Went to Ft Meade yesterday and picked up a 1979 M813 w/w. Was curious as how much trouble it would be since Ive read lots of complaints. But i have to say I dont have a single complaint. Directions onto base were right on the money. Security, through the commercial entrance, although a line at 0700 in the morning, only took about 20 minutes. The officers were very professional and polite. I had no idea what I was doing and just did what they asked. Directions from there to the GL lot was easy.
Got to GL about an hour early for my 0830 appoinment. No problem, signed in and told us to meet Rachel up on the hill. She did a great job of moving the truck out to make it easy for us to load on trailer. She had a loader, with bucket off. Hooked chain to front bumper, lifted and puled out and lined up on trailer. We winched truck up on trailer and off we went. We were gone before the scheduled appointment.
This is my first experience with GL and Ft.meade, but Rachel and everbody I dealt with made it easy.
Pictures aren't that great as it rained all day yesterday. We used the M35 to pull it off the trailer. Truck is good shape body wise. Not a leak under it of any kind. But has stone dead batteries [2 volts] and no brakes of course... parking brake works great though So a new project begins
Pictures are in backwards order
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to F18hornetM For This Useful Post:
Glad everything went well!! Looks like a nice reuck
__________________
"Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting “Holy sh**, what a ride!”
Dad, that quote is 100% you, rest in peace Marine.
Thanks, I didn't preview the truck, which I would recommend if possible. But have to say only a couple things I couldnt tell from pictures. Front edge of cab top, stitching has came apart. and the only rusty place is right along the front edge of the hood. All very repairable. Will replace batteries today and see what happens. Even if you pre-viewed it not sure you could tell much about an engine that doesnt run, other than all the parts there. As far as brakes, with a preview you could tell if no pedal, this is super spongy, but havent had a chance to check out yet. Although dont see any brake fluid anywhere on the wheels or under truck. Will get to that after get it running.
Good to know information. I have two vehicles loacted at Ft. Meade, just awaiting EUC approval. What transport company did you use..... I'm looking for one that comes recommended. My vehicles are heading to Florida.
To anyone else out there who may help......generally speaking for those that have picked up vehicles in the past do you take batteries with you or is there somone local who provides this type of service, jump, change a flat, loading, etc.
Marine0369, I didnt take anything but a tractor trailer to load it on.The tow Co. I used is from the Eastern shore of Md, Hastings towing. Not sure if they would haul to Florida or not. I really dont think even if it runs, would i feel real comfortable driving it away under its own power. There are a million things that can be wrong, mostly form siting around. Especially as far as Florida. But having said that, seems like alot of guys do drive them away, just not me. Good luck with your new toys
The Following User Says Thank You to F18hornetM For This Useful Post:
Put 2 new group 31 batteries in and hit the switch...runs like a champ. Good oil pressure, Compressor pumped up and shut off, Alt charging and let it run untill almost operating temp. even have 3/4 tank of fuel and yes i stuck it to be sure... Of course you know I had to drive down the road and back even with half a$$ brakes... Shifted through all the gears, well below speed, just to make sure all worked. hi and low transfer works fine. Steeringa nd all seems good, although didnt go fast enough to tell much about ride, nothing seemed to pull or shake to much.
First shake down cruise. Just figuring out what it needs. Although it has brakes, i dont like them, Note enough pedal, and doesnt feel right. That will be the next issue worked on after making a permanent hold down for the new grp 31 batteries. Figure out whats wrong with the brakes, then pull all the wheels and look at everything, pack bearings etc. The group 31 batteries fit great. Will have to modify the bottom of the box and make a new hold down bracket, otherwise great.
Picked up M813 at Ft.Meade
So a new project begins
She sure looks sweet ...
Transportation Company
