1962 M37/ M283 Long Wheel Base(LWB) Cargo Truck - Very Rare Variation of the M37

1962 M37 - M283 Long Wheel Base (LWB) Cargo Truck A Very Rare Variation of the Dodge M37 Power Wagon The M37/M283 Story: Quoted from "TM9-1840C M37 (et al) Facts. Figures. Photographs" by John Zentmyer (available through Portrayal Press and others). "On December 16. 1951. the Detroit Arsenal ordered four M56 trucks with cargo bodies that were fourteen inches longer than the standard M37. On March 3. 1952. one was shipped to the Aberdeen Proving Ground. and on March 4. two more were shipped to Ft. Knox and the last one to Ft. Bragg. The results of the testing generally were satisfactory. but no orders were placed until the mid-sixties when a small quantity was ordered for export (estimated by a previous owner to be around 138). This vehicle was given the designation M283 by MIL-T-10204A of March. 1954. " There is a photo of the M37LWB (Long Wheel Base)/M283 in this booklet. The M37LWB/M283 in the booklet has no markings whatsoever. Not even a star or APG (Aberdeen Proving Grounds) Test marking. etc. This truck was purchased by us in 2012 in a drivable state and relatively good overall mechanical condition in Tampa. FL. *More extensive detail photos of the truck as purchased in 2012 are available on request. For almost 2 years it was used around our home and shop to move materials and tow other vehicles using the large winch. The refurbishing and restoration process was started in early 2014 and was completed in January 2015. It was partially disassembled (cab was the only thing not removed from chassis) and any and all mechanical parts requiring attention were replaced and any necessary frame or chassis repairs were made. Engine was compression tested and required nothing. Body and bed sheet metal repairs were made correcting any minor issues. Some areas of minor rust around cowl vent and lower front of cab were cut out and replaced with metal from another M37. Troop seats. side boards and top bows were rebuilt with new pressure treated pine. heavily primed and painted. Entire truck has been painted - first using 2 plus coats of Gillespie ZP Primer Red Oxide Military Grade Primer and then applying 2 plus coats of Gillespie Semi-Gloss Enamel - Olive Drab # 595-24087-11LFD Military Grade Late Olive Drab Paint. The truck has a relatively new top installed by previous owner in 2012 which has seen little rain. All new seat covers from Beachwood Canvas were installed in January. 2015. New batteries. rebuilt carburetor. rebuilt fuel pump. refurbished/lined gas tank. new fuel lines. new brake lines. new muffler and exhaust pipes. new plugs. coil. nbsp;condenser. points. etc. . etc. . etc. Too much work has been done to this truck to list everything here. Complete details of all parts purchased and work performed as well as extensive detailed photos of the truck as purchased in 2012 and progress photos of restoration can be supplied to all interested prospective purchasers via email upon request to our email - spjeeps@etcmail. com). The truck comes with the fording snorkel pipe. new hose and breather assembly for the carburetor ready to install if you desire to do so. The extended exhaust pipe for fording service is currently installed on the truck. Truck runs fine. all drive train components work as they should. winch works great. Truck comes as depicted in the photos provided and as described above. Windshields are original as far as we know. nbsp;passenger side has some cracking in one lower corner - not enough in our opinion to warrant replacement. We have researched this truck quite a bit and are ready to share what we know. However. little information can be found regarding this variant. Florida Certificate of Title # 65742435 issued on 3/17/2000 to previous owner is included along with the Florida Vehicle Registration Certificate from an earlier owner dated 11/18/1999. M37 Registry Data with various Serial Numbers and Information is as follows: Don't miss it. - This is one hell of a Power Wagon. A comment/question was submitted by an interested party after the question about the data plate posted below:That's strange if its a true long wheelbase it should have a plate ? sure it isn't just an m43 chassis with a lengthened bed ?Our Response was this:I have never seen another xm283 and would not know what a plate on one would look like so I can't really say. If it was a build up - it sure is impressive. If what you suggest is possible. It would have occurred prior to 1999 and would have required a minimum of parts from three or four vehicles. We have accepted it for what it appears to be. In any event. nbsp;"It Is What It Is" one hell of a Power Wagon. Have you ever seen another like it? If so Please send me some photos and tell me what the data plate has on it. I'm curious. I post this in hopes of clearing the issue of authenticity. As far as what we found during restoration it all appeared original and factory assembled. But. we have found no records which could either confirm or deny it being a true Long Wheel Base M37/M283. You are welcome to come see it. drive it. test it. and inspect it. Give us a call. Reasonable offers from responsible buyers will be considered. The truck is listed for sale locally and of course will be withdrawn if sold. Please see all of the vehicle photo(s) as they are considered a valid part of the description. Request additional photos if you have specific concerns. Should you have questions on the vehicle. please feel free to contact us and address the issue before you begin the buying process. We are here to help. Southern Phoenix Jeeps 678-454-0153 - spjeeps. com We restore several vehicles each year and are ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Ask about things of particular interest to you and we will try our best to get you the answers you need. eBay Turbo ListerThe free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.