USAF Colors for Early M35

[fuzzytoaster]

I have a USAF 1966 KJ that was converted from a gasser. The old style tail lights, old exhaust, extra radiator space, USAF safety stickers, etc..etc.. leads me to believe this. The old style gas tank is military in nature but nothing I can visually reference from searching. The multi in it now was cast in 1966 so I'm assuming when they overhauled this deuce into an A2 model they redid the year on the paperwork as well.

Cutting to the point, since the vehicle's exterior is still stock as a gasser, what would be the correct paint scheme for it in the USAF assuming 1966 or prior? Would it be worth restoring an older AF truck to her colors or just going with standard 3 color camo?

Edit: Added more pictures. The bed did not come with this truck originally. You can tell the driver side step and the fuel tank were swapped.

 

[phil2968]

I did not know the USAF used camo back then. I thought their trucks were blue. I was wrong once. Just for a short time though.

 

[fuzzytoaster]

I did not know the USAF used camo back then. I thought their trucks were blue. I was wrong once. Just for a short time though.

That's what I'm thinking. Strata blue. I don't have a visual reference of this though.

 

[hndrsonj]

The tank isn't origional. By 1966 gassers should have been gone. I'd guess it's an A1 or possibly an early A2. I don't see any gasser specific components. I'd paint strata blue.

 

[goldneagle]

Well the M52A2 you are buying from me is also a Air Force truck. It has Strata Blue all over under the layers of pealing paint. Just think you will have a nice set of AF trucks.

 

[RangerBob]

Go blue.

 

[goldneagle]

Go blue.

Slightly biased opinion with that Blue MV in your avatar...

 

[fuzzytoaster]

The tank isn't origional. By 1966 gassers should have been gone. I'd guess it's an A1 or possibly an early A2. I don't see any gasser specific components. I'd paint strata blue.

When was the A1 replaced from service? I know gassers should have been gone long before 1966 but some slip..who knows.

Slightly biased opinion with that Blue MV in your avatar...

Never any bias for blue huh GE?

 

[clinto]

There was a strata blue deuce on ebay about 6 months ago and it looked awesome.

I am going to go look for it.

In the meantime, I'd paint your deuce blue with USAF markings.

 

[RangerBob]

Slightly biased opinion with that Blue MV in your avatar...

Wut, me?

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/paint-bodywork/76781-usaf-strata-blue-insignia-yellow.html
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/paint-bodywork/93238-fs595c-real-world.html
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/motorcycles-atvs/76708-usaf-thiokol-601-a.html

 

[NDT]

What does the frame VIN read? By 1966 newly aquired trucks were not painted strata blue in the AF.

 

[saddamsnightmare]

September 18th, 2012.

Go with Strata Blue....You'll feel like you were in Doctor Strangelove with it!

If in doubt, sand some area of the undercarriage you have to touch up anyway, you'll find out what her original color was and probably everything after it! We had a1969 Chevrolet Step Van from the AF and it was Strata Blue from day one with all the lights for "Follow Me!" to guide the bombers into their revetments!

 

[RangerBob]

What does the frame VIN read? By 1966 newly aquired trucks were not painted strata blue in the AF.

Are you sure? Does that just apply to the deuce? There were strata blue vehicles acquired by the USAF well into the '80s.

 

[tamangel]

The deuces and 715's (also had a wrecker, M37, 151 jeep, etc..) I drove in the AF ( Tac Control Squadron at Cannon AFB/New Mexico) in the early 70's weren't camo or blue..All were straight OD color..

Mike W

 

[RangerBob]

Not only will going blue be authentic, it will also stand out from all of the olive drab... and look really, really sharp to boot!

For your consideration, Exhibits A-H...







Aim high!

 

[NDT]

Are you sure? Does that just apply to the deuce? There were strata blue vehicles acquired by the USAF well into the '80s.

Just tactical vehicles. I agree, other rear area support vehicles are strata blue to this day.

 

[BillF]

I would go with blue

 

[fuzzytoaster]

What does the frame VIN read? By 1966 newly aquired trucks were not painted strata blue in the AF.

The SF-97 says 00012526329 but I haven't gotten to it on the frame yet. It has about five layers of paint from the V-FD. I'll get back to you on this.

September 18th, 2012.

Go with Strata Blue....You'll feel like you were in Doctor Strangelove with it!

Woo..good point good sir.

Not only will going blue be authentic, it will also stand out from all of the olive drab... and look really, really sharp to boot! Aim high!

Not to delegate the legwork here but any references to AF markings on a deuce? I'd really like to make it Blue with a legitimate history behind it.

 

[RangerBob]

I'll dig out a link to my thread on USAF markings in a moment. Somewhere in that thread are links to the TOs describing USAF markings. But the most important part is the USAF Registration number that should be on your dataplate or on your doors under a layer or two of paint. Do you have that number? If it is really a 1966, the number will be something like 66Bnnnn, or 66Cnnnn, or maybe even 66Knnnn.


Ok, the thread about reg numbers, which has links to the marking TOs in a couple of posts...

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/paint-bodywork/76870-usaf-ground-vehicle-registration-numbers.html

After a cup-o-joe, I'll see if I can locate the relevant pages in the TOs.

 

[fuzzytoaster]

I'll dig out a link to my thread on USAF markings in a moment. Somewhere in that thread are links to the TOs describing USAF markings. But the most important part is the USAF Registration number that should be on your dataplate or on your doors under a layer or two of paint. Do you have that number? If it is really a 1966, the number will be something like 66Bnnnn, or 66Cnnnn, or maybe even 66Knnnn.


Ok, the thread about reg numbers, which has links to the marking TOs in a couple of posts...

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/paint-bodywork/76870-usaf-ground-vehicle-registration-numbers.html

After a cup-o-joe, I'll see if I can locate the relevant pages in the TOs.

Excellent info! I don't have the numbers as I didn't knew they existed (dur) but also the FD painted it Red. I'll take a grinder to it this weekend and see what I can come up with.