K53 Communications Van BOX found... (May 2018)

[gentrysgarage]

My thoughts,
Husband ready to let go, but the pants are worn by someone else. Your best gambit would be playing to her emotions, subtly mentioning that it is slowly deteriorating and you would spend the time and MONEY (emphasis) to bring it back to the condition it was in when her daddy bought it. The problem is the mentioning of the heirloom factor, she is feeling you out and prepping you to make a huge offer...avoid this road at all cost! If it helps there was a box in Bakersfield, Korean War era that was 500.00 obo (was not as nice and the ad expired before it sold...probably still out there) to give a price point if they come back with an exorbitant number.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

My thoughts,
Husband ready to let go, but the pants are worn by someone else. Your best gambit would be playing to her emotions, subtly mentioning that it is slowly deteriorating and you would spend the time and MONEY (emphasis) to bring it back to the condition it was in when her daddy bought it. The problem is the mentioning of the heirloom factor, she is feeling you out and prepping you to make a huge offer...avoid this road at all cost! If it helps there was a box in Bakersfield, Korean War era that was 500.00 obo (was not as nice and the ad expired before it sold...probably still out there) to give a price point if they come back with an exorbitant number.

Thanks for your thoughts.

I realize that I may not have been clear in my last post. They BOTH seemed a bit excited that someone was interested in the box. It is only MY concern that the heirloom-factor might be an obstacle. This is one of the reasons I'm letting them "stew" over it and hope they decide that it really isn't wise to just hang onto it.

One other comment that the wife made which I now recall was, "Nobody's ever asked about it." Kinda makes me think it may be a freebie!

I really appreciate your price-point contribution. I had little else to go on other than having negotiated a deal for our Deuce's bed by making a $500 donation to the VFD from whom an electrician had gotten the bed in yet another barter for services deal. That was for a new-from-rebuild bed WITH almost new condition fiberglass side-board/troop seats. So, if we're talking CASH, I agree that the $500 starting point is indeed a good one.

 

[firefox]

You might want to offer a picture portfolio of the restoration and its first presence in a parade or event. accompanied by credits for the father and family for preserving it.

 

[Terracoma]

I agree with some of the above sentiments about emphasizing your interest in preserving the unit, and your eventual goal of seeing it restored. I think folks that get emotionally attached to items have a hard time letting them go to strangers whose intentions they don't know or otherwise don't trust... If you've identified your interest in military vehicle preservation, I think you're already approaching the prospective seller(s) on good terms.

Subscribing to this, as I hope the deal works out in your favor, Chaplain!

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

You might want to offer a picture portfolio of the restoration and its first presence in a parade or event. accompanied by credits for the father and family for preserving it.

Thank you for mentioning this. Recording and sharing the known provenance (back-story) of both of our trucks and both or our trailers is S.O.P. for Dianna and me. Yes, Sir, we'll be giving credit to those who contribute to history's preservation.

I agree with some of the above sentiments about emphasizing your interest in preserving the unit, and your eventual goal of seeing it restored. I think folks that get emotionally attached to items have a hard time letting them go to strangers whose intentions they don't know or otherwise don't trust... If you've identified your interest in military vehicle preservation, I think you're already approaching the prospective seller(s) on good terms.

Subscribing to this, as I hope the deal works out in your favor, Chaplain!

Thank you both, firefox and Terracoma, for chiming in. I find encouragement in your kind words. I'm standing in faith that this project will be a success.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

SITREP 2018-06-09

No progress to date.
Summer is in first gear and schools are out for the vacation season.
No negotiations until they other party returns from some travels.


Stand by for updates.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

SITREP 2018-06-09

No progress to date.
Summer is in first gear and schools are out for the vacation season.
No negotiations until they other party returns from some travels.


Stand by for updates.

Will be re-engaging for "negotiations" this weekend.

Please take a knee and PRAY for God's favor on this acquisition.

I will post progress reports as events unfold.

Thanks.
John

 

[marchplumber]

I'll be praying for you, Chappy...we know God won't make a mistake.... I have seen various objects take a highly circuitous route to a new home. May all parties involved be content with the ownership progress. Know you're in my thoughts and prayers, John.
.

 

[tobyS]

I'd be very tempted to have about 10 $50.00 bills in hand.

 

[2deuce]

One thing to think about is how you are going to load it. Communicate that expense to the seller and the difficulty involved. They know already how heavy it is because of the difficulty they had, and don't underestimate it. Does it have a data plate or a builder? Good luck!

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

One thing to think about is how you are going to load it. Communicate that expense to the seller and the difficulty involved. They know already how heavy it is because of the difficulty they had, and don't underestimate it. Does it have a data plate or a builder? Good luck!

Excellent suggestion - And it's one I've already "played". I have not yet found a data plate on it.

UPDATE:

Before I took the next step, I prayed about how to go about this. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. I have also dreamed that this K53 could well serve as a CHAPLAIN'S VEHICLE. So, in a great step of faith.....

After a very brief visit Sunday I told the couple that I'd be composing a letter to them with a proposal. Today, I had time to put some polish on the draft.

In essence I am asking that the K53 Box Van Body be DONATED to a restoration project worthy of her father's attempt to preserve it. In appreciation of "Dad's forethought" an appropriate placard honoring him will be installed in a conspicuous location (inside) for all to see once the finished work exhibit-ready. Factors mentioned to support the "value" as a donation include: "Cost" of movement; addressing the immediate-need corrosion areas; inspection, disassembly, and replacement of skins, insulation, windows and doors to assure she's weather-tight; and, the most daunting aspect - locating and acquiring a period-correct CCKW chassis, cab, and drive train. My searches for a CCKW thus far readily indicate that this box is just the tip-of-the-iceberg for a complete K53 Project. Without the Box AND a truck to go under it, the dreams of any restoration are fairly moot.

I have also eluded to the tax benefits that such a donation might render, and I'm willing to form a Project 501(c)3 Non-Profit for this (and other) vehicle restoration projects. I have also, just today, discovered an 1948 Mil-Surplus Willy's Jeep (offered for sale) that just might have been one of those legendary "Jeep-In-A-Crate" vehicles we have all heard of. This may be the spawning of something much larger than originally thought.

I intend to deliver this written proposal in the coming days.



Contingency Plan:
In faith, I have no contingency plan should this proposal not be acceptable. We shall cross that bridge only if it becomes necessary.







Please stay tuned. This is a developing story.

 

[2deuce]

I think you perked their interest in selling it and they are going to be very disappointed when they won't get any money. That is just my take from looking at the pictures. If they didn't need the money your approach would be a viable one. Of course you have personally talked to them so you have a good feel of what may work. I feel your enthusiasm and hope you get it, but I'm afraid you could piss them off and look at you as a scammer. Then your chance of another offer becomes very difficult. Another suggestion since we are talking the art of the deal is to go the donation route but say you really want them to have some money for it and offer them a couple hundred from the bottom of your heart. Good luck it needs saving!

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

I think you perked their interest in selling it and they are going to be very disappointed when they won't get any money. That is just my take from looking at the pictures. If they didn't need the money your approach would be a viable one. Of course you have personally talked to them so you have a good feel of what may work. I feel your enthusiasm and hope you get it, but I'm afraid you could piss them off and look at you as a scammer. Then your chance of another offer becomes very difficult. Another suggestion since we are talking the art of the deal is to go the donation route but say you really want them to have some money for it and offer them a couple hundred from the bottom of your heart. Good luck it needs saving!

Good thoughts.
As for their "need" for money - knowing their business that's not even in the equation. The sentimental and preservation factors seem much stronger facets. Cleaning up the "curb-appeal" of the home is also a huge factor.
One of the comments in our very first meeting kinda showed their hand. I don't think they really want it - especially since it's in their front yard - and were rather surprised. As best I recall, the message was, "You're the first one to ever be interested in it!" (Enthusiastically!) Then they both went to, "How are you going to load it?"... They completely bypassed the concept of "selling", it was much more like a: WOW, somebody wants the dang thing attitude. Our discussions about price were an afterthought that first meeting. And, on Sunday the little conversation we had NEVER broached a "price" topic - again, loading and hauling was the greater concern on their part.
We shall see!

Should we go to a purchase plan I'm sure details will be worked out.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

I intend to deliver this written proposal in the coming days.

UPDATE:

Well, it's been about 3 weeks since I presented reasonably detailed proposal for gifting the K53 Box for the sake of historic preservation.

I can report GOOD news in that they have NOT rejected the idea.

However, they are "discussing" the idea between themselves. They have asked my patience (I take that as a very promising sign) and I feel like I'm "romancing" them into taking the leap. I have talked to them only briefly on two occasions since hand delivering my letter and proposal.

I look forward to telling the whole story once the transfer is complete.

Please continue to monitor this thread. I sense that when it happens it's going to be a RAPID RECOVERY!!!




Oh, and please PRAY ! ! !

 

[firefox]

Prayers inbound for sure!

 

[marchplumber]

Prayers offered for a successful completion to the mission. Thanks for the update.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

Well, boys and girls, it's been a month and a half since the last post to this thread.

I finally have an update.

In a nutshell... They have agreed to let go of the K53 Communications Box!!!
Details of the "deal" will be posted only after the mission is completed... and that may take a few months to do now also (Sigh) since they are going to be acquiring a storage building into which they will transfer all of the box's contents. We've agreed that there is "no rush", so our waiting continues.

I am confident that the patient approach is about to bear fruit. We'll now await its ripening on the vine before we pick it.

More to follow as it happens.

Stand by please.

 

[pontiac62]

Well, boys and girls, it's been a month and a half since the last post to this thread.

I finally have an update.

In a nutshell... They have agreed to let go of the K53 Communications Box!!!
Details of the "deal" will be posted only after the mission is completed... and that may take a few months to do now also (Sigh) since they are going to be acquiring a storage building into which they will transfer all of the box's contents. We've agreed that there is "no rush", so our waiting continues.

I am confident that the patient approach is about to bear fruit. We'll now await its ripening on the vine before we pick it.

More to follow as it happens.

Stand by please.

Good things come to those who wait. God speed


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Man of few words

M1081 LVAD

 

[NDT]

Now you can formulate a plan to move it and where to put it. Crane? Expensive. Fork lift? Rut up the yard. Rollback? Bend it up due to no lift points or skid.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

Now you can formulate a plan to move it and where to put it. Crane? Expensive. Fork lift? Rut up the yard. Rollback? Bend it up due to no lift points or skid.

Thanks!
That's exactly why I'm surely agreeable to a S-L-O-W recovery schedule.
I'd prefer planning this recovery as though we truly will be moving a piece of "living history". There just aren't many of her species surviving nowadays.
There aren't really any "battle scars" on her, and I don't want to inflict any injuries either.

My initial thoughts are to carefully raise the box enough to get a couple of timbers under her from side-to-side. Then using them to raise/lift her to a reasonable height to back a low trailer under her.

The route from where she sits to where I'll work on her (our backyard) is, according to GOOGLE EARTH, 2.31 miles (1.69 as the crow flies). It's almost all two-lane thoroughfares with only the last 1,000' or so being a residential alley. SO... rigging, flagging, permits (not required) and escorts will be nothing us amateurs can't handle. Half of the route has a 30 mph speed limit and the other half is 40 mph so rolling slowly won't even be disruptive.

Once home, lowering her off the trailer should simply be a reverse process. I plan to set her up on some cribbing to facilitate inspection and any repair (including rewiring) of her underbelly.

More to follow, folks.