Pulled the trigger on a M820

[dburt]

Yeah, SirBliss, but they are always a loooooong ways away from me! I wish the price of diesel would get down to where it ought to be- less then regular gas, and then I could afford to have one shipped or go get it myself.

 

[802dot1q]

Sweet truck! Be interesting to know what kind of fuel mileage you get when you get her roadworthy. I don't know if the wind resistance from the box or the overall weight would be the worst culprit. I have lusted after one out here in SW Idaho at Idaho Motor Pool, you can see it on the website. Alex wants $17,500 for it, it has a new motor and trans in it, but a little rich for my blood. And I am afraid I could not afford to put the diesel in it to move it more then just around the yard. I'd like to build the ultimate off-road HD RV out of one. Guess I better start playing the lottery!

Well I filled it up on the first road trip. $200 and about 56 gallons. Ouch!

 

[rrrr]

I put 25 gallons in my M932 in the right tank. $90, shows a half tank and I still had an empty left tank !

I figure it will cost me around $360 to fill it up....... OUCH !!

 

[salvorone@aol.com]

thats a great looking truck , good luck with her

 

[802dot1q]

Got a few more things done tonight. Picked up new hoses and clamps from NAPA. Put some metric o rings on the primer pump to keep it from puking diesel into the cab. Finished up the headlight project. Now sporting 100watt H4 bulbs in Hella E Code housings. Just need some wiper blades and I'll be in business!

Sunday morning we went to breakfast and did the shopping in it. It drew a lot of looks sitting in the various parking lots.

 

[802dot1q]

Got a few more things done.

• Replaced broken speedometer cable
• New wiper blades
• Replaced passenger side engine side pannel under the hood
• Replaced under fender sheetmetal covers
• Installed LED dome light
• Adjusted headlights (wow these things are bright
• Bolted down floor pans
• Fixed driver's seat
• Got a pin so the stairs won't fall off the back door

Drove it to work today too. I am just amazed at how easy this beast is to drive. Rides decent, steers like a 60's era Caddy and I think it has better brakes than my Porsche! Ever since getting the overhead set it will start with the slightest bump of the starter. A few more maintenance items and it will be time to start work on the box.

Here is a picture of it at Lowe's. I saw at least 3 people taking pictures of it. My electric umbilical cord is about to come loose!

 

[rwbrown72]

I can't miss you driving by my office in that thing!

 

[802dot1q]

I think this thread has kind of turned into my build thread. Here are a few more things completed.

• Diffs, transfer, and trans lube all changed out
• Refinished and painted 8 FMTV wheels
• Mounted 8 395 Goodyears on the FMTV rims (2 spares)
• Bleached and cleaned the inside of the box.
• Expanded it for the first time and cleaned and lubed all moving parts
• Fixed grounding issue on instrument cluster
• New glad hand gaskets and made a 50' air hose
• A good cleaning inside the cab
• Sold all 11 NDTs and wheels
• Ram iPod mount on dash
• 24v DC to 12v DC 20 amp step down converter installed in cab
• 3 12v outlets (cig lighter plugs) in dash with toggle switch for all 12v power
• Cup holders!
• 500 watt pure sine inverter (24v DC to 120v AC) mounted under the bench seat
• Pad locks everywhere
• Adjusted the parking brake so it works
• Top speed checked by GPS at 61.5 MPH
• Completed 500+ mile road trip to Anderson, IN with no problems
• Acquired a second (missing) ladder. Thanks John!

Now the upcoming list...

• Recover both seats and install a springer for the passenger
• Mount ammo cans for center console
• Mount and plumb second fuel tank
• Mount 6m radio antenna on front bumper (bridge feeler for the box)
• Mount 2nd spare tire in truck
• Fix axle gasket leak
• Replace window in box

 

[rwbrown72]

I think this thread has kind of turned into my build thread. Here are a few more things completed.

• Diffs, transfer, and trans lube all changed out
• Refinished and painted 8 FMTV wheels
• Mounted 8 395 Goodyears on the FMTV rims (2 spares)
• Bleached and cleaned the inside of the box.
• Expanded it for the first time and cleaned and lubed all moving parts
• Fixed grounding issue on instrument cluster
• New glad hand gaskets and made a 50' air hose
• A good cleaning inside the cab
• Sold all 11 NDTs and wheels
• Ram iPod mount on dash
• 24v DC to 12v DC 20 amp step down converter installed in cab
• 3 12v outlets (cig lighter plugs) in dash with toggle switch for all 12v power
• Cup holders!
• 500 watt pure sine inverter (24v DC to 120v AC) mounted under the bench seat
• Pad locks everywhere
• Adjusted the parking brake so it works
• Top speed checked by GPS at 61.5 MPH
• Completed 500+ mile road trip to Anderson, IN with no problems
• Acquired a second (missing) ladder. Thanks John!

Now the upcoming list...

• Recover both seats and install a springer for the passenger
• Mount ammo cans for center console
• Mount and plumb second fuel tank
• Mount 6m radio antenna on front bumper (bridge feeler for the box)
• Mount 2nd spare tire in truck
• Fix axle gasket leak
• Replace window in box

If you were a "Beaver" you'd build one big A$$ pond!

RB

 

[802dot1q]

Shouldn't you be asleep?

 

[802dot1q]

Some pics for your viewing pleasure....

 

[indy4x4fab]

So whats the story with selling the truck?

 

[rwbrown72]

So whats the story with selling the truck?

He wants a "overpriced" M109A4 like mine!

 

[indy4x4fab]

He wants a "overpriced" M109A4 like mine!

Lol. got ya.

 

[cardesigner1]

Wow! This is truly an impressive beast

Wow! This is truly an impressive beast. This is so inspirational and makes me proud of American ingenuity.

 

[CombatVet]

Great lookin' truck. I am looking to build my own someday in the near future. Keep up the great work.

 

[Mike929]

How do you plan to use the space inside the van? Any pictures?