1968 v/s 1988 Deuce???

[Makincold]

So... I bought my M274 mule, found this site and now I have the deuce bug BAD...did I mention I now have it BAD...

So in looking around I see everything from old to "newer" there is a 1988 model for $5500 and I found a 1968 local, titled and all for about the same...
So the question is, is there a reasoin to get a "newer" deuce than an older one? is 20+ years difference positive, negative, or indeferent in these trucks?
I know each one will be different and condition rules, so I'm looking for some general guidelines on "age" as a buying factor
Thanks!
Tim

 

[gimpyrobb]

Indifferent. I would by the one that has receipts(for parts) as proof of upkeep over the one that doesn't. The newer one could have been neglected and the older one could have been someone's cream-puff.

 

[emmado22]

the 88 will have dual circut brakes. And I'll bet it was a USAF dropside, made by AMG.

 

[wsucougarx]

I have both an '88 M35A2C and a '68 M35A2. Although the '88 may seem newer, my '68 was complete rebuilt in '91 at the Tooele Army Depot. I feel a bit safer driving the '88 w/the split brake circuit. The '87-88's also had a nice parking brake reminder light on the dash to let you know your parking brake was engaged. As far as wear and tear, most of the '88 M35A2C's were USAF trucks. For the most part, less use offroad etc.

 

[mcmullag]

the trucks had regular maintenance while used

I am very happy with my 1971, it came out of depot rebuild at Tooele in 1987.
I am waiting on EUC to come thru so I can pick up a 1987 I won. Got it because it has a winch, wish I could hold onto the 1971, it was with the NE National Guard until 2007 so was maintained. It is a nice truck, but not enuf funds to be able to keep it and another truck.

 

[broman78]

I am very happy with my 1971, it came out of depot rebuild at Tooele in 1987.
I am waiting on EUC to come thru so I can pick up a 1987 I won. Got it because it has a winch, wish I could hold onto the 1971, it was with the NE National Guard until 2007 so was maintained. It is a nice truck, but not enuf funds to be able to keep it and another truck.

I was about to say keep the '71 model truck but forget that roll in the '87 since it has a winch and dual split brakes.

 

[armytruck63]

The dual circuit brakes alone would cause me to favor the '88.

 

[gimpyrobb]

I have seen 88 models with out the split brake system. Unless you are sure it has that feature, don't base your decision on it!

 

[wsucougarx]

Really Gimp? I've never seen an '87-88 without a split brake system. Now I have seen tons of pre-87 deuces claiming to be the late model deuces based upon the rebuild year. I was under the impression that was one of the USAF contract items incl hardtop, heaters, and dropsides.