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My new ride 1958 M109A2 recovered from Camp Shelby

goldneagle

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Michael Hassett came by this morning and we loaded up his truck with 81mm ammo boxes filled with tools, fluids and parts for a recovery of my M109A2. Smooth trip to Camp Shelby took 1-1/2 hrs.

When we got there we signed in and they escorted us to the location where the truck was stored. Upon first look she looked a bit faded. Door hinges, accelerator peddle and other parts were rusty and hard to move. I used plenty of WD40 on the parts and we got them free up a bit.

We were informed that the kill switch was broken. We were told to put her in 5th gear and slowly release the clutch to shut down engine. Hooked up jumper cable after checking fluids and she fired right up.

Michael aired up all the tires wile I checked her over and added fuel. There was already 3/4 tank of fuel in there when I checked (thank you uncle sam). Checked the brakes and they were fine. Gages all showed good readings! J-pipe is rusted out at the bend as usual! Engine looks like new. Date tag said 6-93 Hercules Engine.

Truck has 5 new tires! the rest are ok. All the lights seem to function properly. Truck has the new electronic light switch. passenger side door was replaced recently...it has carc 04 on it. The paint on the truck is certainly not from 2004...too faded and rusty!

Driver side door said carc 96 that is more likely the correct date/ door. Driver seat is torn up box seat with no cushion for the back OUCH!!!

Box in the back has bad wood flooring. Also has rusting sheet metal under the box. Will need some TLC but can be salvaged. Truck did come with the boarding ladder. Heavy Steel Sucker!

We signed out and headed home. Stopped briefly at the gas station for drinks and back on the road again! I was doing a steady 55 with mike following me in his truck. Had the windshield open and the cab was comfortable on the ride home. My foot fell asleep a few times from the pressure on the accelerator. I could feel the lousy Louisiana roads through my non padded seat.

We go to my place after 12:00 PM and unloaded the p/u truck. Michael and I went over the truck a bit more just to see how she was doing after the trip. All the hubs were fine and she actually started on her own batteries!

After Michael left i was able to take pictures of the truck for all that are interested.
 

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doghead

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The air governor looks different than most others.
 

goldneagle

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I found a partial sticker on the driver side door that had Kuwait written on it. So at least the door was in Kuwait in the 90's:-o
 

doghead

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What is an air governor? How did WM get the rank Possum Connoisseur ? Are there other custom ranks available?
He made a $1000 site donation. Just put a message in with your $1000 donation.

Circled in red.
 

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goldneagle

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She's a beauty! An antique tag and cheap taxes, this Kansas boy would be in heaven! Nice score!
Thanks for the nice compliment! i hope they resolve the ANTIQUE tag issue here. We were able to get lifetime registration for $44 when I titled my M820A2 less than 2 years ago. We were able to stencil the Vin number on the side of the hood as the tag!!
 

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firefox

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Cut WM some slack, Elmo is a magnificent possum!
In fact I've never seen one that nice. All we have on the
west coast is tan colored ratty looking things.
Bruce
 

mslogr

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Great looking truck goldneagle. Started to bid on her but decided that one 109 was enough right now. Picked mine up in littlerock back in nov. Got a cream puff, drove her home and so far have only added fuel. Good luck with your truck.
 

papabear

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Looks like a very nice truck GE...congrats!!!

Not to seem critical...but I think I should point out that:

1. The combat overide assembly is missing from the P/S top rear door.
2. P/S (cab) door handle is upside down...and backwards.
3. Has NATO slave recpticle but US plug on P/S top of box ...need an adapter.
4. The front axle airshift switch is obviously not connected.
5. The main runner beam wood grain (in the box) does not match the plywood end piece grain for the shelves.

Other than that...and about 2K to fix...she's a beaute!!!!:beer:
 
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