Recent Mods & Repairs - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

DUG · 01-31-2010, 01:52

I've been able to check a few things off my to do list lately. When we took the deuce to the dez last time, I brought along 5 gallons of diesel, 5 gallons of gas, 5 gallons of water and my small generator. Because there MIGHT have been 3 boys riding in the back for 500 miles I had to take the gas, diesel and generator up to Phil's so he could haul it for me. Then I had to go pick it up later. Between that and the cheap water container leaking, I decided I wanted to carry my own stuff, just not in the bed.

My local Army/Navy started carrying the Blitz jerry cans again after CA freaked out over the nozzles and halted sales. I picked up two mounts and two cans. I painted both cans tan and stenciled one GAS and one DIESEL. The gas can mounts up in the factory spot by the driver, the diesel can and two new mounts went on the rear mud flaps. I ordered a plastic water Jerry can (in tan) and mounted it on the rear mud flap. The tie straps that come with them are junk so I modded up three ratchet straps to hold them in tight. Then I added 3 locks and cables to at least slow the thieves down. The new CARB nozzles were tossed in the trash and replaced with the real deal.

My passenger windshield has been broken since I bought the truck so it was time to patch it up. I took it to a mom and pop shop and got new glass installed for 90 bucks. The frame was a little rusty but he was able to seal it up just fine. Two days later I found that C & C has new windshields shipped for about 165. That probably would have been the better idea, but what I got will work.

Now that I could see I needed to get ready for the rain. I checked out the "Civy wipers" thread (Civy Wipers) to get the Anco numbers and ordered arms and blades from Amazon. 36 bux got everything shipped to the door. A little tan paint and a few drops of lock tight and they were on. Work pretty good and replacements are easy to get. I just ordered extra blades a few minutes ago.

While surfing eBay I found three of the main data plates that mount on the dash. After I bought them I found a source for all the dataplates, but when I called he said he won't be ready to start selling product for another 6 weeks. (http://www.mvdataplates.com) Seems he just bought someone else out. I'll get the remaining ones later. Since my plates were unreadable and my truck used to be a M109A3 WO/W I figured an update was in order. It's now plated as a M35A2 W/W.

Now that all the other liquids were outside the bed I needed a place to put the little generator. Walmart had a Reese TowPro (#37096) for 110 bux, so I picked it up. Got everything mocked up with vice grips and C clamps and marked the holes in the frame. Took inventory of the provided fasteners and then tossed all that garbage in the trash. A trip to the hardware store netted me American made grade 8 hardware and a new 1/2 inch drill bit. Everything went smoothly and again out came the tan paint. I peeled off the load stickers before I painted the hitch and cut off "Reese" before I stuck it back on. I figure if they're gonna give me such crappy bolts, they get no free advertising.

It's not the heavy duty hitch most of you are running, but I'm not planning on towing anything heavier than our Scout trailer and not that often. The real reason I added it was to use the hitch rack that we bought to use with our GMC 2500 when the camper is on the back. The generator fits on perfectly.

I also found out that if I flip the drop hitch I bought to tow my M105 with my 2500 it will be the right height to tow the scout trailer.

Pics are crappy since it was dark when we finshed. I can get better ones later if anyone is interested.

73X · 01-31-2010, 06:44

Looks awesome DUG. Great ideas also. Now I am off to look for a hitch.

srodocker · 01-31-2010, 06:49

awesome! i like the mudflap can holders. local army/navy? that a store?

Heavysteven · 01-31-2010, 08:28

I need to add a hitch to mine as well. Looks like it bolts onto the frame correct? Or did you field drill? Also, how high off the ground does your ball site?

doghead · 01-31-2010, 08:30

Nice work, and post. Thanks

DUG · 01-31-2010, 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by srodocker

awesome! i like the mudflap can holders. local army/navy? that a store?

Yes - The Army/Navy surplus store is 2% surplus, 50% new knock off military, 10% Boy Scouts, 20% camping, 10% Law Enforcement, 8% crap.

DUG · 01-31-2010, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavysteven

I need to add a hitch to mine as well. Looks like it bolts onto the frame correct? Or did you field drill? Also, how high off the ground does your ball site?

Bolts to the frame via the holes I drilled in it. Ball location depends on your ball mount - there are 100s availible. I can measure how high up the receiver tube sits if that helps.

I saw pics of this same hitch on another SS truck. The only difference is mine is about 3 inches farther back - any farther forward and the generator would hit the pintle or bumperettes.

This model is rated at 500 pounds tongue and 5000 pounds trailer. It's probably stronger than that since I swapped out all the fasteners, but I don't have anything heavier than that to tow anyway.

DieselBob · 01-31-2010, 10:37

Good ideas. Good work. I need to add a receiver to mine also. More reason to use the deuce.

nk14zp · 01-31-2010, 11:49

Nice job looks great.

319 · 01-31-2010, 12:00

Nice work! Lets see better pics of the mud flap can holder install.