one.

I must say appearance wise, the M37 is very eye appealing, but how does it handle..? Are parts readily available..? Is the truck easy to maintain..? Wrenching is no problem, 'cause I've dealt with many vehicles and motorcycles in the past.

My primary reason for purchasing one (other than the obvious) would be for parades and shows. But at times I would like to take the truck on certain beaches for surf fishing. And these beaches are only accessible with a 4 wheel drive. But, I also would just like to be tooling around the neighborhood and see folks alooking.

I've looked at many military jeeps, and almost bought a 53 M38A1. And I am still considering this jeep purchase.

I've read many of the post on why ya'll got into the PW. Now, please convince me why I should.

I know I will get some very bias opinions, but what the heck this is a PW forum.

Thank you for your input..

bosco

[MoparNorm]

You'll buy a Dodge POWER WAGON, only if you want the most capable, toughest truck ever made. As far as M-37 or any other style of Dodge Truck, that is something that you have to convince yourself. Only you know your tastes, useage and likes and dislikes.
Parts for all models are not "easy" in the ferd/gm sense of easy, but they are out there. There are many sources and the number of suppliers continues to grow. The trucks are easy to work on, not much to work on, no superfluous, or redundant systems, no fills. Just a basic, tough truck.
Do what I do, get a Dodge truck and tow the Jeep with it!
MN

[Paul Cook]

The 12th Annual Texas POWER WAGON Reunion will be held April 23 - 25 at Pandale, Texas. Attending these events really helps POWER WAGON folks meet each other and share their love of these great trucks. They are a great way for someone who is interested to get started. There are enough different models to compare. Talk to owners about their choice. Ride in the different trucks. These events also provide an opportunity to buy or sell trucks and parts. Click on the link for more information

http://www.dashlink.com/~txpwrwgn/2004-tpwr.htm

The following notice was posted March 1, by Mac on Dodge POWER WAGON Forum #131. Mac's Spring Fling will be held April 15-18. 18,000 acres 35 miles south of Alpine. Camping will be available at ranch. Hotels and campgrounds with hookups are available in Alpine.Questions call 817 937-6580.

Attend an event. Become informed. Convince yourself.

[HWooldridge]

I would not want to run the Houston highways down to Galveston or anywhere else near the Gulf in a stock M37 or FFPW but it would be a lot of fun once you were there. I always trailer mine to where the "bad stuff" is and then off road from there - these trucks were not really meant for asphalt. I agree with Paul that you should really go to a gathering and talk to some owners. Ask nicely and someone may offer you a ride...

[bosco]

I really appreciate the feedback, thanks.

Yes, I was very curious about the parts availability. Glad to hear there are parts still out there.

The annual Texas reunion sounds great, but not sure if I can make it. Paul, I would like to hear more about the Texas PW chapter. I wonder if ya'll have any members in my area that would like to show me their truck(s) and discuss things about their PW.

I understand HWooldrige that riding the hiways from Houston to the gulf would be a bit rough, not to mention having to travel at a slower speed. I would trailer, just as with a jeep. I know those military tires aren't meant for the blacktop.

I'd like to ask ya'll a few additional questions regarding the M37. Just what are the going prices these days for one...? Keeping in mind the NADA rating system and the price ranges. Is there a rating system for the military M37 PW trucks..? For instant, what would one pay for a fully restored, recent frame off restoration..?

Also, what is the best way to find a M37..? I realize that PW owners may have a network and are more up to date on when one may go up for sale. My only resourse at this time is the internet and I seem to get a wide range of prices.

There are more questions I have, but don't won't to write a book here on this post.

Thanks again

bosco

[Bruce]

eBAY isn't the best place to start, but they are there. MVM, Military Vehicle Mag is another, as is Supply Line, a Military Vehicle Preservation Association publication, then there's Joe Cimmoch's Power Wagon Page;http://www.dodgepowerwagon.com/wwwboard/index.html

Somebody help me, I'm running out of ideas? When you go to ebay, type in, m37 for your initial search, it will surprise you. BTW, Please don't bid agi'n your mates and myself<LOL>! Just kidding.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that there is also a sale page here on Gordon's page.
Good Luck,

[chewie]

Bosco,
You'll hear from others, as opinions are popular, but my litmus test is $2500 for a running, stopping truck. It goes up from there, what with new this and rebuilt that, but I, myself, am comfortable with that starting point.
Chewie

[Paul Cook]

Hollis, I'm glad you agree with me about the value of attending a POWER WAGON gathering. Does this mean you will come to one?

I hate to put you on the spot, but my e-mails to you were kicked back for incorrect address. I have no record of one I sent through this forum - and no acknowledgement or response.

[HWooldridge]

Bosco,

Other than common sense, I don't know if there is a good way to determine prices and unless you are a good mechanic with all the necessary tools, expertise and desire, I would not recommend a buying a beater for your first truck. I started messing with Willys Jeeps when I was 18 and I'm 45 now with my fifth Jeep parked in the barn after a year of restoration work. My first Jeep caused me a lot of headaches as a teenager with no money or patience but the '54 CJ3B I have now makes me smile every time I drive it.

I looked for many years for my first M37 and passed on a bunch due to damage, price, etc., but finally found two of my M37's on eBay and the other two locally. One eBay truck was very complete and original but had sat in the weather for 18 months without running so had the usual problems. I did a complete military resto on that one. The other eBay truck was in pieces but more or less complete. We are working on it right now to use as a farm truck. The two locals belonged to a volunteer fire department, which had used them as brush trucks. One was in pieces and I sold it for parts but the other was relatively pristine and well cared for since the firefighters used it daily. I'm turning it into a welding truck for use in rough country. It will be used but not abused...

Another local one, which I did not buy, was rotten from years of road salt and in pretty sorry shape. The guy wanted more for that one than what I paid for the other four combined. I have also seen complete, running trucks that were nothing special in the $10-15K range. These were not fully restored military but some mongrel mixes of missed details and modifications yet the asking price was quite high. Some folks want insanely stupid prices for their stuff and sometimes you feel a little guilty paying what seems like chicken feed for a cherry truck.

I am a big fan of most military vehicles but they all have a "best" purpose for us civilians. I confess that the Jeep is usually easier to hop into and drive off than the M37 but the cargo truck does a lot more work than the little guy and turns more heads when I'm in town. Of course, I still want a half track but probably need to wait a bit for that one...:)

Good luck on your search. Hollis

PS - Paul, I don't know what email you are using but mine hasn't changed in years. I'll shoot you a note offline and give it to you again. Since I'm unemployed now, maybe I'll have time to make an event. Work used to take a lot of my time.