Got my first Deuce!

[LibertyMinded]

So my buddy had a Unimog for sale and it got me thinking about a large capable vehicle. For several reasons I thought that it would be a good idea for my family to acquire something like that but once I got to thinking about it the Deuce sounded more and more "practical" for what we wanted (as practical as they can be anyway). It had WAY more pros than the Unimog, cost less, I could find parts easier, they could haul more, there was more info on them, they could run on pretty much anything, and they just look more bad ass. Anyway, I mentioned the idea to my wife and she gave me the thumbs up with NO hesitation...I was now committed because if she didn't give me any grief about it I just HAD to do it. She ACTUALLY thought it was a good idea to buy one...my wife rocks! So I started looking around and found a few in my state that needed work or cost a ton of money for being fully restored. Then I came across one within 40 miles of my house, looked to be in good shape, had been gone through by a trucker with a bunch of parts replaced, lines, filters, fluids changed, etc. Looked like a good deal. I offered the guy $4k and he accepted after griping about it, seemed like a good deal to me! Anyway, I got the truck with basically nothing wrong with it, new lights, good canvas top, no real rust anywhere, new fuel lines/fittings, PMs done, and a nearly full tank of fuel. It is now sitting in my driveway in Kalamazoo, MI in a large 50s era neighborhood with TINY lots, my neighbors must love me! My plan is to get a 12-14 foot box truck back end and mount it on the back for a "go anywhere camper/house." I've got a lead on a 14 foot aluminum cube box for a moving truck that is in good shape for $400 that I may pick up next week. This is going to be a fun toy! It is an M35a2, 1973, AM General, 60amp, multifuel, air transfer case, 23k miles, 2400 hours. Well, just saying hi. Ready to read up on this truck and get into my new hobby!

 

[LibertyMinded]

Oh, and right in front of it is my modified FZJ80 Land Cruiser with factory lockers, lift, winch, and 35s. Not pictured is the 99 Wrangler with equal mods. Good little convoy!

 

[Nationwide 63s]

Sweeeeeet!

Good to see you got the green light from the boss! After I bought a couple of horses for my wife, I hinted at the idea of a heavy truck for hay, feed, etc. She was sooo Leary of my Harley I decided to trade it for a 5 ton. Done right.....NO! Still wanted a Deuce. Thanks to the classifieds (and ivebeenrocked) I finally snagged one! You always need a backup in case one goes "in the shop." I think she understand my sickness!

Congrats on the truck!

 

[porkysplace]

Welcome from mid-michigan their are a few members in your area . You need to put the state in your location ( site rule ) or you will be getting off to a bad start with the moderators . If you want to meet some members this group meets monthly at different locations Lansing area monthly meet and eat

 

[plym49]

Congrats! You got a great deal and the truck looks really good. Enjoy!

 

[LibertyMinded]

Oh yeah, I saw people mention putting the city and state in your profile from reading previous posts. Sorry, must have forgotten. Fixed now! Thanks for the info about the mid-Michigan meetup. I'll have to check that out.

 

[ATPTac]

Congrats! We just got our deuce this week also. My story is very similar to yours, my wife more or less suggested we get one, so needless to say I jumped on the opportunity. Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for yours...

 

[smoothoperator]

Nice one!

 

[gimpyrobb]

Why put an aluminum bed on and have to install a bunch of stuff when you can just get a big slide-in camper unit ready to go? MUCH less work. Many members here have done it, might want to search for some of their threads. Welcome to the site.

 

[Another Ahab]

Anyway, I mentioned the idea to my wife and she gave me the thumbs up with NO hesitation...

I just GOT to wonder if she isn't up to something…

But then shame on me for any suspicions, right?! And hooray for you to have that wonderful woman as your partner-in-crime! Lordy: you done got yourself a Deuce!! Nice looking rig.

Welcome to you, Brother, from right here down 'yonder in Virginia.

 

[Heath_h49008]

Greetings from Kalamazoo.

I think that brings the Kalamazoo Steel Soldiers M35A2 crowd up to... about... 2. (Not many deuces in this neck of the woods.)

Can't wait to see you around the Westnedge cruise scene.

Edit: You will know mine when you see it. It's grey and has a certain black and gold flag on the back you might recognize.

 

[LibertyMinded]

Why put an aluminum bed on and have to install a bunch of stuff when you can just get a big slide-in camper unit ready to go? MUCH less work. Many members here have done it, might want to search for some of their threads. Welcome to the site.

Well, I was going back and forth about which way would be easier. The cube box I found is 14 long, 8 wide, and 7.5 tall plus it is completely square on the bottom for a good blank canvas. A truck topper would have a bunch of steps in and up and down if it was a long one which would ultimately reduce the storage space inside the enclosure unless I gutted and cut/extended all of the features of the camper back down. Or then I could install storage spaces outside to fill the voids under the camper. Either way there is going to be some retrofitting if I am going to utilize the same space. Plus I want to be able to haul a lot of stuff in case of an "extended" camping trip so I'd rather start from scratch and be able to build in some storage areas inside the enclosure. Also I want the back to have fold up or removable seats in case I want to haul something big in there. Also I get a big roll up door to be able to get bigger stuff in the back if need be instead of a single door like a camper. Anyway, I feel like the camper vs. moving truck back is not nearly as cut and dry as you'd think if you look at what I want to do with it. Besides, if I got the camper my wife would want to put better cabinets in it, or refinish them, and then we would have to discuss what curtains are going to be in it, etc. This way it starts off utility minded and it stays that way. Looking for functionality, large enclosed space, versatile, storage, and customized.

Sorry, haven't had coffee yet in case that doesn't flow well.

 

[LibertyMinded]

Greetings from Kalamazoo.

I think that brings the Kalamazoo Steel Soldiers M35A2 crowd up to... about... 2. (Not many deuces in this neck of the woods.)

Can't wait to see you around the Westnedge cruise scene.

Edit: You will know mine when you see it. It's grey and has a certain black and gold flag on the back you might recognize.

Oh yeah? Awesome man! PM me and we've got to meet up! I was debating on what symbol or flag to put on it once we re-painted it (the wife's only stipulation for getting it was that it be repainted 1 solid color). Was thinking about that diagonal flag with black and gold on it like you've got or maybe Gadsden...although the former is easier to make and more accurately reflects who I am.

By the way, did you go to JCR Offroad yesterday for some grand opening they had? I didn't, but had some offroading buddies that thought I must have gone because somebody drove a Deuce there. So if it wasn't you then there must be another one in the area.

 

[andy3]

Congrats & welcome to the madness!

I agree with the previous comment. Look to do a slide in. Here is a great thread on it.
Inexpensive-camper-utiliy-box-for-m35a2
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?t=65540

 

[LibertyMinded]

I just GOT to wonder if she isn't up to something…

But then shame on me for any suspicions, right?! And hooray for you too have that wonderful woman as your partner-in-crime! Lordy: you done got yourself a Deuce!! Nice looking rig.

Welcome to you, Brother, from right here down yonder in Virginia.

That was my first thought as well...lol. Naw, she is an awesome woman so didn't think there was any ulterior motive. I get to do with it what I want as long as I make a space in the back that is dry and has some nice seats for her and the boys to sit in. Oh, and once I paint it a solid color she reserved the right to put a "Direwolf" stencil on it somewhere since "Winter is Coming"...I figured I can allow that for her being so easy going with it. (Game of Thrones)

 

[mcmullag]

Congrats. Maybe you can haul a veterans group in parades, it's something fun to do with the trucks.