Bo1
Member
- 192
- 1
- 16
- Location
- Central Louisiana
Hello,
My name is Bo, and I live in Louisiana. I am new to the site, and new to military trucks.
I know a guy on another site that is interested in selling his '71 M35A2. It has already been bobbed, and looks to have fairly fresh paint on it. ( the lighter army green)
His description is listed below. My question is if the truck is in the described shape, is 6K a decent price?
I am going to try to post the one and only picture (from 2010 or so) I have
thanks for any input,
Bo
It's not drivable as it sits right now, because it needs new batteries after sitting so long (24-volt system).
That's an easy fix. I suspect it may need brake work, also due to the long inactivity.
To learn a whole lot about the systems and bob-tails in particular, go to a website called "Steel Soldiers", which is to military vehicles, what "Cast Boolits" is to bullet-casting.
I'm sure you're wondering what I would ask for it..... $6000 is less than I paid for it, and I think a fair value for what it is.
I did get just a couple of chances to drive it, for a total of maybe 75 or 100 miles... a lot of effort and money for so little return. The engine will run on almost anything.... diesel, kerosene, ATF, used oil from KFC, used motor oil... you name it.
Thanks for your interest.
It's a 1971-built truck. For some reason, it was registered as a VOLVO M35A2 in Arizona, and that's what the Nevada title says as well. It's described as a "pickup" with GVW of 15,000 pounds (I think).
I have no idea who did the conversion work, since I bought it from a gent in Phoenix who had in turn bought it from someone else. I saw his ad on EBay, and bought it without ever seeing it in person. He had excellent photos, but unfortunately I do not. The pic on the CB thread was one of his which someone was kind enough to move over from EBay.
The interior is as-issued, but in very nice condition (remembering that it's a MILITARY truck.) The bench seat is in excellent shape, and seat belts are installed. It does NOT have a heater, as many of the trucks were built according to where they would be based on delivery. Not much need for heat in LA, but kits are available if desired.
All instruments are in working order.
The bed is taken from a M101 military trailer, which is nice because the canvas trailer covers and ribs all fit perfectly and are very reasonable in price. I'd intended to get those accessories, but the roof fell in before I did.
It has the correct issue PTO winch in working order.
I don't recall the mileage, as it’s been almost four years since I've been inside it. Besides, mileage on a vehicle like this is largely meaningless since it's likely been overhauled several times at least.
The tires are in decent shape, being all Michelins except the spare. That spare is flat right now, and it really should be mounted on a wheel the same size as the ones on the truck.... the current wheel is a stock 2.5-ton size and is a bit too narrow. OK for a spare, but not for full-time use.
The truck needs windshield wipers; there are civilian ones that will fit. It could also use a new exhaust stack, easily available. All the glass, mirrors etc are in good condition.
The air-shift front axle is FAR superior to the Sprague-type that appears on many similar trucks. The four-wheel drive works well.
I really recommend some extensive reading on that Steel Soldiers site. I read stuff there for over a month, almost continuously, and it was well worth my while. Even the light switch needs some study for correct operation.... it's an electronic switch with VERY DIFFERENT functions from the simple on-off in a civilian vehicle.
When the batteries are good, it starts easily and runs smoothly.
There are two big 12-volt batteries hooked-up in series to give 24 volts. Specs are available on the SS site, and most garages should be able to get them conveniently. 12-volt conversions for the truck are also available, but why bother?
An oil change takes TWENTY-TWO QUARTS! I think there's enough oil over there (I'm 175 miles away) for the next change.
Expected mileage on diesel fuel seems to be around fifteen miles per gallon.... but used motor oil sometimes comes pretty cheaply. About all it requires is some filtering; there's loads of info on that website.
By the way, the original designation for this truck is M35A2... that can be IMPORTANT when looking for accessories, parts, etc.
An M35A3, for example, is very different from an A2.
Any more questions, I am right here behind this keyboard.... feel free to ask.
If you were buy this, I recommend that it be hauled home in its non-running state, Trying to get it running in somebody else’s yard could be a real pain; much better to have it at home where time is not so critical. Still, I think that just the battery change could see it running and that would make loading it onto the trailer much easier.
It's not drivable as it sits right now, because it needs new batteries after sitting so long (24-volt system).
That's an easy fix. I suspect it may need brake work, also due to the long inactivity.
To learn a whole lot about the systems and bob-tails in particular, go to a website called "Steel Soldiers", which is to military vehicles, what "Cast Boolits" is to bullet-casting.
I'm sure you're wondering what I would ask for it..... $6000 is less than I paid for it, and I think a fair value for what it is.
I did get just a couple of chances to drive it, for a total of maybe 75 or 100 miles... a lot of effort and money for so little return. The engine will run on almost anything.... diesel, kerosene, ATF, used oil from KFC, used motor oil... you name it.
Thanks for your interest.
It's a 1971-built truck. For some reason, it was registered as a VOLVO M35A2 in Arizona, and that's what the Nevada title says as well. It's described as a "pickup" with GVW of 15,000 pounds (I think).
I have no idea who did the conversion work, since I bought it from a gent in Phoenix who had in turn bought it from someone else. I saw his ad on EBay, and bought it without ever seeing it in person. He had excellent photos, but unfortunately I do not. The pic on the CB thread was one of his which someone was kind enough to move over from EBay.
The interior is as-issued, but in very nice condition (remembering that it's a MILITARY truck.) The bench seat is in excellent shape, and seat belts are installed. It does NOT have a heater, as many of the trucks were built according to where they would be based on delivery. Not much need for heat in LA, but kits are available if desired.
All instruments are in working order.
The bed is taken from a M101 military trailer, which is nice because the canvas trailer covers and ribs all fit perfectly and are very reasonable in price. I'd intended to get those accessories, but the roof fell in before I did.
It has the correct issue PTO winch in working order.
I don't recall the mileage, as it’s been almost four years since I've been inside it. Besides, mileage on a vehicle like this is largely meaningless since it's likely been overhauled several times at least.
The tires are in decent shape, being all Michelins except the spare. That spare is flat right now, and it really should be mounted on a wheel the same size as the ones on the truck.... the current wheel is a stock 2.5-ton size and is a bit too narrow. OK for a spare, but not for full-time use.
The truck needs windshield wipers; there are civilian ones that will fit. It could also use a new exhaust stack, easily available. All the glass, mirrors etc are in good condition.
The air-shift front axle is FAR superior to the Sprague-type that appears on many similar trucks. The four-wheel drive works well.
I really recommend some extensive reading on that Steel Soldiers site. I read stuff there for over a month, almost continuously, and it was well worth my while. Even the light switch needs some study for correct operation.... it's an electronic switch with VERY DIFFERENT functions from the simple on-off in a civilian vehicle.
When the batteries are good, it starts easily and runs smoothly.
There are two big 12-volt batteries hooked-up in series to give 24 volts. Specs are available on the SS site, and most garages should be able to get them conveniently. 12-volt conversions for the truck are also available, but why bother?
An oil change takes TWENTY-TWO QUARTS! I think there's enough oil over there (I'm 175 miles away) for the next change.
Expected mileage on diesel fuel seems to be around fifteen miles per gallon.... but used motor oil sometimes comes pretty cheaply. About all it requires is some filtering; there's loads of info on that website.
By the way, the original designation for this truck is M35A2... that can be IMPORTANT when looking for accessories, parts, etc.
An M35A3, for example, is very different from an A2.
Any more questions, I am right here behind this keyboard.... feel free to ask.
If you were buy this, I recommend that it be hauled home in its non-running state, Trying to get it running in somebody else’s yard could be a real pain; much better to have it at home where time is not so critical. Still, I think that just the battery change could see it running and that would make loading it onto the trailer much easier.
My name is Bo, and I live in Louisiana. I am new to the site, and new to military trucks.
I know a guy on another site that is interested in selling his '71 M35A2. It has already been bobbed, and looks to have fairly fresh paint on it. ( the lighter army green)
His description is listed below. My question is if the truck is in the described shape, is 6K a decent price?
I am going to try to post the one and only picture (from 2010 or so) I have
thanks for any input,
Bo
It's not drivable as it sits right now, because it needs new batteries after sitting so long (24-volt system).
That's an easy fix. I suspect it may need brake work, also due to the long inactivity.
To learn a whole lot about the systems and bob-tails in particular, go to a website called "Steel Soldiers", which is to military vehicles, what "Cast Boolits" is to bullet-casting.
I'm sure you're wondering what I would ask for it..... $6000 is less than I paid for it, and I think a fair value for what it is.
I did get just a couple of chances to drive it, for a total of maybe 75 or 100 miles... a lot of effort and money for so little return. The engine will run on almost anything.... diesel, kerosene, ATF, used oil from KFC, used motor oil... you name it.
Thanks for your interest.
It's a 1971-built truck. For some reason, it was registered as a VOLVO M35A2 in Arizona, and that's what the Nevada title says as well. It's described as a "pickup" with GVW of 15,000 pounds (I think).
I have no idea who did the conversion work, since I bought it from a gent in Phoenix who had in turn bought it from someone else. I saw his ad on EBay, and bought it without ever seeing it in person. He had excellent photos, but unfortunately I do not. The pic on the CB thread was one of his which someone was kind enough to move over from EBay.
The interior is as-issued, but in very nice condition (remembering that it's a MILITARY truck.) The bench seat is in excellent shape, and seat belts are installed. It does NOT have a heater, as many of the trucks were built according to where they would be based on delivery. Not much need for heat in LA, but kits are available if desired.
All instruments are in working order.
The bed is taken from a M101 military trailer, which is nice because the canvas trailer covers and ribs all fit perfectly and are very reasonable in price. I'd intended to get those accessories, but the roof fell in before I did.
It has the correct issue PTO winch in working order.
I don't recall the mileage, as it’s been almost four years since I've been inside it. Besides, mileage on a vehicle like this is largely meaningless since it's likely been overhauled several times at least.
The tires are in decent shape, being all Michelins except the spare. That spare is flat right now, and it really should be mounted on a wheel the same size as the ones on the truck.... the current wheel is a stock 2.5-ton size and is a bit too narrow. OK for a spare, but not for full-time use.
The truck needs windshield wipers; there are civilian ones that will fit. It could also use a new exhaust stack, easily available. All the glass, mirrors etc are in good condition.
The air-shift front axle is FAR superior to the Sprague-type that appears on many similar trucks. The four-wheel drive works well.
I really recommend some extensive reading on that Steel Soldiers site. I read stuff there for over a month, almost continuously, and it was well worth my while. Even the light switch needs some study for correct operation.... it's an electronic switch with VERY DIFFERENT functions from the simple on-off in a civilian vehicle.
When the batteries are good, it starts easily and runs smoothly.
There are two big 12-volt batteries hooked-up in series to give 24 volts. Specs are available on the SS site, and most garages should be able to get them conveniently. 12-volt conversions for the truck are also available, but why bother?
An oil change takes TWENTY-TWO QUARTS! I think there's enough oil over there (I'm 175 miles away) for the next change.
Expected mileage on diesel fuel seems to be around fifteen miles per gallon.... but used motor oil sometimes comes pretty cheaply. About all it requires is some filtering; there's loads of info on that website.
By the way, the original designation for this truck is M35A2... that can be IMPORTANT when looking for accessories, parts, etc.
An M35A3, for example, is very different from an A2.
Any more questions, I am right here behind this keyboard.... feel free to ask.
If you were buy this, I recommend that it be hauled home in its non-running state, Trying to get it running in somebody else’s yard could be a real pain; much better to have it at home where time is not so critical. Still, I think that just the battery change could see it running and that would make loading it onto the trailer much easier.
It's not drivable as it sits right now, because it needs new batteries after sitting so long (24-volt system).
That's an easy fix. I suspect it may need brake work, also due to the long inactivity.
To learn a whole lot about the systems and bob-tails in particular, go to a website called "Steel Soldiers", which is to military vehicles, what "Cast Boolits" is to bullet-casting.
I'm sure you're wondering what I would ask for it..... $6000 is less than I paid for it, and I think a fair value for what it is.
I did get just a couple of chances to drive it, for a total of maybe 75 or 100 miles... a lot of effort and money for so little return. The engine will run on almost anything.... diesel, kerosene, ATF, used oil from KFC, used motor oil... you name it.
Thanks for your interest.
It's a 1971-built truck. For some reason, it was registered as a VOLVO M35A2 in Arizona, and that's what the Nevada title says as well. It's described as a "pickup" with GVW of 15,000 pounds (I think).
I have no idea who did the conversion work, since I bought it from a gent in Phoenix who had in turn bought it from someone else. I saw his ad on EBay, and bought it without ever seeing it in person. He had excellent photos, but unfortunately I do not. The pic on the CB thread was one of his which someone was kind enough to move over from EBay.
The interior is as-issued, but in very nice condition (remembering that it's a MILITARY truck.) The bench seat is in excellent shape, and seat belts are installed. It does NOT have a heater, as many of the trucks were built according to where they would be based on delivery. Not much need for heat in LA, but kits are available if desired.
All instruments are in working order.
The bed is taken from a M101 military trailer, which is nice because the canvas trailer covers and ribs all fit perfectly and are very reasonable in price. I'd intended to get those accessories, but the roof fell in before I did.
It has the correct issue PTO winch in working order.
I don't recall the mileage, as it’s been almost four years since I've been inside it. Besides, mileage on a vehicle like this is largely meaningless since it's likely been overhauled several times at least.
The tires are in decent shape, being all Michelins except the spare. That spare is flat right now, and it really should be mounted on a wheel the same size as the ones on the truck.... the current wheel is a stock 2.5-ton size and is a bit too narrow. OK for a spare, but not for full-time use.
The truck needs windshield wipers; there are civilian ones that will fit. It could also use a new exhaust stack, easily available. All the glass, mirrors etc are in good condition.
The air-shift front axle is FAR superior to the Sprague-type that appears on many similar trucks. The four-wheel drive works well.
I really recommend some extensive reading on that Steel Soldiers site. I read stuff there for over a month, almost continuously, and it was well worth my while. Even the light switch needs some study for correct operation.... it's an electronic switch with VERY DIFFERENT functions from the simple on-off in a civilian vehicle.
When the batteries are good, it starts easily and runs smoothly.
There are two big 12-volt batteries hooked-up in series to give 24 volts. Specs are available on the SS site, and most garages should be able to get them conveniently. 12-volt conversions for the truck are also available, but why bother?
An oil change takes TWENTY-TWO QUARTS! I think there's enough oil over there (I'm 175 miles away) for the next change.
Expected mileage on diesel fuel seems to be around fifteen miles per gallon.... but used motor oil sometimes comes pretty cheaply. About all it requires is some filtering; there's loads of info on that website.
By the way, the original designation for this truck is M35A2... that can be IMPORTANT when looking for accessories, parts, etc.
An M35A3, for example, is very different from an A2.
Any more questions, I am right here behind this keyboard.... feel free to ask.
If you were buy this, I recommend that it be hauled home in its non-running state, Trying to get it running in somebody else’s yard could be a real pain; much better to have it at home where time is not so critical. Still, I think that just the battery change could see it running and that would make loading it onto the trailer much easier.
