A Different Kind of M109 Conversion

[SCSG-G4]

Instead of making a camper out of my M109's, I'm taking a different tack. Mine will be rolling pantries for the kitchen trailer (AKA MKT-85), with a freezer, refrigerator, air conditioning, storage shelves and a small desk in the corner. I didn't take pictures when I started fixing things up, but here's what I've done so far.
1. The two rearmost windows were sealed over and inoperable - I've put insulation in them and will not restore their operation.
2. The Army had installed alternative wiring and some fluorescent lights, but used regular household (solid) three conductor wiring - it's out, replacing with stranded and rewiring the original lights.
3. Original lights are dim because the housings are metal finished - I've painted inside them with high temperature white paint and cleaned the glass covers (thanks to ZOUT for the extras). Pictures attached.
4. I'm painting the inside of the box with gloss white paint, as I have not been able to find any disease vectors on Google that are naturally gloss white.
5. There will be a new 115V power inlet (on order), then the wiring will be hooked together and have it inspected by a buddy that is a certified electrician.
6. The air conditioner will go in the hole the Army cut in the front of the box and a cover will be fabricated to go over and around it, mainly for travel, similar to what the Army had done on the S-250 shelter A/C.
7. Then the freezer, refrigerator, shelves, cabinets and small desk will be installed.
8. There will be a small 'platform' to hook on the bumperettes to go back to the MKT, so we will not have to go up and down ladders to move food out for cooking.

I'm planning on doing the conversions one truck at a time, since they are parked about 20 miles apart - I'm working on the one at home first.

 

[phil2968]

Looks like you have a good plan worked out! Looking forward to seeing it a the Ga rally, it should make things a lot easier prepping meals.

 

[wreckerman893]

Cool beans (and other foodstuffs) Mike......if we get any more professional we are going to have to start taking reservations for the Mess Hall.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Shucks! I was hoping to find a taker for this one gallon of seafoam green paint I have! Since you already painted yours white.............

 

[SCSG-G4]

Got a little more done - the wiring inside the box. Light switch right over the door with a plug to the side. That is where the extension cord will go. From there out the vent and over to the MKT to supply power for the lights and MBU's. Back at the front end another outlet to plug in the air conditioner. About 10 or 11 amps on that circuit. Other circuit goes around the wall with three outlets, one for the refrigerator, one for the freezer and a convenience outlet for the desk area.

Next step will be getting the frame for the air conditioner built and blocking up/insulating the rest of the hole in the front of the box. Have not decided on a travel cover for the A/C yet.

Then, on to the cabinets and installing the freezer and refrigerator. More pictures as work progresses.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Will this truck be ready for the GA Rally Mike?
Sure looks nice.

 

[SCSG-G4]

Kenny,
I expect it will as I already have the freezer and the bee..er, horizontal refrigerator that I used last year. Just need to add the desk, cabinets, A/C and shelving to have the inside complete. On the outside, I have to mount the new MARINCO outlet, rig the A/C cover, and get the RV plates (after the DOT inspection). I should have the spin on oil filters on it by Oct also. Some minor work on the box windows needs to be done if I'm not running the A/C.

Then I need to work on the second MKT trailer - the one that will be the cleanup sink/sanitation center. Always something to do!

 

[Recovry4x4]

If you need anything that I have, let me know. I'd like to make a personal contribution to your efforts. I sincerely appreciate the effort that you have gone to provide us riff raffs with grub. I would hope that many of my friends here would extend a similar gesture. Need any pushrods?

 

[wreckerman893]

I sincerely appreciate the effort that you have gone to provide us riff raffs with grub.

When making reservations for "Chea Mess Hall" please identify youself as rif or raf.

 

[zout]

very sweet labor of love going on with that 109 - keep pics coming - awesome job so far.

 

[marchplumber]

Nice! I probably won't make the "gatherin" but really kewl to watch someone labor and excell! CONGRATS!
God bless
Tony

 

[Spook556]

Have you considered CFLs, or even better, LEDs for your lights? I know they are more expensive, but they do last longer, and draw less as well.

Has anybody tried LED overheads in the 109?

Thanks!!!


Spook

 

[zout]

We have led's inside and check out the avatar of the led overhead lights

 

[SCSG-G4]

While I'm not using LED's, I did paint the inside of the light housings with high temp white paint, which gives a lot more light into the box instead of being absorbed by the housing. But, incandescent bulbs are being phased out, so we may all switch to mercury bulbs or LED's one day.

 

[rwbrown72]

Any updates? More pics please. Need to see the whole outfit up and running!

 

[SCSG-G4]

Started on the frame for the air conditioner in the big hole the Guard put in the front of the box. Should get it welded up this week and try-fit the little Fridigaire unit (6500 BTU/hr). Then pack foam around it and skin the inside and outside with some sheet metal. I've picked out some cabinets but need to wait till the next cash infusion before the purchase.

 

[SCSG-G4]

Got the new power inlet in and installed on the first truck. It was cheaper to get an new inlet plug and power cable than to purchase the Crouse-Hinds cable end the Army uses. Ordered it from Wholesale Marine (a banner advertiser on this site - support the companies that support us - a shameless plug). Pics show the installed items.

 

[clinto]

Very good Mike. We all can't wait to see it in action in October.

Only 4 months away now

Woo hoo!

 

[zout]

Mike - unit is looking great be sure the beer dispensers are easy access so PB and I can just pull up in his golf kart and window order

 

[wreckerman893]

Mike - unit is looking great be sure the beer dispensers are easy access so PB and I can just pull up in his golf kart and window order

With Papa Bear we will have to make a keg mount in the M109 and plumb a tap out the side.....then ya'll can just pull up in the cart and drink straight from the spout.