My M170

[triton227]

Hi I'm new here, have a '53 M170 radio jeep.

 

[Jeepsinker]

Cool! Welcome.

 

[NDT]

Nice, was it always a radio Jeep?

 

[triton227]

Yes it was originally a radio jeep with the 100A generator setup and trc-75 radio. it has been converted to 12v and I'm trying to find the parts to restore it to its original configuration. I have working VRC-10 radio in it now.

 

[NDT]

Wow, 900 watts on SSB. Does the engine and water pump still have the 4-groove pulley? That's hard to find.

 

[triton227]

Nope lol, pretty much all the hard to find parts are missing...

 

[triton227]

it was either the trc-75 or arc-55, does have the UHF antenna mount on the bottom right of the cowl.

 

[NDT]

Great, when you get a chance, post up some pics of that mount and all the mounting holes for the radios. You have a very rare Jeep.

 

[triton227]

Sure thing, will post some pics tomorrow.

 

[triton227]

Here's some pics of the cowl antenna mount and radio gauges and switches. the top gauge used to be an ammeter but someone put a second fuel gauge in there for some reason? the middle switch has a large relay box on the back of it with a big connector just like the headlight switch and below that is a hour meter.

The rear floor has two 1" holes for the power cables and there are two identical holes on the firewall too. The two TM photos are the only reference I can find to this vehicle and its original configuration.

 

[Sapper55]

Triton,
Where did you acquire the Jeep?
Sapper

 

[triton227]

Triton,
Where did you acquire the Jeep?
Sapper

Bought it from a guy in San Diego.

 

[NDT]

Thanks for posting the pics! So really this is a USMC Jeep? Looks like you are missing the airlift? rear bumper, Surplus City used to have those kits. Believe it or not, somewhere, I have the voltmeter that goes in the dash. I removed it from a M170 a very long time ago. I wonder if I can find it. Does the radiator cowling have the jagged hole cut for the 100 amp cables?

 

[triton227]

Thanks for posting the pics! So really this is a USMC Jeep? Looks like you are missing the airlift? rear bumper, Surplus City used to have those kits. Believe it or not, somewhere, I have the voltmeter that goes in the dash. I removed it from a M170 a very long time ago. I wonder if I can find it. Does the radiator cowling have the jagged hole cut for the 100 amp cables?

Someone cut about 10" off the ends of the rear bumper for whatever reason lol, I have a new one I need to put on but it's not a USMC bumper, and I think the grill is not original because there are no holes or mounts for the rectifier.

 

[triton227]

How else can I tell if this was a USMC jeep? it does not have lockers.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Super cool Jeep. Is it pretty dry (rust wise)?

 

[triton227]

Super cool Jeep. Is it pretty dry (rust wise)?

Yeah about 98% rust free, has a small spot in the bottom right floor.

 

[NDT]

How else can I tell if this was a USMC jeep? it does not have lockers.

I drew the conclusion that it is USMC based on the last technical manual illustration you loaded. That is a USMC Jeep. The rear "airlift" bumper fits over the stock bumper which is riveted in. I call it an airlift bumper, I don't think that was the term then. Only the late 1960's M38A1s had lockers.

I looked for the gauge in my gauge drawer, wasn't there, because I just remembered it is on the radio parts shelf (not here at the house).

 

[Whiterabbit]

You one lucky dog!
That's a nice score even if you have to go on a scavenger hunt for the parts.
Yep, I so got to add an M170 onto my bucket list.

 

[triton227]

I drew the conclusion that it is USMC based on the last technical manual illustration you loaded. That is a USMC Jeep. The rear "airlift" bumper fits over the stock bumper which is riveted in. I call it an airlift bumper, I don't think that was the term then. Only the late 1960's M38A1s had lockers.

I looked for the gauge in my gauge drawer, wasn't there, because I just remembered it is on the radio parts shelf (not here at the house).

This is whats left of my bumper, it does have a inner and outer piece.