The Beast emerges

[Ferroequinologist]

Bjorn, that thing is looking awesome, your doing an outstanding job! I don't think any of us are tired of your posts! I keep wanting to see more!

 

[BFR]

Bjorn, do you have any pics that show one swimming, or where the "water line" should be?

 

[cranetruck]

Bjorn, do you have any pics that show one swimming, or where the "water line" should be?

You know I do, Joel.

Thanks Adam!

PS. I never liked that image, because it doesn't look like its moving. I do have a video (Vintage Video) showing it moving in the water with a full load and that's about the right waterline. The cab cover should be off and the driver should have a lifepreserver. In this picture the windows are up as well, just doesn't look right...

 

[No.2Diesel]

Am I tired of seeing your XM757....NO WAY!! Witnessing its Re-birth is alot fun.

Not sure if this has been asked before but: What is the turning radius of the 757 and how does it compare to the conventional 5ton Tractor and Cargo? I'm pretty sure a Deuces turning radius is 37-38 feet.

 

[cranetruck]

....
Not sure if this has been asked before but: What is the turning radius of the 757 and how does it compare to the conventional 5ton Tractor and Cargo? I'm pretty sure a Deuces turning radius is 37-38 feet.

According to the dash 10, it's 41 ft 4 in.
The M52 has a turning radius of 38 ft 9 in
The M813 about the same at 40 ft 7 in.

 

[bigbee]

Is that the Vintage Video with the vehicle comparison tests at Aberdeen? Comparing the performance with the standard chassis in the "unimproved areas" and "hog wallow"? Great video. I've got a copy because it also showed the XM410 I used to own.

 

[Opie]

Bjorn, I just checked (again) with the paint supplier and they are calling the manufacturer (again) about your OD gallons.
The 757 looks great!
The swimming pics look like a car parked next to my tent while I'm campting...it always rains!

 

[M1.30-'06]

Nice job on the resto. , its looking good. I may have missed it somewhere, but how much does a 757 weigh?

 

[cranetruck]

...... how much does a 757 weigh?

I try to be responsive.


PS. Welcome to the steelsoldiers! Please, enter your location in the profile.

 

[WillWagner]

Bjorn, That isn't as heavy as it looks, but the GVW is up there. How you gonna register it and will you need or do you already have a CDL?

 

[cranetruck]

The CDL requirement starts at 26,001 lb, I don't need one to drive it empty, at least that's my understanding.

Yeah, the horsepower to weight ratio is very good, better than most MV's.

From the pershingmissile forum:

"..... A M54 Tractor Truck was used
to pull an EL on a field exercise with D 3/84th. in 1972. It wasn't
able to keep up with the XM757s very well."

 

[cranetruck]

The platform/loading area behind the cab is all aluminum except for the bolted-on mounting brackets. No wonder these trucks get scrapped, several hundred bucks worth of aluminum in this piece alone. Rust on this vehicle is almost non-existent.

One reason I'm posting all this about the XM757/M656 is to make you guys more aware and perhaps next time you see one, it's recognized and it too can be saved. Not many were built and many if not most, remain in Europe.
Jim Henry in North Carolina kept threatening with the scrapper when I was checking for parts with him and that's pretty final.

 

[WillWagner]

Bjorn, Norm at Antelope Valley Truck and Equipment sells Aervoe paint. He lists the 997B in MVM, I know it's 3000 mi from you, but, if he has it....? If I remember correctly, he sells it for $3.95 a can.
http://www.avettruck.com/Featured_P...amouflage_Pai/aervoe_milita*mouflage_pai.html

 

[cranetruck]

I have a supplier of the rattle cans, Attackopgear.com also in CA. Thing is they have a fixed $4.95 shipping charge on any of their products, not bad for a six-pack across the country via UPS Ground.

Opie has tried to get some gallon cans locally, but the shipping and hazmat charges are just hard to deal with.

Worked on the horn button today, which arrived from ACE. Thanks!
There is something definitely non-military about the horn button set-up with brass contacts, self tapping screws, the spring etc.
Got the button working and the horn, but the wiring needs work, the 3-lever switch is also tampered with, so there is no locking action.

 

[cranetruck]

As I go along working on the 757, I like to point out design differences (improvements) and found another today. The instrument panel is installed on rubber shock mounts and there is a dedicated ground wire for the instruments.

 

[cranetruck]

Poured the first batch of fuel into the tank this morning. I'm testing the fuel system and the pump has been running for 45 minutes as I'm typing this. Only a couple of minor leaks (compression fittings) and the filters bled nicely.
8 gallons of diesel and 3/4 qt of canola oil.
One image shows the hand pump to be used for preoiling the engine. It still needs hose fittings. It is located behind the driver's seat and is operated by reaching back with my right hand. The ball valve may or may not be needed.

 

[motorolanut]

Wow...You are the man....Ever think about starting a Resto Shop?

 

[OPCOM]

Wow! glad to see the hand pre-oiler. I like alot of manual controls, levers, etc.. I guess you have also put a check valve. It would be cool to see the looks on peoples faces trying to figure out what you are pumping up when you pump up the oil before starting.

I'm really glad to see the project coming along so nicely. You do real nice work. Any chance this will also be a crane truck? Or will it be for cargo, or for a restored truck not used much for work but for play?

I guess I had a vision of both trucks being used to build one of those cool log cabins I have seen on your website.