1951 M48 Tractor recovery

[hndrsonj]

Well today Clinto and I got the M48 home from Shirleys Surplus. I am pretty sure it was one of the first vehicles in there as it was way in the back of the yard. I felt like a rat in a maze trying to extract it from the M35 remmnants. I know Clinto left some paint there from his truck trying to get it out (it was very tight). I have the initial photo in Shirleys driveway where we swapped tires and prepped the truck. I'll post more later tonight. I think Clinto has some from the back of the yard too. Glad it's home and a huge thanks to Clinto for his help.

 

[hndrsonj]

This was the truck as it sat. You can't really see how bad it was pinned in.

 

[hndrsonj]

Here we were heading out, first time in 30 years plus. Note the "custom" hardtop. It's a soft top frame with metal riveted on with plywood reinforcement.

 

[hndrsonj]

We passed right by the Atlanta motor speedway. I thought we should do a lap with the tractor in tow but Clinto kept going.

 

[hndrsonj]

Finally here and parking at the house (105 miles-first time in decades).

 

[hndrsonj]

Finally home, and the parts search begins (or continues).

 

[maddawg308]

Man, it will be great to see that fully restored. Great pics, and excellent save!

 

[hndrsonj]

Here is a very wierd thing. The splash shield unbolts..... Front 2/3rds comes off and forward part unbolts from the inside. Has anyone else seen this??

 

[Recovry4x4]

My next trip up your way I need to stop and touch it. I'd bet there aren't many people here who have ever touched an M48. Probably just you two! Good job Jim and Clinto!

 

[DanMartin]

Sweetness...please restore that truck to like-new! Nice to see another one saved.

I'm still amazed that my deuce is 37 years newer than that M48, and how similar they really are.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Nice. I have not even heard of them un-bolting. Post up a list of what you need. I stumble across stuff all the time.

 

[clinto]

what a day!!!! My arms are still sore!

I went about 330 miles yesterday, give or take. The map isn't exactly accurate but is close enough.

http://shortlinks.net/zem127

Boy, you can really feel that Deuce behind you. I was amazed. It was 100% throttle almost all the way from Shirley's to HndrsonJ's.

And power steering would have been nice when I doing 87 point turns down the junkyard. All those trucks are just out in the field in no sense of direction or order, so it's like trying to tackle an obstacle course.

Here are some pics, sorry we didn't take more but we were too busy busting our humps tring to get outta' there.

 

[doghead]

C, in the last picture your winch cable is a mess! You Slackin'?(must have been tired)

 

[citizensoldier]

Just so I am clear because I get my numbers mixed up and dont have the book in front of me. A M48 is the early gasser long wheel base deuce tractor right? And to go with what gymp said post up what parts you need. I know of a few stashed old gassers.. Cool recovery both for the truck and clinto.. Looks like he is feeling better..

 

[clinto]

C, in the last picture your winch cable is a mess! You Slackin'?(must have been tired)

No, winch is due for a rebuild. I've always had a hard time getting the clutch engaged on the winch, but yesterday it finally refused to engage whatsoever. So there must be a broken tooth or something similar in there. I am gonna pull it off today or this week and go through it.

They should have put some kind of means on those things to manually spin the drum for these instances

 

[hndrsonj]

I need alot of sheetmetal and almost all the semi stuff. Especially, ramps, pogo stick, and the super rare spare tire holder. Hopefully I think I have a line on the complete rust/dent free gasser sheet metal replacement (cab fenders ect) and the fifth wheel. It will be restored back to origional with no mods. If anyone knows where there is one especially with the spare tire carrier i'd really like the info, if nothing else i'd just like some specific measurements and pics cause I am thinking I may have to fabricate that. Thanks in advance.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Jim, can you please post a pic of the data plate....PLEASE? Also, is this a Stude or a Reo?

 

[papabear]

Outstanding job men!! Anyone who rescues these old steel soldiers and lets them live out their life with honor has a special place in my book. These things can't be replaced and they are a large part of our Nation's history. Wish more fellers thought like y'all.

 

[hndrsonj]

Kenny, it's a REO #4483. Oh, and Shirleys is in Barnesville GA on Hwy 41 just north of town can't miss it.

 

[clinto]

I really wish we had taken more pics.

Don't try to buy door glass from Shirley.................................................