Posted by Paul (in NY) on Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 10:33:44 :
In Reply to: M-37 Opinions posted by Kevin on Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 07:39:57 :
What is a restored M37 Worth ? The word restored can have a very broad meaning these days. To me, restored means exactly as the vehicle left the factory for delivery to the customer. Better than left the factory is in my thinking not a correct restoration. And the value of any true restoration depends on the craftsmanship of the builder. It has to be seen to determine if its worth the asking price.
You need to decide on what is going to be the actual outcome for your truck. If your looking for a 'restored' M37 in full military dress as left the factory, then you want to buy a M37 that is well equipped. It will be expensive to buy all the odds and ends to do the job properly.
If your looking for just a nice M37 in Military Colors, and runs great, you can start with less of a basic foundation.
If your going to upgrade the engine/drive line, repaint in a civilian color, upgrade seats for comfort etc, etc, then you can start with even less. My M37 had a shot engine and tranny. I did not care as I was going to repower with a Cummins and Modern Drive Line. In fact, I did not care about much except for a sound frame, body, axles etc. I consider my 'M37vhm' as a reconstruction, highly modified and upgraded.
Your plans for a M37 will fit somewhere in the above, I believe.
Asking are the M37 and PW drive trains essentially the same is way to broad a question. I believe the answer is, No. They do share some of the same components such as Differentials, steering knuckles, axle bushings etc. Axle housings, axles are different. So no they are not the same. Parts for M37 are much more available from a larger vendor base and at much better prices. In some cases NOS sheet metal is still available.
This is my opinion on M37 vs PW. Power Wagons are rare and should not be highly modified, such as new style dash boards, custom interiors, at least from the outside they should look like a PW. Power/drive line/safety upgrades are OK. M37 are so abundant, I dont consider them rare. My M37 is very highly modified. I altered the body, cab, interior, engine and drive line, fuel systems, electrical, paint, seats, bumpers, winches, suspension etc. Its a one of a kind, built to what I wanted, my dream.
As to the value of a Restored M37 vs a Properly done Highly Modified M37.......who knows until cash trades hands. Some people will pay more for fully restored, some will pay more for a highly modified (done properly). I'll never find out since mine will not be sold. But a word of caution, building any truck with thoughts of selling to make a large profit can be dangerous.
When you buy your truck be it a PW or M37, dream what you want, and build to your dream, its your truck. And keep in mind that building any truck these days, which ever way you decide, is going to be bloody expensive. Be sure you have funding to complete the job before you tear her to pieces.
Hope this helps in some way.
Paul