New V-100 - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

M813rc · 07-12-2008, 00:56

Well, I finally got my dream vehicle, what I have lusted for since I first saw them in service back in the early '80s. Today I bought this.
It has had all the really serious work done already (stripped to hull and components, sandblasted, primed and painted inside, primed outside). Lots of detailing to do now. All the parts were included.

My collection is now complete except for a Hemtt, and a PLS, and an M93, and a.......
Well, you know.

Alredneck · 07-12-2008, 01:59

I wonder what is the differance between that one and the newer ASV's the Army is using now? How long you reckon its going to take to finish her up. Look like a good project!

M813rc · 07-12-2008, 02:11

The simplified story- This is ASVs (M1117) grandfather. From this they developed the V150 with 5-ton axles, and a diesel in the later ones. That led to the V150S with the slightly lengthened hull (18" between the wheels) and other improvements, which was then developed into the M1117 with more improvements and independent suspension. The M1117 looks quite different now, with the added exterior armour and the lights moved down under the nose.
Oh, and the M1117 is not amphibious.

Optimistically I am planning on mine being on the road in three months, my goal is in time for Veterans Day. Probably too optimistic, we'll see.

Cheers

maddawg308 · 07-12-2008, 03:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by M813rc

My collection is now complete except for a Hemtt, and a PLS, and an M93, and a.......

HEMTTs and PLSs can be had for a price. But good luck on that M93, I have never seen one for sale to the public. There might be one or two hulls somewhere, but oh to dream....

GREAT ACQUISITION! Glad to see your dream of owning a V-100 has finally come to pass....

cranetruck · 07-12-2008, 08:29

Added a PS Magazine article on the V100 as used in Vietnam...
It even had run-flat tires.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/index.p...view_photo.php

steelsoldiers · 07-12-2008, 08:43

Nice job Rory! She's a beaut! Hope you get her on the road soon. Please keep us posted.

M813rc · 07-12-2008, 14:47

Thanks guys, and thanks for posting that Bjorn, I had seen the first page before but not the rest. I tried to get a copy of that PS on Ebay a while back, but it went for over $70.

I think it is funny that I looked for a V100 for so long, then got one that was only 140 miles from me. In US terms, thats like finding it in your neighbours yard!

Here are some more pictures of what is done so far (courtesy of the previous owner). I will post more as work progresses.
I really would like to have this ready for the Veterans Day parade, my local MV club always coordinates with the Vietnam vets.

Cheers

Edit: Okay, the captions originally attached to the pictures on the old site didn't make the trip to the new one, AND they came up in reverse order! So...
1- Pic of transmission back together
2- Tranny stripped to component pieces
3- Hull back on rebuilt axles
4- Hull earlier, stripped, sandblasted and primed

kcimb · 07-12-2008, 14:55

Wow. Impressive.

M813rc · 07-12-2008, 15:00

Here are a couple more from yesterday.

The tires are the Commando Special run-flats in brand new condition. No aging or cracking, still have the moulding 'hairs' on the tread.

The only thing it is missing is the winch.

Edit, pic captions:
1- Drivers area, wiring going in
2- Looking in left side door at transfer case
3- Looking in left side hatch at engine, rebuilt Chrysler M75, basically a militarized 361 V-8
4- 14.00-20 run-flat tire

M813rc · 07-12-2008, 15:52

Here is another neat little item that came with it, a foul weather hatch cover with a windshield wiper no less. With both drivers hatches open this fits in the raised ring and seals onto the weather strip. The two end panels are cracked, but easy to replace.

I imagine it would look a bit odd in place, but if it was snowing or raining real bad...

Cheers