New Guy with a rusty cowl vent.

[lkirgan]

Hello all:

I have recently picked up a 1962 M37B1. I would post images but it appears I am not allowed to do that just yet. She's super clean, never been painted yellow or red, and shows very little rust. 24v with all working lights, all fording gear, troop seats, canvas cab cover and bows for the cargo bed. She also drives out really, really nice.

All that said, I do have some rust around the cowl vent. I understand this is common on the later M37s. In this case "some rust" translates into two quarter sized holes on either side of the vent. I've searched the forums for how people have approached this issue but can't seem to find any solutions.

Also, being an M37B1 the truck lists significantly to the right. I am blaming this on the lift spacers/blocks that are designed to compensate for the spare tire and driver. Are the blocks necessary for limited road travel? Should the list be significant? Just checking.

I have enjoyed reading the forums as there is a wealth of info here. If you have suggestions as to first steps in maintaining and prepping for restoration or things I should be looking into, I would greatly appreciate the input. I'm looking forward to this adventure.

Thanks,
lee

[powerwagontim]

Hi Lee,
I just went through the cowl vent deal. The gutter was rusted out so I removed it. The one on the parts truck was marginally better but not great. A buddy had a trashed cab with a pristine gutter so out it came. I sandblasted the pristine one, only to find that it was rusted through for about 12" around the drain. I fabbed up a section and had a welder friend glue it together and he spot welded it back into the cab. A long road, but I am very happy with the results.
I hope yours isnt as crusty as mine was!
Tim

[Bruce]

Your spring pacs can be re-arched or even replaced, most any full size truck shop should be able to help you out.
AB Linn had NOS Spring Packs a while back?