Some newbie questions

[Nutro]

I've been lurking around and reading as many posts as I can. I'm wanting to buy a Deuce in the near future and found a local guy (and member here) that has a few for sale.

I've seen a few people here suggesting to other newbs to get a 5-ton truck. Why is that?

I'm tempted to go that route instead of GL because I am clueless when it comes to these trucks, getting them started, driving them, working on 'em etc etc

I see people suggesting GSA as well, I went there and saw no auctions. Where do I find them on GSA?

I'm probably going to sell some of my rifles to help my purchase plans but if not, I'm trying to formulate a plan.

Thanks guys!

 

[Heavysteven]

Buying from a private party is easier than the government.

5 ton for a newbie. I would say not a good idea, because of insurance and cdl requirement.

 

[Brentzilla]

Maybe look at bobbed deuces, no CDL, shorter wheelbase, no issues that Ive had with city codes since its only two axles now.

 

[kc5mzd]

Stick with a 3rd party that will let you start the truck and show you how to drive it. GL is good if you wan't to buy an extra parts truck. a M35 should be fine in Austin. Regular drivers license and regular auto insurance are usually fine.
A 5ton will require a class B drivers license because a 5 ton is over 26,000lbs. If you pull a trailer you would need a class A license. In TX you would not need a CDL and the 1,000,000 liability insurance. But you might need a diffrent insurance policy with higher limits. 3 axles are fine in TX but in some states they can be a problem.
When you register it they let you tell them the weight. A M35a2 is usually 13,000 empty and 18,000 max loaded. Reg should be less than 300.00 per year. If you only drive it to events you can register it as a military vehicle under their antique vehicle program for 10.00 per year.

 

[kc5mzd]

Make sure you get a clear title! You will have problems if you buy from a private party and use a sf97 or government title transfer. If there is no title you can't get one in Texas on a military vehicle unless you are the one that buys it from the Government and you have a sf97 in your name.