Formal Introduction and a M35

[Navo]

Welcome to steel soldiers... Whatever you get, just make sure you learn how to fix it yourself cause paying someone $105 an hour will eat a hole in your pocket.

Yea, that part of owning a MV is scary. I would hate to have a lawn ornament....

 

[gungearz]

Yea, that part of owning a MV is scary. I would hate to have a lawn ornament....

Indeed it is. If you can change brakes and do simple tune ups. Then you can work on these trucks. They are very easy to work on and once you get the hang of it. You won't be scared anymore.

 

[MtnDuece]

Let me take a minute to formally say hello. My name is Andrew and I live in Chesapeake, VA. I have been quietly reading the threads and posts here for about a month. So in other words, I guess you could call it stalking...

I am amazed at the stories, advice, warmness, and willingness that you all have shown to fellow members. I have read NUMEROUS post and threads, and I now have a daily addiction to coming to the forums as much as I can throughout the day! I like getting wrapped up in the posts where someone is recovering a truck or his planing for a long cross country back with their new truck. Then you all tell about it in such great detail on your journey to back home!

I have a friend and a co-worker that used to own a M35A2 (of course this was before we met). He would tell me all the stories and whatnot about his truck etc. I didn't really think much about it at the time. Then one day we were bored so we started "you tubing". Ever since I have been hooked!! I literally think I have watched every video on you tube concerning the M35 and M923.

So, I had my mind set on a M923, but after reading posts and hearing other peoples comments about how I would have to get a CDL etc. I decided on a Deuce. Plus the Deuce is about half the price of a 5-Ton. Also, this would be my first MV, and I have read from a lot of you that a deuce would be better off "learning on".

Now with that said, let me get this out there as well. I can comfortably change my own oil, change tires, check fluids etc. on my own car. HOWEVER.... when you throw a 14,000lb truck and a diesel into the mix. I might as well be working on the Shuttle....I'm no way capable of doing what some of you have with your trucks.

So for the past week, I have done pretty much nothing except work, and then come home and look for trucks for sale and take notes. Then of course the next day at work Im constantly thinking of the trucks I looked at previously the night before. Its pretty much a vicious cycle

So I *think* I have come up with what I would like to purchase. Now keep in mind about what I spoke about earlier (just encase you fell asleep on my rambling posts, I have zero mechanical skills.... ok maybe a pinch of skills at best). I would like the truck to be "turn key". I need one that has been looked at and serviced. Nothing scares me more than buying the truck and 100 miles later the transmission blows up, or the one of engine seals breaks or any other lists of major malfunctions that could happen.

Now, I know that these trucks are used and it could happen even after a servicing. I just feel better knowing that it was looked at by someone that knows what they are doing. While I'm on the want/need topic. I also would like new paint. I think a freshly painted truck looks... well in freaking awesome!

I know I will have to pay to be able to get those above items, but lets face it... the economy is terrible at best... What do you think I would be looking at for something like the above?

I forgot to mention that I'm looking at the M35A2 OR the M35A3. I'm fully aware of the crappy CTIS (throw that out the window) and the top speeds of a blistering 52MPH with the A3. However, I do like an automatic. To be quite honest... Its will more than likely be an A3. *waits while people leave there chairs and leave the thread* I know some of you are kinda harsh on the poor A3. But, I like it. It does kinda grow on ya!

You might be asking "what will you be doing with the truck?" Well, it will mainly be a joy rider. Those weekend drives, quick trip to Walmart, Home Depot, dinner, etc.. No commercial work activities. Most likely driving it once or twice a week. My future truck will never see off road, dirt, rain, or mud. Well maybe, a slight dust if I have to drive on the grass.. BUT NO MUD!

So to sum this posting up, Do you all have any recommendations for me? any insight? How would I get a quote from from Insurance agent? Do I tell them I just bought a Military Vehicle? LOL Are there any places that sell these trucks after they have been gone through? Does anyone locally live here near VA Beach that I could come by and see your Truck?

Thanks again for your time. I hope to be an active member and will keep you all updated on my purchase. (have to find the right one first). Until then I will be steadily reading into more threads and posts.

Andrew

You will be able to work on it much More room under the hood just need bigger tools and the TM good luck on your search welcome aboard

 

[Navo]

Nice, we can defiantly handle that. As long as I can get the tire off with out it falling and killing me

 

[Navo]

Thanks MtnDuece! Good to be here!

 

[cattlerepairman]

Navo, you probably did see it, but there is another thread with very pertinent information and links to other good posts currently going on:

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/91167-looking-m35a2-maybe-a3-need-some-suggestions.html

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/conversations/90811-so-you-want-mil-truck-here-what-they-cost.html

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/attach...-suggestions-so-you-want-buy-deuce-final-.doc

 

[Navo]

Navo, you probably did see it, but there is another thread with very pertinent information and links to other good posts currently going on:

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/91167-looking-m35a2-maybe-a3-need-some-suggestions.html

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/conversations/90811-so-you-want-mil-truck-here-what-they-cost.html

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/attach...-suggestions-so-you-want-buy-deuce-final-.doc

Yep, I have read that post previously. It has some great information in it!

 

[Navo]

Is anyone from VA here? Im curious as to what plates you are running. Normal, antique, farm use. etc.


Thanks

 

[Navo]

Double post.

 

[caliber1]

Indeed it is. If you can change brakes and do simple tune ups. Then you can work on these trucks. They are very easy to work on and once you get the hang of it. You won't be scared anymore.

Navo, being the proud owner of an A2, I can tell you this is true. Just need to buy BIGGER tools.

 

[Navo]

Navo, being the proud owner of an A2, I can tell you this is true. Just need to buy BIGGER tools.

Haha! well that eases my mind a little bit.

 

[Navo]

So.... I just received a quote from two different dealers. They are both around the $20,000 mark. I have to admit, that is some sticker shock.... BUT, I guess I have to consider what they are doing to it before I get it. Im looking for "Turn Key"

"The truck will be a clean low mileage model direct from government storage. It will be brought into our shop to be inspected, cranked, fully serviced and mechanically upgraded where necessary. The fuel tank will be removed and cleaned. The truck will have the CAT 3116 diesel engine, Allison AT1545 automatic transmission, airshift transfer case and Air-O-Matic power steering. The electrical system will be 24-volt with new batteries. The brake system will be air/hydraulic and will be rebuilt. The tire inflation system will be removed and wheel bearings replaced with M35A2 bearings.The tires will be good used (70% tread) 14.5R20 steel belted single style tires with one spare.

Also included will be a hardtop, west coast mirrors,heater and keyed ignition. The chassis will have the 12ft steel cargo body with troop seats and cover. We wll then freshen up the military camo paint job in our body shop."

What do you guys think?

 

[dikwks]

Navo,

Welcome to the site from just up the road in Suffolk. I've had my deuce for about 10 months and have loved every minute of it. Like you, I'm thinking a 900 series 5 ton would be too cool. Maybe later, but for now I had to settle for a trailer for the deuce.

I dont't have a dog in this hunt, but know of an A2, an A3 and an 800 series 5ton for sale in the next county over. If interested, PM me and I'll see if I can get more info for you. I at least have a number for the A2.

I'm still pretty much a noob myself, but have gathered some tools and info along the way. Check with me if you'd like.

Rick

 

[dikwks]

Just saw your last post. 20k??? I'd have never been able to swing it at that price. My A2 was less than a quarter of that.

 

[gungearz]

$20K.... THATS INSANE. It better be able to do 140 and drive itself for that.

 

[Navo]

I forgot to mention that this is a A3.

 

[dikwks]

The A3 near me had a $6500 tag last I saw.

 

[Navo]

The A3 near me had a $6500 tag last I saw.

I actually went and looked at that one. Needed paint, radiator was leaking, hood was in HORRIBLE shape (would need replacing), air dryer didn't work, tach didn't work, and the parking break didn't work.

Thats when I started thinking might be better for someone else (dealer) to fix all those problems before I get it.

 

[Navo]

I actually went and looked at that one. Needed paint, radiator was leaking, hood was in HORRIBLE shape (would need replacing), air dryer didn't work, tach didn't work, and the parking break didn't work.

Thats when I started thinking might be better for someone else (dealer) to fix all those problems before I get it.

and thats just what I could see....

 

[hndrsonj]

20K for an A3 is way high.