BECOME A PRODUCT SPONSOR TODAY & SHARE THE PRESS COVERAGE IN 4Q2020! (click pic to enlarge)

STOCK 1937 RESTORATION OF THIS RARE DODGE PANEL TRUCK requires a team of industry experts to ensure mechanical dependability & historical accuracy. This RARE truck is 1 survivor of only 3,606 made in the Los Angeles, CA Dodge Factory (most of these trucks were lost to the WWII scrap metal drives).  A Team of Industry Experts assembled for a stock restoration of this RARE 1937 Dodge Panel Truck (1/2 ton Series MC).  Stored for 45 years, it has 38,000 original miles & 2 owners. 1937 Dodge “Build Records” for this actual truck indicate it is still 100% original; serial #s of the frame, engine, etc. today match! Join in the excitement of this historic project! (Contact info below).

 83rd ANNIVERSARY PRESS COVERAGE IN THE TRADE PUBS IS SCHEDULED FOR 4Q2020 . . . BECOME A PRODUCT SPONSOR TODAY & SHARE THE PRESS COVERAGE IN 2020!

~~~~~~~~~~ P U B L I C...N O T I C E ~~~~~~~~~~

© Copyright 1999-2019 Jeff Tyler. All rights reserved. The material and images herein may not be linked to or copied without prior written permission from J. Tyler; included is copying, downloading, and storage to any computer, CD, disk or other device designed to reproduce or transmit the material and/or copying for use on any website or on online auctions. We VIGOROUSLY protect our online copyrighted text & image rights against unauthorized use and unauthorized downloading to the fullest extent as permitted under US Law & the Federal 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act; user agrees to a minimum $7500 fee per unauthorized use of our content. We EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED FOR ANY PURPOSE & disclaim all liability for loss or damage that may result from use of this website. Website use acknowledges acceptance of these terms.

Copyright contact email: LegalDept(a)IdeationPro.com

1937 Dodge Ad for this Project Truck

1937 Dodge "Humpback" Panel Truck - these Dodge "Commercial Cars" were available in 1/2 Ton, 3/4 Ton, & 1 Ton. Data for the 3/4 Ton is as follows: 136" wheelbase; Inside floor length 115", inside floor width 56-1/4" (48" between wheel wells); Inside height 50-5/8". "Designed especially for business men who want extra-big loading room, with smart looks and economy."

This stock restoration project is for a 1937 Dodge 1/2 Ton Panel with 116" wheelbase. The particular truck located for this project has a unique historical background.


Our Favorite Websites / Blogs Promoting STOCK Restoration of:
1936-1938 DODGE HUMPBACK PANEL TRUCKS

● 1936 Half Ton = Series LC
http://www.1936dodgepanel.blogspot.com/
Starting Truck Serial #'s:
8,105,601=Detroit ● 9,287,701=Los Angeles ● 8,911,501=Windsor
Starting Engine #: T23-1001
● 116" Wheelbase ● Note: Series LCX = Detroit only, small bore.
Body Symbol (Oval Firewall Tag - Driver's Side):
Panel=H-2-3 ● Screenside=H-1-5 ● Pickup=H-1-2 ● Canopy Exp=H-1-4

● 1937 Half Ton = Series MC
http://www.1937dodge.blogspot.com/
Starting Truck Serial #'s:8,156,701=Detroit ● 9,247,201=Los Angeles ● 8,912,251=Windsor
Starting Engine #: T38-1001
● 116" Wheelbase ● Note: Series MCX = Detroit only, small bore.
Body Symbol (Oval Firewall Tag - Driver's Side):
Panel=K-4-3 ● Com.Sedan=K-2-3 ● Pickup=K-1-2 ● Canopy Exp=K-1-4

● 1938 Half Ton = Series RC
http://www.1938dodgehumpback.blogspot.com/
Starting Truck Serial #'s:
8,186,701=Detroit ● 9,251,001=Los Angeles ● 8,913,201=Windsor
Starting Engine #: T58-1001
● 116" Wheelbase ● Note: Last Year Humpback Panel Truck is Made.
Body Symbol (Oval Firewall Tag - Driver's Side):
Panel=K-4-3 ● Com.Sedan=K-2-3 ● Pickup=K-1-2 ● Canopy Exp=K-1-4







The vehicle's ORIGINAL 7-digit MoPar Serial Number (a.k.a. VIN - Vehicle Identification Number) is factory located in TWO places on the vehicle:

• 1/8" tall hand-stamped numbers on the 2"x 4" zinc Serial Number Plate located on the firewall cowl, in the engine compartment, above the steering column (see photo above). Note: both plates are held in place with #6 x 3/16" pan head screws (not with rivets).
• 1/2" tall hand-stamped numbers on the frame, located on driver's side, immediately above the forward shackle of the front spring, visible on the side of the frame facing outwards (e.g. easily viewed from under the front fender). Having been hand-stamped, these numbers may be faint or struck with uneven depth within a single digit. The font style is sans-serif (somewhat similar to the Estrangelo Edessa font style).

Obviously, BOTH of these 7-digit numbers should match each other on any one vehicle -AND- that vehicle's serial number should fall within the numerical ranges published for its model year in the MoPar "Model Chart and Serial Number Guide" issued to MoPar dealers (refer to: Chrysler Motors Corporation's 1950 publication D-12784; 50 pages cover Dodge, Plymouth, DeSoto and Chrysler serial numbers for all models from the 1920's through 1950).

Mock-up of the Finished Project Truck (click pic to enlarge)

THE ORIGINAL PAINT SCHEME: Although this yellow was not a stock Dodge color offered in 1937, the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads (BPR) custom ordered this color. It was no doubt selected for its high visibility (BPR research that led to the color of our current roadside warning signs fostered the selection of this unusual original truck color in 1937).

At that time, the BPR was surveying and building rural highways between major US cities. However, the BPR also built roads in our national parks in partnership with the US National Park Service; these were Depression era WPA projects. for example, in Yosemite National Park, the Wawona Tunnel project was completed in 1936 and the the Glacier Point road project was surveyed in 1937.

This Dodge Panel Truck was likely used for "location projects" by "levelers" and the field "materials lab" since they carried surveying equipment that needed to be protected from the weather. Other uses would include "traffic studies" and related types of R&D work. The BPR evolved into today's Federal Highway Administration under the Department of Transportaion (DOT). Today's DOT website refers to the BPR's use of mid-1930's Dodge trucks because of the truck's "dependability" in the rugged mountain terrain of the western Sierra Range.

Chrysler Museum - 1937 Dodge Humpback

AFTER - one of the few surviving restored specimans; this is the vision of what is to be. (Courtesy of the Chrysler Historical Collection).

Project - 1937 Dodge Humpback

Above: Body Sheet Metal Repair & Frame Completed.

This truck is 1 of ONLY 2 known 1936-1938 Dodge Panel Trucks
with the RARE factory coachbuilder-made Carryall rear dual-window
conversion (re: also done to adapt this 1/2 ton truck for School Bus use).
In 1939 Dodge made this Carryall rear dual-window set-up a standard
model starting with the 1939 Power Wagon T202 VC-6 trucks.

Above: Body & Frame as found.  Note Factory Rear Window Conversion.

BEFORE - A team of Industry Experts has assembled to restore this extremely rare "cream puff" to stock 1937 condition. When completed, it will rival it's maroon companion currently in the Chrysler Historical Collection. (Photo: June 2004)

Chrysler Museum - 1937 Dodge Humpback

AFTER - Front per the "vision". (Courtesy of the Chrysler Historical Collection).

Project - 1937 Dodge Humpback

 Above: Body Sheet Metal Repair & Frame Completed.

Above: Body & Frame as found.

BEFORE - Front View as of June 2004.

Chrysler Museum - 1937 Dodge Humpback

AFTER - Passenger side per the "vision". (Courtesy of the Chrysler Historical Collection).

Project - 1937 Dodge Humpback

 Above: Body Sheet Metal Repair & Frame Completed.

Above: Body & Frame as found.  Note Factory Rear Window Conversion

BEFORE - Passenger side as of June 2004.

Paint Color Schemes Under Consideration (click pic to enlarge)

PAINT SCHEMES UNDER CONSIDERATION:
“ TOP - the original 1937 yellow paint custom ordered from Dodge by the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads . . . .
“ BOTTOM - a more traditional Dodge paint job using the 1937 Ditzco synthetic enamel colors: Cream Color Light (QDE-267) upper body; Kiltie Green (No. 4) / Huntsman Green (QDE-68) horizontal raised body panel stripe; Milori Green / Bay Green (QDE-24) lower body, recessed rear panel and wheels; and Black fenders. Business signage in the rear panel recess will be done in Gold Leaf lettering.

The ORIGINAL 1937 First Owner Custom Ordered this Truck from Dodge

The ORIGINAL 1937 color of this truck is Yellow (see lower photo), however it is not a match to one of the stock 1937 Dodge Truck colors (see upper photo). A stock Dodge paint job was black fenders and running board with a body color selected from these paint chips. However, 1937 "Build Records" indicate the Los Angeles, CA factory shipped this particular truck painted only with "Primer" to the dealership . . . it was then painted 100% Yellow (even the bright stainless trim molding was painted Yellow). This was typical of trucks ordered with "custom" paint jobs for government service and the like . . . but which agency ordered this custom paint job? (The 1937 Dodge dealership was Osen Motor Sales in San Jose, CA. - see dealership photo below).

U.S. Bureau of Public Roads - Likely 1st Owner of this 1937 Dodge Humpback

Circa 1937 U.S. Government Property Tag original to the Dodge 1937 Panel Truck, decoded as follows:
“ Serial Number, "621362" = 6 digits unique to the US Government (instead, Dodge used 7 digit serial numbers from 9247201 to 9250807 as the VIN).
“ Engine Number, "38" = the Dodge T-38 engine (straight 6 cylinder, 218 cid, 75-hp)
“ Engine Number, "14118" = the Dodge serial number of the specific T-38 engine in this truck.
“ Type, "1/2T" = half ton (the weight class of this 116-in wheelbase truck).
“ Model, "MC" = Dodge Commercial Series MC Truck (built only in 1937).
“ Plaque measures 3-3/4"W x 1-7/8"H on 0.046" brass stock . . . and indicates that the custom Yellow color of this truck was special ordered for the US Government in 1937. Jokingly known as the "Bureau of Parallel Ruts", the Bureau of Public Roads evolved into today's Federal Highway Administration now under the U.S. Department of Transportation. (Our gratitude to H. & T. Wallace of Camas, WA).

The ORIGINAL 1937 Build Record for the Truck

The ORIGINAL 1937 BUILD RECORD for the 1937 Dodge Panel Truck! This is the actual work order that followed the truck down the Dodge production line in 1937 . . . and today, ALL of the matching serial numbers are still intact (re: VIN, motor number, body number all match the build record). The Build Record indicates this vehicle was finished on 6-29-37 and shipped via rail to Osen Motor Sales of San Jose, CA (Osen Motor Sales is shown in photo below). Interestingly, the Los Angeles, CA Dodge factory shipped this vehicle in "primer gray"; it was later painted the U.S. Government yellow at the Osen Motor Sales dealership.

Copies are still available from DaimlerChrysler for all US built trucks from 1930 to 1954, except Jeep & AMC, for $25 (US cars from 1930 to 1967 cost $45). Write to: DaimlerChrysler, Corporate Historical Collection, CIMS 410-11-21, 12501 Chrysler Freeway, Detroit, MI 48288 You must provide a copy of proof of vehicle ownership, year, model, & your VIN number. (Many thanks to Phyllis McClintock at the Chrysler Historical Collection!)

The ORIGINAL Dealership that 1st Sold the Dodge Panel in 1937

In June 1937 the Dodge Los Angeles, CA plant shipped the truck by rail to dealership Osen Motor Sales in San Jose, CA. This photo is of the actual dealer that first sold the truck in 1937. Letcher's Garage (shown here circa 1914) later became Osen Motor Sales of San Jose, CA.

1937 California License Plates for the Truck!

Scored a PAIR of 1937 California Commercial License Plates that are "clear" with CA DMV - now registered to the 1937 Dodge Commercial Panel truck to complete the vehicle's historical authenticity. The lettering on 1937 CA license plates originally is an orange matching "Pantone 1385C", but quickly fades to a lighter orange matching "Pantone 138C". Verification to "Pantone 1385C" was matched to a NOS 1937 CA license plate - consider this reference when restoring or repainting vintage 1937 CA license plates.
(Note: The "P" = Pneumatic Tires; the "C" = Commercial License, however neither the "P" or the "C" are part of the registered license number.)

Year-of-manufacture (YOM) license plates can be re-registered back to any vehicle in California provided that:
~ A matched pair of California license plates must be obtained (a single plate will not work).
~ The pair of CA license plates must be of the same year as the YOM of the vehicle (as noted on the CA Title for that vehicle) and the plates must be legible.
~ The letter/number sequence on the matched pair of plates must be "clear" in the California DMV registration system - that no other vehicle currently has that letter/number sequence assigned to it (DMV checks your request against all currently registered cars, trucks, motorcycles, "exempt" vehicles, emergency vehicles, etc.).
~ It is STRONGLY advised that any "clear" plates be IMMEDIATELY registered to the vintage vehicle at any local DMV office . . . . before the desired letter/number sequence may coincidently be assigned to someone else's vehicle (rendering your vintage license plates ineligible for registration).
~ Before you buy any matched pair of vintage California license plates, make sure for yourself that they are "clear" (do not rely on the Seller's word). Call the California DMV "Special Processing Unit" in Sacramento at: (916) 657-7654 . . . they will verify whether or not your desired letter/number sequence is "clear".

Note: ALL California license plates issued before 1964 are considered "private property" (re: can be freely sold). However, ALL California license plates issued in 1964 and after are considered "state property" and could be confiscated if brought to any DMV office (re: per CA DMV code) . . . just be aware of this.

1937 Dodge Art Deco Ram Hood Ornament

CAPTURED - The elusive Ram hood ornament used by Dodge for commercial trucks in 1937. This hood ornament was used for 1936 & 1937 Dodge 1/2 Ton Trucks (also called "Commercial Cars") and for 1936 Dodge Cars. This Ram hood ornament features:
● A 2-Piece Head (a press-fit of 2 prongs extending from the head)
● A short, 4.5" base.
● Chromed, zinc-diecast (also called "pot metal")
● A rear "L" shaped mounting tang & forward set-screw mount.
● MoPar Part #651992 cast into the underside of the base.

Note: there are 2 nearly identical styles of hood ornament #651992:
● One has a CONCAVE arc at the front of the base (see photo).
● One has an OGEE (or slight "S") curve at the front of the base.
There are also very minor differences in the curl pattern of the mane on the lower neck. The CONCAVE version is more commonly found than the OGEE version, however both are correct for the year/makes described above. Either hood ornament found with intact horn points (sharp, pointed tips that curl away from the face) is highly desirable since typically the last 1/8" of the horn is often missing.




MoPar #651992 is very similar to the Ram of previous model years with mainly minor differences in the base. However, this 1936-37 Ram is quite different from the "Art Deco" Ram also used in 1937. The "Art Deco" Ram was used for 1937 & 1938 Dodge Cars and only 1938 Dodge 1/2 Ton Trucks. (Note: the "Art Deco" Ram comes in both a 6-3/8" and 8-1/2" long base version, depending on the vehicle model it was intended for).

Photos: MoPar part #651992.
©Copyright 1999-2011 Jeff Tyler. All rights reserved. Material & images herein may not be linked to or used without prior written consent from J.Tyler; includes copying to auction site ads, downloading or storage to any computer or device to reproduce or transmit the material.We VIGOROUSLY protect our online text & image rights to fullest extent under US Law & 1998 Digital Millennium ©Act.User agrees to minimum $9750 fee per unauthorized use; website use constitutes terms acceptance.

1936 - 1938 Dodge Truck Grille Badges (click pic to enlarge)

1936-1937 DODGE BADGE ON A TRUCK GRILL (top) - The authentic coloring process is enamel, meaning hard fired glass or porcelain (it is really a true glass and not porcelain). This enamel process is frequently mistakenly called cloisonné . . . one might correctly call these enameled champleve emblems, or enameled guilloche emblems, but never cloisonné.

However BEWARE of "restored" emblems which are filled with colored jeweler's epoxy instead of the authentic hard fired glass enamel. These cheap epoxy filled emblems are commonly sold as "restored" at online Internet auction sites. Don't be fooled - a properly restored emblem typically sells for $350 to $395 from a reputable restoration firm.

The center six-point star emblem is NOT the Star of David as some believe. It is actually two intertwined Delta characters (Greek for "D") symbolizing each of the two founding Dodge Brothers. However, for export models only during the late 1930's, the symbol was altered to be a single Delta character so as not to raise anti-Semitic criticism in a European market on the verge of WWII (see bottom photo - click photo to enlarge).

1936 - 1938 Dodge Front Grille Designs (click pic to enlarge)

1936 - 1938 Dodge Front Grille Designs - Half Ton Trucks (also called "Commercial Cars") and Cars shared front grille parts . . . sometimes. For example, in:
● 1936 Dodge Cars had the exact same grille as 1936 Half Ton Trucks.
● 1937 Dodge Cars had a completely different grille than the 1936 or 1937 Half Ton Truck, but . . .
● 1937 Dodge Half Ton Trucks had only the exact same grille center as 1936 Cars and 1936 Half Ton Trucks.
● 1938 Dodge Cars had the exact same grille as 1938 Half Ton Trucks.

Note: Dodge "Commercial Cars" = Panel, Sedan Delivery, Pickup, Canopy Express, Screenside, Suburban Body (Westchester & Station Wagon) and Ute (common in Australia).

For a really detailed exploded view of a 1937 Dodge Car Grille,
see: http://1937DodgeGrill.blogspot.com/

Compare the 1936-1938 Dodge Grilles to the 1935 Grille Below:

1937 Dodge Truck Chrome Hub Cap

1937 DODGE TRUCK HUB CAP - Although this basic design was used from 1935 thru 1938 model years, there are differences . . . even within a given model year. For example, there are 1937 Dodge truck hubcaps with a larger diameter opening (on the backside) than 1937 Dodge car hub caps, thus they are not interchangeable. A guide for selecting the correct size hup cap, as measured from the backside, is as follows:

● 1936 Dodge Truck & Car = 7.0" I.D. and 8-3/8" O.D.
(for artillery wheels, trucks = 10 spokes, cars = 14 spokes)
● 1937 Dodge Half TonTruck = 7-1/4" I.D. and 8-15/16" O.D.
(smooth back, no clips on hubcap - for solid steel wheels);
● 1937 Dodge Passenger Car = 7-1/4" I.D. and 9-15/16" O.D.
(smooth back, no clips on hubcap - for solid steel wheels).
● 1937 & 1938 Dodge 3/4 & 1 Ton Truck = 8" I.D. and 9-1/2" O.D.
(smooth back, no clips on hubcap - for solid steel wheels).

Measurements are approximations to the nearest 1/16".

1937 Dodge Truck Chrome Hub Cap

1937 DODGE TRUCK HUB CAP BLUEPRINT - Original Chrysler Corp. blueprint dated May 3, 1934 when Crysler's Detroit, MI Production Office received the print from the Scovill Mfg. Co. as a bid to produce these hub caps. This drawing is of the locking hub cap that fit into the metal tire cover of the side mounted spare tire (note locking mechanism in top center of print).

Front Brakes - Conversion Kits for Disc Brakes

1937 Dodge 1/2 ton Truck Front Brakes - Spindle

Aftermarket bolt-on front disc brake conversion kits (kit includes new backing plate) are available from www.UglyTruckling.com. Surprisingly, their kit made for the 1961-1971 Dodge Sweptline D-100 Series pickup truck will bolt onto a stock 1936-1938 Dodge half-ton truck (pickup, panel truck, etc.) WITHOUT modification to the 1930's Dodge . . . the only part that 1936-1938 Dodge truck owners have to fabricate is one bushing for the base of the spindle to size up to the ID of the bearing supplied in the kit (easy to fabricate this part from stainless steel tubing at any local machine shop).

For very detailed installation instructions with step-by-step photos, see: www.uglytruckling.com/Sweptline%20D%20Series%20Trucks/Sweptline%20D100%20Front%20Brake%20Manual1.htm .

Front Brakes - Conversion Kits for Disc Brakes

1937 Dodge 1/2 ton Truck Front Brakes - Rear of Backing Plate.

Aftermarket bolt-on front disc brake conversion kits (kit includes new backing plate) are available from www.UglyTruckling.com. Surprisingly, their kit made for the 1961-1971 Dodge Sweptline D-100 Series pickup truck will bolt onto a stock 1936-1938 Dodge half-ton truck (pickup, panel truck, etc.) WITHOUT modification to the 1930's Dodge . . . the only part that 1936-1938 Dodge truck owners have to fabricate is one bushing for the base of the spindle to size up to the ID of the bearing supplied in the kit (easy to fabricate this part from stainless steel tubing at any local machine shop).

For very detailed installation instructions with step-by-step photos, see: www.uglytruckling.com/Sweptline%20D%20Series%20Trucks/Sweptline%20D100%20Front%20Brake%20Manual1.htm .

1936-1942 MoPar #64257I OEM Wheel Wrench

MOPAR #64257I WHEEL WRENCH FOR 1936-42 DODGE - Although this was standard equipment for the 1930's MoPar vehicles, this "Wheel Wrench" (as described in the 1937 MC Model Code book "Truck Parts List", page 20-C) is hard to find today. If one is located, it is commonly mislabeled as an "engine crank handle" for under $10 . . . however, if properly labeled as a 1930's MoPar "Wheel Wrench" it typically sells for over $80 to $175.

Note: the MoPar hex socket is 3/4". The 3/4" hex socket fit both the MoPar wheel lug bolts and the decorative mounting nut on MoPar fender skirts. The square drive socket was used to operate the jack for changing tires (e.g. 1930's MoPar OEM jacks made by: Buck-Eye Jack Co., Auto Specialties Co., or Walker Mfg. Co.). The square drive is not an "engine crank" as is commonly believed.

CAUTION TO MOPAR OWNERS: a nearly identical 1930's Ford wrench has a 13/16" and/or 7/8" hex socket that will not fit MoPar lug bolts; the Ford hex is too big for MoPar lug bolts. The Ford wrench typically has stamped "Ford" or similar markings in the center of the 7-1/2" shank. The Ford wrench is much more common than the MoPar #64257I wheel wrench (the MoPar wrench typically has no stamped markings). Check the hex socket size BEFORE you buy to ensure you are buying the much rarer MoPar #64257I wheel wrench.  EXAMPLE OF MISLEADING  SELLER: see eBay 180673237626, Seller:  greywaterman


As a courtesy to other 1930's Dodge fans, we have provided detailed dimensions to help you locate this MoPar #64257I Wheel Wrench . . . hopefully at the under $10 price range. This wrench is needed to complete your on-board MoPar factory tool kit for your stock restoration (see 1930's MoPar tool list below - click image to enlarge).

1936 Dodge Trucks Parts Book, Page 20-1 (Click Photo to Enlarge).

Photos ©2006-2009: MoPar Part #64257l -AND- Page 20-1 from 1936 Dodge Trucks Parts Book

RARE 1937 Dodge Folding Seats

RARE 1937 Folding Seats (shown here with original upholstery!). Used only on the Commercial Panel Truck (Humpback Panel), Screenside, & Canopy Express 1937 truck models. These truck models came with only a driver's seat. The seat backs tipped forward, then the seat bottoms also tipped forward. Gas tanks for these models were filled by tipping the driver's seat forward (vs. Pickups that had an external filling nozzle protruding from the body). The passenger or "auxilary seat" was originally a $10 option available only by special order (shown here with the seat back tipped forward). Both seats shown here are ORIGINAL 1937 EVERYTHING . . . the blue-grey vinyl fabric has an embossed crazed pattern (see inset photo).

Measurements: The seat back arcs to 20" high above the seat cushion; there are 5 pleats in the seat back arranged to produce four vertical 2-5/8" wide panels and two wider end panels. Seat Cushion measures 20" wide x 17-1/2" fore to aft.

RARE 1937 Dodge Gas Tank Access Door

 

RARE Gas Tank Access Door - used only on the Commercial Panel Trucks (Humpback Panel), Screenside, & Canopy Express 1937 truck models. Gas tanks for these models were filled by tipping the driver's seat forward, then opening access door underneath the seat (note: when opened to a vertical position, this door nests in a metal bracket on bottom of seat to hold the driver's seat up in a tipped forward position to provide access to the gas tank). This access door was located in the 3/4" plywood floor insert directly under the driver's seat (hinge side mounted forward) and covered a 6-1/8" diameter round hole (cut into the 3/4" plywood) that revealed the tank's gas cap below. In the closed position, this access door was held shut by a friction fit against a 1" wide x 1-3/4" long curved metal tab ("J" shaped, laid on its long side) that was screwed into the plywood floor with a #10 wood screw.  (Click photos to enlarge.)



1937 Dodge Rear Tail Light

  

1937 DODGE TRUCK REAR DOOR TAIL LIGHT - Red lens is MoPar Part #580608 labled "T/L Door Lens" for 1936-47 Dodge Panels Trucks. 3-1/4" diameter red glass lens with embedded "D O D G E" white lettering. Background photo is a Dodge press photo dated 1937 taken at the Dodge, Los Angeles, CA factory.  Tail light can is stamped "PYLITE" & "S.E.M.A. APPROVED" at the rim edge above the frosted glass license plate lens.  1936-1938 Dodge Panel Trucks ran a single tail light mounted on the lower driver's side rear barn door (as shown in photo on the left, above).

Rare Dodge Truck Accessories

RARE DODGE TRUCK ACCESSORIES
● Roof Rack
● Coach Lamp/Landau Light (about 8-3/4" High) - 1937 Cost = $8.00
● Adjustable Rear View Mirror (5" Diameter) - 1937 Cost = $2.50
● Rear Driver Door Tail Light & License Plate Bracket (Red Glass Script Lens is MoPar #580608) - 1937 Cost for Auxilary Tail Light = $4.00

The ORIGINAL 1937 Dodge Service Manual

BEFORE - The Restoration Team will definitely be needing this.

June 2005 - The Proposed 1937 Flat 6 Engine

AFTER (PROTOTYPE), Driver's Side View - Proposed BOLT-ON accessories to modify the original #T-38 Dodge straight 6, 218ci engine to increase horsepower 20% to 25%. Bolt-on accessories include: finned aluminum heads, 2 custom air cleaners, dual Holly/Webber carbeurators, finned aluminum dual intake manifold, 1 pair of 3-port headers*, and a modified carbeurator / throttle linkage. Using only bolt-on modifications allows engine to be returned to 100% stock condition if needed.

(Engine shown is the stock straight 6 from a 1937 Dodge Pickup Truck - this more common Dodge "Short Engine" is noted by the 23" long head. However, many Humpbacks ran the Chrysler "Long Engine" or "Canadian Engine" - noted by the 25-1/2" long head & the bigger 3-3/8" bore.) . . . *Engine parts & headers generally are not interchangeable between the 23" and 25-1/2" engines. The ductile iron headers shown fit the 23" Dodge engine; the 25-1/2" Chrysler engine can run custom stainless steel headers made from a modified stock 1970's Corvette thick-walled header.


HEI ignition kits (using stock GM replacement parts) are available to fit these MoPar straight 6 engines if a 12V conversion is done first. Below is a close-up photo of the 12V HEI ignition to fire up this 78HP MoPar straight 6 engine (Click photo to enlarge):

Proper GM replacement parts for this MoPar update/conversion are available from Tom Langdon at StoveboltEngineCo.com in Utica, MI.

June 2005 - The Proposed 1937 Flat 6 Engine

AFTER (PROTOTYPE), Passenger Side View - Proposed BOLT-ON accessories to modify the original #T-38 Dodge straight 6, 218ci engine to increase horsepower 20% to 25%. Bolt-on accessories include: finned aluminum heads, 2 custom air cleaners, dual Holly/Webber carbeurators, finned aluminum dual intake manifold, 1 pair of 3-port headers*, and a modified carbeurator / throttle linkage. Using only bolt-on modifications allows engine to be returned to 100% stock condition if needed.

(Engine shown is the stock straight 6 from a 1937 Dodge Pickup Truck - this more common Dodge "Short Engine" is noted by the 23" long head. However, many Humpbacks ran the Chrysler "Long Engine" or "Canadian Engine" - noted by the 25-1/2" long head & the bigger 3-3/8" bore.) . . . *Engine parts & headers generally are not interchangeable between the 23" and 25-1/2" engines. The ductile iron headers shown fit the 23" Dodge engine; the 25-1/2" Chrysler engine can run custom stainless steel headers made from a modified stock 1970's Corvette thick-walled header .

From 1937 Dodge Truck Shop Manual, Series MC (Click Photo to Enlarge)

June 2004 - The Untouched 1937 Flat 6 Engine

BEFORE - Now, where is that repair manual? Top speed is about 45mph, powered by this 218ci, 75hp L-head six.

June 2004 - The Soon to be Restored Interior

BEFORE - As of June 2004, top speed is about 45mph, powered by a 218ci, 75hp L-head six with a manual 3-speed trans.

AFTER - Restored gauges (as of Feb. 2019)

June 2004 - The Soon to be Restored Interior

BEFORE - Interior of cab before restoration. All of the modern conveniences of 1937!

Neglected Dodge Humpbacks

THE SEARCH CONTINUES - 23 other 1936 & 1937 Dodge Humpback Panel Trucks; "rust never sleeps". Perhaps I'll find one soon.

Neglected Dodge Humpbacks

THE SEARCH CONTINUES - 23 1936 (foreground w/ sunroofs) & 1937 (in background) Dodge Humpback Panel Trucks rusting away in CA.