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How many "OLD" guy's are just getting in to a LMTV ?

1951M1078

Well-known member
1,018
185
63
Location
Glendale,AZ
I'm 65 and have been looking into getting a LMTV for the past year or so. Wish I had got one then ! LOL

I was wondering if I'm to old ? I'm in ok shape. No health problems. But have two rotator cuffs. Their at about 95% now. Biggest problem is I think I'm 18. And stuck in this old shell.

So what do you guy's think ?
Randy
 

Duckworthe

Member
329
23
18
Location
San Diego, Ca
I am 46 but many times take my mom with and she is 78! She uses a 3 step folding stool to get up into the truck!!! HAHAHA she loves it! Never to old
 

Zadvark

Member
49
0
6
Location
North Carolina
Kind of in the same boat but just got my first M923 5-ton. Yep, getting in is a stair-stepper excercise for your joints as you launch yourself six feet in the air but it might be the most heavy excersise I get <grin>. Everything is heavy, big, and off the ground but that's why we use ladders and impact tools. I wish I had done it sooner but I'm glad I did so I can get it off my bucket list. I'm going to keep mine until it gets too much for me and probably downgrade into a CUCV when I hit the 80s.
 

Duckworthe

Member
329
23
18
Location
San Diego, Ca
It is overall an easy to drive truck. Yes you need to account for many things as it isn't a car. But my Girlfriend drives it often on and offroad and she loves it. Turning with two fingers, no clutch, doesn't get much better then that.
 

Gralmk

Active member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
623
53
28
Location
Attleboro, MA
Hi all, 63 here and just got the Deuce 2 years ago! However, I've been driving them straight since I was 19 so It doesn't feel much different to me! That's probably do to the fact I don't remember what it felt like in 1972!:D
 

mkcoen

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
5,637
381
83
Location
Spring Branch, TX
I'm only 52 but I have Multiple Sclerosis and it's gotten to the point I can drive the deuce for maybe 10 miles before it wears me out. Trying to get it into a parking spot at a show is almost impossible. I'm hoping the power steering, automatic, and air brakes will keep me in the hobby for a few more years. Plus I can add air conditioning (heat really exacerbates MS) so I can enjoy it year round. I've still got enough energy that I can work on things but can spend a lot less time on projects than even the last few years. My biggest concern is trying to change tires. I'm wondering if a pallet jack might not help out in the driveway but in the field or on a road trip I'll be calling Roadside Assistance.
 

infidel got me

Well-known member
1,679
32
48
Location
Newberry, Florida
I will be 48 this October and to tell you the truth, I still think I'm in a 20 year old chassis.

Yeah- stuff don't bend or move like it did when I was younger, but with age comes wisdom.

I try to use my mind instead of my back now lol. I still find myself over doing it now and then

but I have a lot more chairs than I did when I was 20. I only hope that in my golden years that

I get around half as good as some of the old timers I know. Your only as old as you feel and I feel

pretty good still. A little slower and stiffer but a heck of a lot smarter! Keep truckin' old timers
 

MWMULES

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
In Memorial
5,580
349
83
Location
DESOTO, KANSAS
As a 64 year old still like my M818 and was thinking about a M931A2 but it was a no go with my stubby short inseam legs. I did see a solution at the Red Ballin thru the Ozarks a couple years ago. Another fella as old as I had a short 3 step ladder with para cord on it that got him up to the cab steps, then pulled it up by the cord to ride inside. If I end up with a MTV that would be my solution. With that being said 40+ miles I drive my 1009, long range Rallies in OH, WI, OK and Ga it's the K3500 former USAF flight line box van!
 

FloridaAKM

Well-known member
2,699
392
83
Location
Gainesville, Florida
I'm 60 now & bought a Deuce two years ago & an LMTV two weeks ago. The LMTV is easier to drive around & the Deuce requires preplanning if I'm going to take it work or to a show; but wouldn't trade either of them. They just have that many smiles per miles factor regardless of the cost of ownership.

Working on them is not as easy as it was in the 1970's when I drove them on a daily basis, but you just have to get smarter about it, not work harder. My neighbors still wonder what is going to show up next!

The LMTV has much bigger parts than the Deuce, but is just something else to learn how to drive safely & work on. Working on is what I will be doing a lot of, since this truck just came off of the DLA lot @ FT Bragg & has issues which need to be addressed before putting her on the road regularly!
 

Storm 51

Just a Grunt
Steel Soldiers Supporter
888
9
0
Location
Seattle, WA
I'm 64 (almost 65) and still working on, and driving, my M37 / M42.

Since it is the only pickup truck I've ever owned, i guess I just don't know any better. I've owned it for 36 years and restored it twice (once to get it running dependably and once because I wore it out). It now looks much better than me.

it's still hard to steer in tight spots, and I don't drive it as far as I used to because I get tired, but I still like it better than any modern "truck".

The new ones are just to soft and pretty for my tastes.
 

kenet3621

Member
179
4
18
Location
Blythewood SC
Randy,
"Ain't no hill for a climber.."
Being a mid 60's "old guy" I got my LMTV last year and have had no problems at all climbing in or out. I am sometimes stiff in the right knee from holding down the throttle for a three hour road trip.
I think you should get one and ride, ride, ride.
 

dmetalmiki

Well-known member
5,523
2,028
113
Location
London England
OOps..(cringe)..I will never see ANY of those ages again..ho hum..I still (have to) climb up and into the "tracked thing"..and the gamma goat is, well, a serious agility exercise. I was (15 years ago) diagnosed with 'chronic degenerative osteoarthritis...doc said "you just need replacement hip and knee joints!",..."BUT after that procedure you will NOT be able to do what you do now" (in your hobby). I was on a wlking stick,At the war and peace show the pain was crippling. I was going to give up the hobby.
Now..the hard to believe bit.
I was in my yard, attempting to work on the kraz..the unbelievable pa grew worse and worse..until I was very nearly in tears..Honestly thought I wouldn't make it back to the house. Something REALLY welled up in me and I was in a "proper" rage, And something drove me to start doing SQUATS! Yep, I HURT beyond all reason, But I was even more determined..and after the first 25 or so..less pain..50! not much pain..75, to 100..NO pain!..Great pulse though. I have done exercises about 3 time a week most of my life..and did know the correct way to perform this action. I just had not done so for over two years.
I DO NOT recommend this action for ANYONE young or old-ish..I relaxed a long while went on the internet and as a result of searching for a remedy..came up with and started taking (and still do) Glucosamin sulfate, MSN 1000, Chrondroitin, Bromalane, Cod liver oil. Omega3 fish oil. Ginko baloba. Ginseng. Stopped Taking aspirin. Ibuprofen, and Naproxin.
After about 6 months I was back to doing AND completing ALL my previous exercise routines. (of many years)
My doctor and the orthopedic specialist was, quite frankly amazed..But pleased for me. I have not had any joint replacements, No walking stick since then. Using the joints gently and working them as FAR within rage as possible (and a little bit more) Regularly DOES keep things working and functioning longer.
I really enjoy my hobby, and my actions have enabled me to (at least) Keep doing the things I like most. (being well past retirement age,) Lately I quit the the squats, and changed to "self aware" instinctively driven Stretching and very gradual leg compression's to keep the articulation and full range movement of the knee joints.
Important (as) climbing up into the m54 large wheeled camper, the M62 Decks, and the tank necessitates almost full range action of the hip and knee joints. I am so thankful and fortunate that things turned out like this.
I post this lengthy diatribe in the hope (and offering) for the older "buddies" in our hobby who are starting to struggle with these sorts of problems, in that they just Might get some benefit or improvement in (some of) these ever so frustrating and limiting ailments. IF any member like to try the 'potions' that have most certainly helped me, Remember..they ain't a "quick fix". It (they) Usually take up to and sometimes over 6 months to start taking effect. And as a result most folks give up forget, or can't be bothered to carry on taking them. Google any or all of the above and act as deemed appropriate. .>Warning< (though)..I found one serious Side Effect! My MEMORY has GREATLY improved over about 5 years. Yes, not a quick fix, but most noticeable and MOST welcomed. If it helps someone..That would be great. My 'whole' penne'th.
 

dmetalmiki

Well-known member
5,523
2,028
113
Location
London England
addendum. to the above. I have to extend a huge thank you to young guys that pitch in and help out in our collection here. Without them, pills or no pills etc! the hobby (for me anywa'ze) just would not be possible. Because of the very heavy items we deal with in the servicing and maintenance of our trucks. (and tank). I DO try, But I get "gentle" pushes..and BIG hints to "buzz off"! They WILL do it. (under supervision) of course.
 

ageregunner

Active member
705
88
28
Location
Breinigsville, PA
I am 62 and just acquired my deuce two years ago. With no power steering, I was able to adapt and now enjoy driving my beast more than my pickup. If you are in reasonable health, you can handle almost any military vehicle. Go for it!
 

papabear

GA Mafia Imperial 1SG
13,520
2,464
113
Location
Columbus, Georgia
I'm 65 and have been looking into getting a LMTV for the past year or so. Wish I had got one then ! LOL
I was wondering if I'm to old ? I'm in ok shape. No health problems. But have two rotator cuffs. Their at about 95% now. Biggest problem is I think I'm 18. And stuck in this old shell.
So what do you guy's think ?
Randy
Ok...wait...65 is old??:shock: Are you telling me I will be old in two years??

I object your honor!! I refuse to get old and besides, I read on Facebook if you haven't grown up by 60 you don't have to. It's in the :rules:

Now, I don't have an LMTV but I do have a few deuces, 5tons, jeeps, M-37, WC-22, K-18 etc., and I have to admit...the deuces without PS are a challenge to steer sometimes and once in awhile the ole knee whines about clutching but heck...I hear the same thing from the "whippersnappers".:roll:

I don't think the issue is as much age as it is condition. Much the same as it is with our MV's.:beer:
 

73m819

Rock = older than dirt , GA. MAFIA , Dirty
Steel Soldiers Supporter
In Memorial
12,195
325
0
Location
gainesville, ga.
After reading what all these "young" guys have to say, I have to say at 70 I still love my 819, drive and work it as much as I can, built BART now adding ac, have a list of projects that should cover at lease a year, in fact my WIFE said "no more projects for 3 years so if you turn wheels up, I will not have a bunch of half done projects to deal with", I think I am 40, but when I try to do 40 year old stuff, my body tells me that I am 80, and my wife tells me I act like a 10 year old. I find myself getting tired quicker and cannot lift what I used to be able to lift (this is what wreckers, bars/leverage, jacks, and come-a-longs are for.
 
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Tracer

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
6,556
13,940
113
Location
Hawthorne, NV.
I'm 62 and it sounds like your in better shape than I am. I've owned my deuce for 9 years and still love driving her to some of the west coast shows. The old saying if it feels good do it still applies, and don't let your age stop you it's just a number.
 
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