M342a2 factory dump truck is now home

[Recovry4x4]

The M342A2 is close to the top of the deuce "Must Have" list along with the M60, M108, M756A2 and V17A/MTQ. I wished I were retired and wealthy, if I were I may have had time to restore the M59 that I had.

Funny, I was just looking at that list of deuces, they all do some type of lift except the dump that does the opposite.

 

[25thIDAirAssault]

Nice score

Really nice truck and a great find. Update us with more pic's as you work on her. Good luck with the rig.

John

 

[res0wc18]

thanks guys, its a pretty sweet rig i have to learn its "uniqueness"

 

[11Echo]

If you need pictures of anything let me know. I'll be with the truck this weekend.

What zak said!

 

[res0wc18]

i sent an email to TNJ asking about the tailgate, because without it, the bed is a little illegal to use my state

 

[res0wc18]

well looks like TNJ murray is all out! doh!

Looking for a tailgate....

 

[Recovry4x4]

Send that PM to AMGeneral, he offered me one some time back.

 

[Junkyard Wars Crusher]

How are your metal fabrication/welding skills? I have looked at this tailgate many times, and it is very basic. If you are looking for a utilitarian replacement and not concerned with authenticity, you could make a suitable facsimile.

The frame could be made from square tubing. The bottom member needs to be rounded where it swings against the bed floor, so that one could be pipe or round tube. Then add a flat plate to enclose it.
The hardest part might be the pivot points, but not impossible. They appear to be a forging which combines the round element with a mounting bracket. There is no reason why it could not be made from near-net-shapes, perhaps a piece of round stock welded to a channel or angle.

I could get some dimensions if you want to try it.

I would still check with the others suggested and maybe try a classified wanted ad first.

 

[res0wc18]

im sure i could build one, ive built many many trucks over the years, but its a time factor for me..... if i can find one ready to go ill take that first, if not ill be forced to.

 

[hndrsonj]

Call SECO for a tailgate. They have 3 parts trucks. They also have the spare tire rack/holders. The spare tire holders are different from the 5 tons. All the deuce dumps and the M48's use the same holders.

 

[res0wc18]

pmed AMgeneral he sold it...

emailed SECO have not heard back

 

[res0wc18]

more pics

 

[res0wc18]

and more

 

[res0wc18]

so its dirty as its been in the desert a long time. dented fuel tank etc but its already got a nice 24v alt conversion!

discovered that the PO ran the 1/8 fuel hose to the flame heater wrong, it melted through against the maniifold..... can you say FLAME on! wow what a close call, glad i checked it first

 

[84diplomat]

Good catch on the fuel hose!! Would hate to hear you had a mishap like that before I even get over to see it in person in the next couple weeks
Nice rare find my friend, you have me dreaming of D of my own again

 

[res0wc18]

anyone know off the top of there head how tall the bed sides are?

 

[Bolkbich]

yep im 3 shades of green.....always wanted one of those .... sweet truck

 

[Phil Rhodes]

the freight would be tough but I think I saw NOS tailgates at White Owl. I will be going by there on the way to the beach next week and I can check for you . But it is probably just as easy to call or email them if you can't find one closer

 

[Junkyard Wars Crusher]

Interesting, . . . it looks as if your replacement engine has a "D" turbo, but the exhaust is a N/A type (skinny stack and muffler under the cab) .

Mine was originally a N/A also.

Is your data plate there? Is it a '66 Kaiser-Jeep model?


Here is an illustration of the spare tire carrier.

 

[hndrsonj]

Hawthorne tractor in FL also has a rack. It is pretty crusty and is missing the tool box.