I'm trying to find out what the going rate on one of these is I'm looking at 1 myself and I'm gonna have to register it too because it was bought military surplus and not registered yet. I am in California and it is in California also. I want to make a bug out vehicle that I can daily if I really need to.
When I was in the Army, I had this exact truck when I was stationed I’m Germany... I loved that truck.. I pulled a 15kw generator behind it... guess you could say I was off grid ...
I drove one in the Army as well, I was in Maint. Great truck and when not loaded out with a #1 tool kit and heavy parts for tracks they got decent mileage.
I have many thousands of miles over a 20 year Army career driving deuce and half's and several thousand driving its 5 ton big brother. Brings back memories.
Last time I had a chance to work with one of those was 1987 on a mountain top in Korea. The UHF guys would use those. That thing would make a great bug out camper.
I drove one of those when I was stationed at Fort Irwin, CA back in the '80's...was outfitted as a tactical operations center for a video operations group that did after action reviews for units training in the desert. Good times!!
For thirty days in the autumn of 1944 my father drove in the Red Ball Express in Patton’s Third Army, from Omaha Beach to the front lines back and forth. He said they drove GMC Deuce and 1/2 trucks and they would always secretly break the governors so they could keep up
72 ventura Daddy said he never knew for sure if he was hauling gasoline, ammo or shells or simply K rations . Also drove at night in blackout and had to drive like hell to keep up or become lost. He saw a lot of blown up and destroyed Red Ball trucks along the way and probably was the reason they then drove at night
Excellent Steve- this one brings back a lot of memories, as I rode in Deuces for many years while on active duty (in all terrains and in combat). We used this shelter model for Battalion and Brigade Fire Direction Centers. It would be a fantastic camper- indestructible!
We still had those in the USMC inventory up until 1980. If I remember correctly all tactical vehicles were spec'd at 300 mile range for logistical purposes.
when I was in the army during my last 4 tears, I used to drive one of these whenever I went anywhere from the mountains in Colorado to the deserts in California. reset the governor to 60 mph. easy to do. I had modules made for cooking and sleeping made as well as doing my job so was a great vehicle for anything I needed to do. used a piece of PSP welded to side for the fold-down ramp to access side from outside. the engine burns anything from diesel to peanut oil. recommend you get the hardtop as it is much better during winter operation. there is a manual cruise control on the dash so check it out.
The Multi-Fuel will burn anything except gasoline.If you just threw gasoline into any of these trucks without some mixture,then you would destroy the engine...The Multi-Fuel is actually a diesel engine still,with different injectors,pistons,and fuel pumps...The reason why it can even consume flammable fuel.If you had to absolutely use gas in a 7.8L,you had to mix it with motor oil or diesel fuel,and it couldn't be 50%/50%,it had to be 30%/70% so that it stays lubricated and doesn't get damaged.
I worked for a contractor at Fort Gordon and had this same truck, I used it for about ten years before it was turned in. Mine had work benches and drawers in the shop box. I also would use the truck's air tanks to power a sander or spray gun. I also had two quarter ton trailers I could pull when needed, one with a compressor and the other with a welder. I loved that thing and hated when it got turned in. I had a time or two when there were three of us in the front seat so fifth gear was well positioned. .
The one I was assigned to in Germany was the standard deuce with a hardtop and electrical repair van/shelter mounted in the bed, the ultimate 6X6 offroad camper that we actually slept in especially when hooked up to commercial power instead of generators and yes we had A/Cs that we ran in the Summer
I drove those in the winter all the time, never needed chains and never had a problem with the front wheel assist activated. cab heat works like crap but the box heather was great!
My section in Germany had a M109 shop van. We worked on the Vulcan M61 20mm gatling gun for Air Defense. No heaters or shelfs but had long tables on both sides to work on weapon and radar parts . We shipped it to the 1st Gulf war and back to Germany. Only problem I had was during gulf was a flat tire.
Center inside, driver side flat. Then outside flat so axle was down to rims. Later after working on one tire, found why. New soldier had placed a new tire on rim using old rubber protector ( sits between tube and rim) he didnt know that a new one is in the new tire. So tube rubbed against it and made a hole.
Russell, was a guy that I thought can follow instructions. Told him about the liner being in the tire. He had a few months before getting out. Or just trying to get to lunch early. But I can laugh about it now, just not at that time during the Gulf war.
I remember back in high school I drove my friend that lived down the street to school in my regular cab S-10. One day for whatever reason the girl across the street's parents couldn't take her to school so she was asking my friend while I was still inside if I could take her. I really didn't want to because there really isn't room in a S-10 for 3 people, specially with a stick in the middle. I had to have her put her legs in my friends lap so my hand was not in her crouch every time I went into forth, which is where I was most of the time. It was kinda funny though when I first asked to to sit like that as she was already in the truck straddling the stick (she had never been in a manual). She didn't understand why I wanted her to sit that way until I started to show her where stick sits in 4th. She then agreed it would be better to put her legs in his lap rather than my hand in her crouch. A little less awkward for both of us.
Nice find! Some bugs to work out but that's usually the story with these old trucks. I've thought about getting a military shop van, but I really like the utility of a big cargo bed with a tarp, especially if it has drop sides. You can even camp in the cargo bed like it's a big tent!
The gear pattern is a result of how they made the overdrive gear out of what should have been 4th gear. I have have driven a few trucks like this over the years, it wasn't done to make it easier to sit three in the cab but it would help in your case!
Invest in some self adhesive sound deadening material. Cover the cab side of the firewall and if you can get some heat resistant stuff do the underside of the bonnet. Add some more to the rest Of the cab interior. It makes a load of difference to the noise levels.
RPMs above 2300 for long distance will overheat the valves. Driving Empty above 2300 may not kill the valves but with a load in them and a loaded trailer that will cook them. That is a brigade or battalion command vehicle. The officers and staff rode in a M151. The driver usually unassed it. Set it up and then went on to a different task when the Senior NCO or OIC showed up to jump in the back with the heaters going or the windows or shades set up depending on the time of day. That one probably towed a if I remember right a 15 KW generator set. So you would check fuel on the set, usually low or almost empty. If then generator was empty then you had to find Motorpool listen to him SGT bitch about bleeding the lines. You can run one of those with 5 gallons of 87 octane gas mixed with non detergent 30 weight. There should be a plate for that around the back of the cab by the cab by the fuel tank for the proportions with various fuels. The motor pool bozos used to mix Avgas and 1 qt.30 weight to 1 gallon of Avgas to do some rolling coal. Because they could. Grab two 5 gallon cans and hump them to back from the fuel truck. It was always your fault even if you were not the last operator on the logbook. Hearing protesters are a good Idea even with hardtop. I operated the M35 in Germany and the M109 in Ft Riley.
I have the same problem with foaming of the fuel when filling the tank in my military LandRover. I think this is caused by the extension of fuel port, which is used to fill the tank from the jerrycan
The "shelf" with the bracket on it is the base for the RT-524 radio, it would plug into the socket in the back which interfaced with the intercom system for the vehicle. Of course the important question,...does the front wheel drive work?!
This would be good for a lot of things. First I would put some radios in it. With a good set of headphones with boom mic it would work good. Would need a noise canceling mic. There is a lot of things that can be done with it. Make a supper camper. See how many solar panels you can put on top, get some Lifehouse batteries in there and a inverter and small kitchen, table and fix it up. Get your amateur radio license. It already has some antenna mounts. See if you can get about a 5,000 watt generator. You can go almost anywhere and talk almost anywhere!
Man, does that thing bring back memories. Not all good ones. The thing looks amazingly good for it's age. You're lucky to get a heater. I recall going over Snosqualmie Pass in Wash State in the winter,wrapped up in a sleeping bag, with just one foot and one hand sticking out. Too late now, but the 5ton models ran way stronger. For the life of me, I can't figure why you bought it, if you don't have a job for it though.
Speedometer sending unit is connected to the transfer case. The sending unit is greasable. It is common for TC oil to wash away the grease causing them to stop working. Check the lining on the cable. If it is damaged replace it. There are many sources. You might try C & C equipment, or Big Mike's Motor pool. The sending units can also foul and are similar to the tach sending unit. I cleaned mine by removing it and then spraying with brake cleaner until I could turn it by hand. Then add some lube and it might just work. Most of the repairs to these mechanical systems can be done with simple tools. It is a whole different take on 'sustainability'.
I would have thought if the cable wasn't turning at all that the end would break off of it. I was going to order a new one but maybe I will take a look at the old one first now.
@@ThisWeekWithCars I thought that with my tach... and it might do... I even bought a new sending unit and cable. But when I freed up the sending unit it worked fine. 100%.
Had one in my 203mm (8Inch) Firing Batttery back in the day (1967-1976). We used it for a very special assembly procedure..heh heh. Great truck....General Officers used to love taking them from units for their bedrooms.....
@@mbeatty6970 Shhhhh, Wikileaks might be listening in...reading in? Besides, my Fire Direction Center (FDC Chief) ALWAYS stole the damn van for the firing chart tables. Amazing how they could convert it into THEIR bedroom...heh heh. Actually I drank a lot of Whiskey33 back in the day....burp.
@@nvdwarriorLtc I will never forget my chief of smoke handing me a bottle of scotch, on cool morning in fort hood June, just after a late northern had blown in. MSGT James Brooks 2/131FA former marine Semper fi.
@@mbeatty6970 Chief of Smoke...GOD OF THE GUNS...probably the best leaders in the Army or the Marines! We did love to pass warmer around in lousy weather and still had to wait for the call of the wild..."FIRE MISSION" ShellHE Lot XrayRomeo, Charge 7, Fuze Quick....you know what I mean. In our 8 inch unit, out chief of smoke was a stout 5.5 inch Irish immigrant and was the smartest man in the world when it came to the guns. Just back from AIT Fort Sill, our first field training exercise and Smoke sent me (18 year old city kid from Boston) on a special mission "Miller, we need some equilibrator steam, start with gun number one and find me some and don't you dare come back until you find it......there he stands laughing his butt off as each gun section chief would say "Sorry Kid, fresh out try Gun number 2" Few years later, after finishing OCS I came back to my unit, a rare thing, and MSG Fitzgerald, Still the Chief of Smoke for Delta 1-101 FA, took me by the Butter Bar and said "Well Lieutenant, did they teach you where we keep the equilibrator steam? Some mentors you never forget. And he mentored me for 3 more years before he retired. A great man. Hoowah!
Great memory jogger! I drove a 1967 Kaiser M35 standard troop transport Deuce in Vietnam 1969-1970. When I got cleared for the truck license, nobody told me about the "W" shift pattern, but after a few 3rd to 5th lugging shifts I figured it out. For me it would be a Command and Communications Unit (KI6GZK) with bunks, water and cooking capabilities. Were you able to get an approximate gallons per mile ;-) figure for your trip? It looked fairly flat but you have a lot of weight and wind drag, plus the 6x6 running gear. Be careful with the military lug tires in rain. They don't shed water the same as good civilian "all weather" tires. But super great off road. Great video. Thank you! PS: remembered a buddy telling me to be very careful about "runs on anything that will burn." There is a requirement to keep the fuel system lubricated, so running too 'clean' a fuel not made for diesel engines can wear out pumps, the fuel distribution "thing" and potentially damage the engine, itself. Have fun!
We had one in my Canadian reserve Signals unit. The 6x6 with the box were called "'gin palace"' trucks and the 10 wheel drive and box was the difference from the 6 wheel deuce and a half canvas covered troop carriers
Best truck out there for expedition-bugout-camping possible. They have all the ability anyone would need for these purposes, without all the hassles intrinsic to the M9XX (5-tons), like CTIS, super singles, costly super duty parts, etc. You can easily operate one of these for any general outdoor experience you have for about 1/3rd the cost of their 'big brother' 5-ton equivilent. As for the 109 'comm center' box, most were used for either communication mounds or shop trucks...so rip out that wood floor, tack TIG a 5/16" aluminum plate in place, Rhino-line the floor (anti slip) and forget about it forever more. Build you a small galley (sink, microwave, surface range top and office fridge), cartridge toilet (RV), and rig up a 'sailor's bunk' in the front...you'll have room for a small shower and table-chair! Don't forget, a 5,000 BTU window air conditioner can be fitted above the cab (front box wall), or if you really want to splurge, you can get a 10,000 BTU RV rooftop (thin profile) AC for the box roof (you will have the total overhead clearance to install it). Possibilities are ENDLESS! Good buy on that one!
The desk where "equipment" mounted is actually a SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System)radio mount. Although civilians cannot use those radios, they are quite interesting to learn about, tons of things you can do with them, basically they are a military hardened Amateur Radio, with the right antenna you can really reach out there.
I don't remember the model we had, but they were equipped with Automatic transmissions. I came home from Korea in August of 62 made the trip across country by Greyhound to Fort Gordon, Ga. Biggest mistake I made was to report in a day early as the next morning we were off to Fort Hood Texas for war games. During the stay in Texas, Cuba became a real thing and that meant no planes to return us to Fort Gordon. As you may have guessed we drove back to Georgia in convoy at 35 mph. We stopped at 2 military bases during the trip. Best part of the trip was in Alabama where the local station on our side of the road would not sell us gasoline because the CO"s driver was BLACK. It took 2 hours to fill the trucks and trailer that had 6 5 gallon gas cans, Oh yes there was 2 jeeps in the company. I believe the fastest were ever got to was between 40 and 50 mph. We also drove to Ft Bragg in NC and a couple bases in Alabama the following year. Never got the trucks over 50 mph. No wonder I had a need for speed for years after.
What an excellent truck. I operated a standard 2 1/2 while with the Ohio Air National Guard 1982-1988. I towed a four wheel wagon-style box trailer. I was part of a forward operating team for command and control operations. During my first two week training near Columbus Indiana, we did tactical driver training with both 2.5 and 5 ton standard trucks. Ye Ha!! The passenger seat is a rough rider though. Congratulations on a great find. I wish you well with it. As for uses, several come to mind, however, since my wife and I live in a camper year-round in MI near the 45th parallel, I would convert to part 1 of 2 of a tiny home set-up. Some people restore military gear like this and attend shows around the country. That could be fun, especially if you could get a 105 Howitzer to restore and tow with. Whatever you use it for, hope you stay safe and enjoy it to the max.
Thanks for pre running the motor. The break alarm is excoriating to listen to. Also make Shure you drain air tank regular to Expell any water. Then close. A yard stick works well. (Emergency gauge)Just keep it clean. Sgt williams 20 year. Radio operator.
@Russell Gerdes hey! What can I say. I'm a retired COMBAT ENGNEER. We're brothers with a different mother. WE BOTH STOMPED THE GROUND. Sgt williams retired . /Roads, bridges, housing, dams, and my favorite grubbing. And land reclaim. A good life. 73, de kv4li
Ps as was a company armour I had a duce for a shop. the radio op and medic shared with me. the large canvas. I brought to the field . The first lutenants called it Wally world hi hi
Not sure if the RPM gauge is accurate/functional, but if it is you're running in the red there at 3:37. Also only 700 hours on that truck doesn't seem right too me, though I don't think that really matters in this case. Nice truck. Don't know much about those old military trucks, but I can't help but think it would make a fantastic off-road camper truck. Perhaps a mobile mechanic/machine shop is another idea.
I could see you using it as a mobile shop to use to get parts off of cars at a wrecking yard, or get a car running after a break down. (I have had British and Italian cars. I have felt your pain)
The mount in the front inside the box was for a radio with the external speaker mounted on the wall. In 82/83 I drove an M35A2 that was built in 69, I could run 65 easy on the road.
I always wanted to buy 5 ton 6X6 box truck and turn it into a camper. The newer COE ones by Stevens can actually cruise at hwy speeds. I remember riding in one just like this in early 90s in Germany. Also, drove few in late 90s in National Guard. I recommend getting an air seat to save your butt/back on long drives, or at least seat pads to put on them.
Great video and what a wonderful piece of history. You could keep it in very original condition without much compromise and still use it like a regular truck. Also very interested to see how it performs off road.
Convert to a rough country camper then find a small military trailer to convert to a bathroom and shower. Do it like a cabin cruiser bathroom with a drain in the center of the floor and the whole room is the shower stall,could put in waterproof cabinets for dry items. If the trailer is big enough section part off for storage and/or fresh water tank.
@Russell Gerdes I would guess there would be a drain/outlet at lowest point of system to drain tank and lines then just pour some anti-freeze into the p-trap. I agree though,anything not designed for easy winterization would be doomed.
This type was used in Vietnam as well....to electronic locate,,,dang missles protecting the Fighter and bombers'. I trained on one/ ops /but never used it my self...I was busy lol
Smart investment. It will go nearly anywhere. It can easily adapt to a solar system ... I’ve seen these with gasification wood burning stoves/heaters. They can be foam insulated ... you can adapt fresh water supply ... and create fold down bunks or ... bunk. An all terrain expedition vehicle is a gift to survival ... if you have to be mobile. An army trailer carries your stores and can be rigged with an auxiliary fuel tank in the floor of the trailer. Food , water , fuel , and incredibly versatile mobility. Just an observation ... your needs may be completely different. Enjoy !
Russell Gerdes Tanks in false truck beds and tanks in trailer beds have served well in the Agricultural industry in Florida. Exactly what you said ... very protected. Semper Fi
There is a fuel screen in tank (the cylindrical thing with the screen in the bottom through which you are pouring your fuel). The fuel cap is attached to it. Pull it out (pull it up and twist it...it will come free of the tank). It will open up the throat to the tank so you can flow fuel in much more quickly.
Pretty easy actually, many websites available to get parts, however going to your local parts store won't get you much other than lubricants and filters and maybe light bulbs but most items are going to only be found on military surplus websites and other websites that deal with military vehicles.
The foaming issue can be resolved by pulling the fuel cap chain and lifting out the cylinder assembly that has a screen which tends to slow the fuel going in, especially if it is clogged. Even with the screen fully cleaned you have to input the fuel at just the right angle to keep the foam down so easiest to just remove the assembly when fueling.
Hello, congratulations by the beautiful truck. I also have an M109 here in Brazil. I think it's one of the only ones in this configuration around here. I don't know if I'll turn it into a motorhome or a foodtruck.
Use it as a portable 'man cave'. With the power system still installed in it, you could deck it out with a sound system, gaming system and large TV, put comfy seats in it, a mini fridge, a small collapsible table and then when you go places, you can buy takeout, sit in the back and chill out with friends.
Great looking vehicle. Give us a demo of it's multi fuel ability and the adaptations needed. It would make a great mobile shop/overnight stay combo for rescues etc. Are you wanting to keep it original or more practical? Great potential.
That would be good set up radios in to use if there is an emergency and normal communications is out. You can make a camper out of it. Put solar panels on top some battery to urn things when there isn't sun.
Mobile recovery shop with the ability to trailer home cars. Have it desked out with tools, additional air compressor, water storage (radiators) and any additional items that may be required. Additional parts??
When i was in the army 50 or so years ago, we were required to bleed the brakes at the end of the day and then when starting up the next morning to shutt off the valve and wait until brake air pressure was sufficient to shut off the buzzer. Is this still done?
5th gear is forward because its overdrive. That was standard shift pattern for overdrive trannys for decades. Military never intended for 3 people to ride in the cab
A camper vehicle would be the way to go, but fuel consumption may be costly. Heck, getting any repair parts might be a serious problem and a break-down on the highway is gonna cost and arm and a leg, I'd guess. Still, it would be a fun vehicle to own!
The funny thing I was looking at that deuce too live in the new prague area so that's funny he drove 4 hours to pick it up and also that sleeve comes out of the fuel tank cap her off
@Russell Gerdes yea she turns slightly and out mine is clogged just remove it and fill the tank had to do a wheel seal on the truck and that was an adventure but everything went well
He'd hate the fuel bill driving an Abrams tank that far. 504.4 gallons of fuel, and they get like 0.8MPG and they take 10 gallons of fuel just to start them, yeah they're far from fuel efficient but fun as hell to drive and do live fire exercises. I miss my Tanking days. The M2A2/A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles just aren't nearly as much fun as an Abrams Tank. Not to mention all the maintenance required on them. Drive it an hour and do 4 hours of maintenance, no thanks, don't miss those days LOL.
@@ThisWeekWithCars feels like it. They are wider than they look, one by La Cresent too...we hadta permit them in and get a route planned out. Boss drove all the way up their to scout the route. We had annual permits so choose our own routes, single trip permits the State routes you. That whole company fell apart, we all lost our jobs shortly after. Long story, sad.
What would I do with this truck? Being that I'm an amateur radio operator I'd probably load it up with military radio gear to use portable. I'd probably set it up for usage and loan for disaster communications backup.
I bought one in may and turned it into an RV for the summer project. Couldn't be happier with it.
I'm trying to find out what the going rate on one of these is I'm looking at 1 myself and I'm gonna have to register it too because it was bought military surplus and not registered yet. I am in California and it is in California also.
I want to make a bug out vehicle that I can daily if I really need to.
When I was in the Army back in the 80s I had one of those set up as a Mobil Machine shop that I worked out of.
1972 Baumholder Germany. Service & Evac. Good days.
When I was in the Army, I had this exact truck when I was stationed I’m Germany... I loved that truck.. I pulled a 15kw generator behind it... guess you could say I was off grid ...
You brought your own grid!
I drove one in the Army as well, I was in Maint. Great truck and when not loaded out with a #1 tool kit and heavy parts for tracks they got decent mileage.
I have many thousands of miles over a 20 year Army career driving deuce and half's and several thousand driving its 5 ton big brother. Brings back memories.
Me too!!!
Last time I had a chance to work with one of those was 1987 on a mountain top in Korea. The UHF guys would use those. That thing would make a great bug out camper.
I drove one of those when I was stationed at Fort Irwin, CA back in the '80's...was outfitted as a tactical operations center for a video operations group that did after action reviews for units training in the desert. Good times!!
I was a Mechanic in Vietman and lived in one of these 109 Vans my last 6months in country.
For thirty days in the autumn of 1944 my father drove in the Red Ball Express in Patton’s Third Army, from Omaha Beach to the front lines back and forth. He said they drove GMC Deuce and 1/2 trucks and they would always secretly break the governors so they could keep up
72 ventura Daddy said he never knew for sure if he was hauling gasoline, ammo or shells or simply K rations . Also drove at night in blackout and had to drive like hell to keep up or become lost. He saw a lot of blown up and destroyed Red Ball trucks along the way and probably was the reason they then drove at night
Excellent Steve- this one brings back a lot of memories, as I rode in Deuces for many years while on active duty (in all terrains and in combat). We used this shelter model for Battalion and Brigade Fire Direction Centers. It would be a fantastic camper- indestructible!
We still had those in the USMC inventory up until 1980. If I remember correctly all tactical vehicles were spec'd at 300 mile range for logistical purposes.
when I was in the army during my last 4 tears, I used to drive one of these whenever I went anywhere from the mountains in Colorado to the deserts in California. reset the governor to 60 mph. easy to do. I had modules made for cooking and sleeping made as well as doing my job so was a great vehicle for anything I needed to do. used a piece of PSP welded to side for the fold-down ramp to access side from outside. the engine burns anything from diesel to peanut oil. recommend you get the hardtop as it is much better during winter operation. there is a manual cruise control on the dash so check it out.
The Multi-Fuel will burn anything except gasoline.If you just threw gasoline into any of these trucks without some mixture,then you would destroy the engine...The Multi-Fuel is actually a diesel engine still,with different injectors,pistons,and fuel pumps...The reason why it can even consume flammable fuel.If you had to absolutely use gas in a 7.8L,you had to mix it with motor oil or diesel fuel,and it couldn't be 50%/50%,it had to be 30%/70% so that it stays lubricated and doesn't get damaged.
Just like my truck I drove in the Army I was a radio operator it took a duece and a Dodge pick up to carry the radio now its a cell!
The multifuel engines ran best on a 50-50 mix of 30 weight motor oil and mo-gas which was mid 80s octane rating.
I used to work on Deuce and half when I was in The Army National Guard of Oklahoma!
I worked for a contractor at Fort Gordon and had this same truck, I used it for about ten years before it was turned in. Mine had work benches and drawers in the shop box. I also would use the truck's air tanks to power a sander or spray gun. I also had two quarter ton trailers I could pull when needed, one with a compressor and the other with a welder. I loved that thing and hated when it got turned in. I had a time or two when there were three of us in the front seat so fifth gear was well positioned.
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The one I was assigned to in Germany was the standard deuce with a hardtop and electrical repair van/shelter mounted in the bed, the ultimate 6X6 offroad camper that we actually slept in especially when hooked up to commercial power instead of generators and yes we had A/Cs that we ran in the Summer
I was actually watching this Deuce on Facebook marketplace! Cool to see it in your video!
I saw it too i forget how muxh they were asking
A friend of mine used to have one, we took it out camping several times.
I drove those in the winter all the time, never needed chains and never had a problem with the front wheel assist activated. cab heat works like crap but the box heather was great!
Cool truck the inside box looks a lot like my LMTV M1079 love these military trucks they can go anywhere you want to go.
My section in Germany had a M109 shop van. We worked on the Vulcan M61 20mm gatling gun for Air Defense. No heaters or shelfs but had long tables on both sides to work on weapon and radar parts . We shipped it to the 1st Gulf war and back to Germany. Only problem I had was during gulf was a flat tire.
Center inside, driver side flat. Then outside flat so axle was down to rims.
Later after working on one tire, found why. New soldier had placed a new tire on rim using old rubber protector ( sits between tube and rim) he didnt know that a new one is in the new tire. So tube rubbed against it and made a hole.
Russell, was a guy that I thought can follow instructions. Told him about the liner being in the tire. He had a few months before getting out. Or just trying to get to lunch early. But I can laugh about it now, just not at that time during the Gulf war.
I remember back in high school I drove my friend that lived down the street to school in my regular cab S-10. One day for whatever reason the girl across the street's parents couldn't take her to school so she was asking my friend while I was still inside if I could take her. I really didn't want to because there really isn't room in a S-10 for 3 people, specially with a stick in the middle. I had to have her put her legs in my friends lap so my hand was not in her crouch every time I went into forth, which is where I was most of the time. It was kinda funny though when I first asked to to sit like that as she was already in the truck straddling the stick (she had never been in a manual). She didn't understand why I wanted her to sit that way until I started to show her where stick sits in 4th. She then agreed it would be better to put her legs in his lap rather than my hand in her crouch. A little less awkward for both of us.
And now they are married?
@@simonisenberg4516 Nope.
Turn it into a awesome camping rig.
I was thinking the same! Wild camping in mountains or deserts, but possibly not swamps! :-)
Nice find! Some bugs to work out but that's usually the story with these old trucks. I've thought about getting a military shop van, but I really like the utility of a big cargo bed with a tarp, especially if it has drop sides. You can even camp in the cargo bed like it's a big tent!
The gear pattern is a result of how they made the overdrive gear out of what should have been 4th gear. I have have driven a few trucks like this over the years, it wasn't done to make it easier to sit three in the cab but it would help in your case!
Invest in some self adhesive sound deadening material. Cover the cab side of the firewall and if you can get some heat resistant stuff do the underside of the bonnet. Add some more to the rest
Of the cab interior. It makes a load of difference to the noise levels.
Good luck with what ever you decide to do witn tne truck, keep safe and well, very bext regards from Australia.
Great find! Looks like you have a fine overlander for adventures. Onward!
I had a 67 Duece. I actually figured the mpg by dividing the miles driven by the gallons used. I got around 10 mpg but mine had a regular bed
drive one in ‘72 , troop transport config, 110 mp co. drove one in ‘75 box w/ teletypye relay. ft carson. awesome truck.
RPMs above 2300 for long distance will overheat the valves. Driving Empty above 2300 may not kill the valves but with a load in them and a loaded trailer that will cook them. That is a brigade or battalion command vehicle. The officers and staff rode in a M151. The driver usually unassed it. Set it up and then went on to a different task when the Senior NCO or OIC showed up to jump in the back with the heaters going or the windows or shades set up depending on the time of day. That one probably towed a if I remember right a 15 KW generator set. So you would check fuel on the set, usually low or almost empty. If then generator was empty then you had to find Motorpool listen to him SGT bitch about bleeding the lines. You can run one of those with 5 gallons of 87 octane gas mixed with non detergent 30 weight. There should be a plate for that around the back of the cab by the cab by the fuel tank for the proportions with various fuels.
The motor pool bozos used to mix Avgas and 1 qt.30 weight to 1 gallon of Avgas to do some rolling coal. Because they could.
Grab two 5 gallon cans and hump them to back from the fuel truck. It was always your fault even if you were not the last operator on the logbook.
Hearing protesters are a good Idea even with hardtop. I operated the M35 in Germany and the M109 in Ft Riley.
I have the same problem with foaming of the fuel when filling the tank in my military LandRover. I think this is caused by the extension of fuel port, which is used to fill the tank from the jerrycan
The "shelf" with the bracket on it is the base for the RT-524 radio, it would plug into the socket in the back which interfaced with the intercom system for the vehicle. Of course the important question,...does the front wheel drive work?!
This would be good for a lot of things. First I would put some radios in it. With a good set of headphones with boom mic it would work good. Would need a noise canceling mic. There is a lot of things that can be done with it. Make a supper camper. See how many solar panels you can put on top, get some Lifehouse batteries in there and a inverter and small kitchen, table and fix it up. Get your amateur radio license. It already has some antenna mounts. See if you can get about a 5,000 watt generator. You can go almost anywhere and talk almost anywhere!
Man, does that thing bring back memories. Not all good ones. The thing looks amazingly good for it's age. You're lucky to get a heater. I recall going over Snosqualmie Pass in Wash State in the winter,wrapped up in a sleeping bag, with just one foot and one hand sticking out.
Too late now, but the 5ton models ran way stronger.
For the life of me, I can't figure why you bought it, if you don't have a job for it though.
I assume he's going to race it.
For fun. I have one and I don't use it for anything but driving around. Also 5tons are alot more expensive and hard to find parts for.
@@thomasmiller1650 lmfao
Speedometer sending unit is connected to the transfer case. The sending unit is greasable. It is common for TC oil to wash away the grease causing them to stop working. Check the lining on the cable. If it is damaged replace it. There are many sources. You might try C & C equipment, or Big Mike's Motor pool. The sending units can also foul and are similar to the tach sending unit. I cleaned mine by removing it and then spraying with brake cleaner until I could turn it by hand. Then add some lube and it might just work. Most of the repairs to these mechanical systems can be done with simple tools. It is a whole different take on 'sustainability'.
I would have thought if the cable wasn't turning at all that the end would break off of it. I was going to order a new one but maybe I will take a look at the old one first now.
@@ThisWeekWithCars I thought that with my tach... and it might do... I even bought a new sending unit and cable. But when I freed up the sending unit it worked fine. 100%.
Had one in my 203mm (8Inch) Firing Batttery back in the day (1967-1976). We used it for a very special assembly procedure..heh heh.
Great truck....General Officers used to love taking them from units for their bedrooms.....
you mean the one with disc of pure plutonium going down over the center core?
@@mbeatty6970 Shhhhh, Wikileaks might be listening in...reading in? Besides, my Fire Direction Center (FDC Chief) ALWAYS stole the damn van for the firing chart tables. Amazing how they could convert it into THEIR bedroom...heh heh. Actually I drank a lot of Whiskey33 back in the day....burp.
@@nvdwarriorLtc I will never forget my chief of smoke handing me a bottle of scotch, on cool morning in fort hood June, just after a late northern had blown in. MSGT James
Brooks 2/131FA former marine Semper fi.
@@mbeatty6970 Chief of Smoke...GOD OF THE GUNS...probably the best leaders in the Army or the Marines! We did love to pass warmer around in lousy weather and still had to wait for the call of the wild..."FIRE MISSION" ShellHE Lot XrayRomeo, Charge 7, Fuze Quick....you know what I mean. In our 8 inch unit, out chief of smoke was a stout 5.5 inch Irish immigrant and was the smartest man in the world when it came to the guns. Just back from AIT Fort Sill, our first field training exercise and Smoke sent me (18 year old city kid from Boston) on a special mission "Miller, we need some equilibrator steam, start with gun number one and find me some and don't you dare come back until you find it......there he stands laughing his butt off as each gun section chief would say "Sorry Kid, fresh out try Gun number 2" Few years later, after finishing OCS I came back to my unit, a rare thing, and MSG Fitzgerald, Still the Chief of Smoke for Delta 1-101 FA, took me by the Butter Bar and said "Well Lieutenant, did they teach you where we keep the equilibrator steam? Some mentors you never forget. And he mentored me for 3 more years before he retired. A great man. Hoowah!
dot 5 brake fluid from big mikes or napa has it too ,I run free cooking oil through a centrifuge first and the exhaust smells like french fries
Great memory jogger! I drove a 1967 Kaiser M35 standard troop transport Deuce in Vietnam 1969-1970. When I got cleared for the truck license, nobody told me about the "W" shift pattern, but after a few 3rd to 5th lugging shifts I figured it out. For me it would be a Command and Communications Unit (KI6GZK) with bunks, water and cooking capabilities. Were you able to get an approximate gallons per mile ;-) figure for your trip? It looked fairly flat but you have a lot of weight and wind drag, plus the 6x6 running gear. Be careful with the military lug tires in rain. They don't shed water the same as good civilian "all weather" tires. But super great off road. Great video. Thank you! PS: remembered a buddy telling me to be very careful about "runs on anything that will burn." There is a requirement to keep the fuel system lubricated, so running too 'clean' a fuel not made for diesel engines can wear out pumps, the fuel distribution "thing" and potentially damage the engine, itself. Have fun!
We had one in my Canadian reserve Signals unit. The 6x6 with the box were called "'gin
palace"' trucks and the 10 wheel drive and box was the difference from the 6 wheel deuce and a half canvas covered troop carriers
Best truck out there for expedition-bugout-camping possible. They have all the ability anyone would need for these purposes, without all the hassles intrinsic to the M9XX (5-tons), like CTIS, super singles, costly super duty parts, etc. You can easily operate one of these for any general outdoor experience you have for about 1/3rd the cost of their 'big brother' 5-ton equivilent. As for the 109 'comm center' box, most were used for either communication mounds or shop trucks...so rip out that wood floor, tack TIG a 5/16" aluminum plate in place, Rhino-line the floor (anti slip) and forget about it forever more. Build you a small galley (sink, microwave, surface range top and office fridge), cartridge toilet (RV), and rig up a 'sailor's bunk' in the front...you'll have room for a small shower and table-chair! Don't forget, a 5,000 BTU window air conditioner can be fitted above the cab (front box wall), or if you really want to splurge, you can get a 10,000 BTU RV rooftop (thin profile) AC for the box roof (you will have the total overhead clearance to install it). Possibilities are ENDLESS! Good buy on that one!
I used to drive one of those .... sounds good.
The desk where "equipment" mounted is actually a SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System)radio mount. Although civilians cannot use those radios, they are quite interesting to learn about, tons of things you can do with them, basically they are a military hardened Amateur Radio, with the right antenna you can really reach out there.
I don't remember the model we had, but they were equipped with Automatic transmissions. I came home from Korea in August of 62 made the trip across country by Greyhound to Fort Gordon, Ga. Biggest mistake I made was to report in a day early as the next morning we were off to Fort Hood Texas for war games. During the stay in Texas, Cuba became a real thing and that meant no planes to return us to Fort Gordon. As you may have guessed we drove back to Georgia in convoy at 35 mph. We stopped at 2 military bases during the trip. Best part of the trip was in Alabama where the local station on our side of the road would not sell us gasoline because the CO"s driver was BLACK. It took 2 hours to fill the trucks and trailer that had 6 5 gallon gas cans, Oh yes there was 2 jeeps in the company. I believe the fastest were ever got to was between 40 and 50 mph. We also drove to Ft Bragg in NC and a couple bases in Alabama the following year. Never got the trucks over 50 mph. No wonder I had a need for speed for years after.
Amazing! Good for a tiny house on wheels!
What an excellent truck. I operated a standard 2 1/2 while with the Ohio Air National Guard 1982-1988. I towed a four wheel wagon-style box trailer. I was part of a forward operating team for command and control operations. During my first two week training near Columbus Indiana, we did tactical driver training with both 2.5 and 5 ton standard trucks. Ye Ha!! The passenger seat is a rough rider though. Congratulations on a great find. I wish you well with it.
As for uses, several come to mind, however, since my wife and I live in a camper year-round in MI near the 45th parallel, I would convert to part 1 of 2 of a tiny home set-up. Some people restore military gear like this and attend shows around the country. That could be fun, especially if you could get a 105 Howitzer to restore and tow with.
Whatever you use it for, hope you stay safe and enjoy it to the max.
Interesting video but it would have been nice to have seen you checking it over before you started and drove it.
I want this for an RV. The perfect bug out vehicle.
Thanks for pre running the motor. The break alarm is excoriating to listen to. Also make Shure you drain air tank regular to Expell any water. Then close. A yard stick works well. (Emergency gauge)Just keep it clean. Sgt williams 20 year. Radio operator.
@Russell Gerdes hey! What can I say. I'm a retired COMBAT ENGNEER. We're brothers with a different mother. WE BOTH STOMPED THE GROUND. Sgt williams retired . /Roads, bridges, housing, dams, and my favorite grubbing. And land reclaim. A good life. 73, de kv4li
Ps as was a company armour I had a duce for a shop. the radio op and medic shared with me. the large canvas. I brought to the field . The first lutenants called it Wally world hi hi
Not sure if the RPM gauge is accurate/functional, but if it is you're running in the red there at 3:37. Also only 700 hours on that truck doesn't seem right too me, though I don't think that really matters in this case. Nice truck. Don't know much about those old military trucks, but I can't help but think it would make a fantastic off-road camper truck. Perhaps a mobile mechanic/machine shop is another idea.
I could see you using it as a mobile shop to use to get parts off of cars at a wrecking yard, or get a car running after a break down. (I have had British and Italian cars. I have felt your pain)
Beautiful scenery
So in the US diesel pumps are green?
As a rule, diesel pumps here in the USA are green. I have learned, the hard way, that the green diesel pump rule is not universal.
bcgrittner wow confusing. I think UK has it right. Universally black is diesel and green is unleaded. Works perfectly and makes sense.
@@JonBushell same down under
That thing would make an amazing party bus.
I was in Field Artillary for 17 yrs.. a M109 I thought was a Howitzer that Shoot's artillery rounds down range.. Self Propelled Howitzer..
The mount in the front inside the box was for a radio with the external speaker mounted on the wall. In 82/83 I drove an M35A2 that was built in 69, I could run 65 easy on the road.
I have a plastic model of that truck thank you for the Walk around
#DemolitionRanch Got a 5 Ton a couple weeks ago. This one looks great man. Love those big monsters.
I always wanted to buy 5 ton 6X6 box truck and turn it into a camper. The newer COE ones by Stevens can actually cruise at hwy speeds. I remember riding in one just like this in early 90s in Germany. Also, drove few in late 90s in National Guard. I recommend getting an air seat to save your butt/back on long drives, or at least seat pads to put on them.
The seat in this actually has suspension to it already.
Nice find , hope you get a lot of use out of it .
Brings back some memories.
a militar truck in very good conditions, congratulations
With 5th gear position as it is is usually like that when its an overdrive gearbox.
I agree nothing to do with passenger leg room.
I hope that I can buy.One of those trucks one day.In that configuration.They just look so cool!
Great video and what a wonderful piece of history. You could keep it in very original condition without much compromise and still use it like a regular truck. Also very interested to see how it performs off road.
Convert to a rough country camper then find a small military trailer to convert to a bathroom and shower. Do it like a cabin cruiser bathroom with a drain in the center of the floor and the whole room is the shower stall,could put in waterproof cabinets for dry items. If the trailer is big enough section part off for storage and/or fresh water tank.
@Russell Gerdes I would guess there would be a drain/outlet at lowest point of system to drain tank and lines then just pour some anti-freeze into the p-trap. I agree though,anything not designed for easy winterization would be doomed.
This type was used in Vietnam as well....to electronic locate,,,dang missles protecting the Fighter and bombers'. I trained on one/ ops /but never used it my self...I was busy lol
Smart investment. It will go nearly anywhere. It can easily adapt to a solar system ... I’ve seen these with gasification wood burning stoves/heaters. They can be foam insulated ... you can adapt fresh water supply ... and create fold down bunks or ... bunk. An all terrain expedition vehicle is a gift to survival ... if you have to be mobile. An army trailer carries your stores and can be rigged with an auxiliary fuel tank in the floor of the trailer. Food , water , fuel , and incredibly versatile mobility. Just an observation ... your needs may be completely different. Enjoy !
Russell Gerdes Tanks in false truck beds and tanks in trailer beds have served well in the Agricultural industry in Florida.
Exactly what you said ... very protected.
Semper Fi
There is a fuel screen in tank (the cylindrical thing with the screen in the bottom through which you are pouring your fuel). The fuel cap is attached to it. Pull it out (pull it up and twist it...it will come free of the tank). It will open up the throat to the tank so you can flow fuel in much more quickly.
Good luck finding parts
Pretty easy actually, many websites available to get parts, however going to your local parts store won't get you much other than lubricants and filters and maybe light bulbs but most items are going to only be found on military surplus websites and other websites that deal with military vehicles.
Took my first driving test in one of these 😁
The foaming issue can be resolved by pulling the fuel cap chain and lifting out the cylinder assembly that has a screen which tends to slow the fuel going in, especially if it is clogged. Even with the screen fully cleaned you have to input the fuel at just the right angle to keep the foam down so easiest to just remove the assembly when fueling.
Getting it out is the problem, the panel on the box above doesn't allow enough room to remove it.
Bravo SeventyV.....I was just about to add that comment when I saw your post.
Hello, congratulations by the beautiful truck. I also have an M109 here in Brazil. I think it's one of the only ones in this configuration around here. I don't know if I'll turn it into a motorhome or a foodtruck.
I got the same truck! Mines a 1967 with the whistler turbo. Yours truck is much more complete in the box then what mine is.
Use it as a portable 'man cave'. With the power system still installed in it, you could deck it out with a sound system, gaming system and large TV, put comfy seats in it, a mini fridge, a small collapsible table and then when you go places, you can buy takeout, sit in the back and chill out with friends.
Have they different differential centres that you can put in it to make it better on the highway,,,
Great looking vehicle. Give us a demo of it's multi fuel ability and the adaptations needed. It would make a great mobile shop/overnight stay combo for rescues etc. Are you wanting to keep it original or more practical? Great potential.
That would be good set up radios in to use if there is an emergency and normal communications is out. You can make a camper out of it. Put solar panels on top some battery to urn things when there isn't sun.
Nice truck but a quick FYI - Holding that multi-fuel at 60+ mph is asking for a thrown rod.
Service truck to maintain your fleet? :)
Mobile recovery shop with the ability to trailer home cars. Have it desked out with tools, additional air compressor, water storage (radiators) and any additional items that may be required. Additional parts??
Where did you purchase it? I've been looking and Noone seems to have these anymore..
I'm probably crazy but I think it would make an awesome camping rig. That shift pattern would drive me nuts though.
Orange canister in the engine compartment is "cold start" kit
Drove one in the Army in Germany but mine was a 1975 model
I would make an off road camper.....would be great
Coolest Good Humor ice cream truck ever...
When i was in the army 50 or so years ago, we were required to bleed the brakes at the end of the day and then when starting up the next morning to shutt off the valve and wait until brake air pressure was sufficient to shut off the buzzer. Is this still done?
Yes in the video I had already started it up to move it and that is why you were spared from the buzzer.
@@ThisWeekWithCars thx!
5th gear is forward because its overdrive. That was standard shift pattern for overdrive trannys for decades. Military never intended for 3 people to ride in the cab
A camper vehicle would be the way to go, but fuel consumption may be costly. Heck, getting any repair parts might be a serious problem and a break-down on the highway is gonna cost and arm and a leg, I'd guess. Still, it would be a fun vehicle to own!
The funny thing I was looking at that deuce too live in the new prague area so that's funny he drove 4 hours to pick it up and also that sleeve comes out of the fuel tank cap her off
Sleeve is blocked from coming out by a cover on the box above. I didn’t have the tools to remove it with me.
@Russell Gerdes yea she turns slightly and out mine is clogged just remove it and fill the tank had to do a wheel seal on the truck and that was an adventure but everything went well
Drive it over to the paper-mill and park on top of a big stack, so the paper won't blow away?
Fantastic truck
Steve I would outfit the truck for tank repairs and then go buy an old M-1 Abrams tank, get her running and drive her home to add to your collection.
I love this idea!
He'd hate the fuel bill driving an Abrams tank that far. 504.4 gallons of fuel, and they get like 0.8MPG and they take 10 gallons of fuel just to start them, yeah they're far from fuel efficient but fun as hell to drive and do live fire exercises. I miss my Tanking days. The M2A2/A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles just aren't nearly as much fun as an Abrams Tank. Not to mention all the maintenance required on them. Drive it an hour and do 4 hours of maintenance, no thanks, don't miss those days LOL.
I dispatched the driver that hauled that MN sign to be installed. Lol. Back in 2015
I thought it has been there a lot longer than that.
@@ThisWeekWithCars feels like it. They are wider than they look, one by La Cresent too...we hadta permit them in and get a route planned out. Boss drove all the way up their to scout the route. We had annual permits so choose our own routes, single trip permits the State routes you. That whole company fell apart, we all lost our jobs shortly after. Long story, sad.
You drove 8 miles from my house! Nice truck sir!! I would make it a go anywhere off grid camper. I live east of 13 on MN 30:)
What would I do with this truck? Being that I'm an amateur radio operator I'd probably load it up with military radio gear to use portable. I'd probably set it up for usage and loan for disaster communications backup.
That would be awesome!
I’d love one of those trucks, but I don’t have a place to keep it
I would remove the box and use it as work shop and put a flat bed on the truck. Overall its in fairly good shape. Great find.
Oh, man! Th;at is HARD CORE! Those aren't "windows," they're GUN PORTS! Good luck with it!