Australian M816

Just found another pic of an Australian M816 in an Army museum collection. Did not know that 77 was the total purchase order from AM General.

Sharp eyes will pick out some of the differences to US issued wreckers.

G'day everyone,...




Geeez,.... they were still in use here until 1980?

WOW, that's not all that long ago.

Any idea what museum that's in?


Aussie.

Now if we only had a replica in the USA to reference , wouldn’t that be cool?

Modified hood for Jake brakes? Rookie bars on the bumper, missing red light next to the turn siginal on the drivers side. I remember reading an article some place on the Australian M816's some time ago.

Aussie Bloke said:

G'day everyone,...Any idea what museum that's in?Aussie.

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apparently it's out-back, not in the public area. An ex Recy Mech was visiting.

EO2NMCB said:

Modified hood for Jake brakes? Rookie bars on the bumper, missing red light next to the turn siginal on the drivers side. I remember reading an article some place on the Australian M816's some time ago.

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Jake brakes were not a standard mod - only fitted on a small number (~4>) by the operators on a hush hush basis.
"Rookie bars" were standard over there, though 'topper' varied - some were just bars, others had large washers welded or balls. Most appear to be painted white to reflect headlights back to driver.
Red "hazard" light was replaced on all wreckers with one or two rotating beacons mounted on a 'headache rack' behind cab. Some were extendable for 'on scene' visibility.

Pat...….. no comment!!! Bonnet [Hood] is being "detailed" in the house.

No-one spot the bracket on the drivers mud guard [fender] behind the bumper... probably supports a tray for 2 Jerry cans or other CES [Bii].

Obviously it is missing a bumper shackle and the winch chain-hook.

G'day everyone,.....

zebedee said:

Canberra at the War Memorial Annex ​

apparently it's out-back, not in the public area. An ex Recy Mech was visiting.

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Thanks for that,......


I wonder if I should drive out there with my Deuce for ****s and giggles,...?

Would love to have a look around the museum though,.....





Aussie.

Some years back I seen a line of Canadian M813's at a surplus yard and they were equipped with Jacob's.

Interesting that the brushguard is tubular, versus the flat and welded plate style that I have on mine. Also, the tubular piece on the drivers side, between the fender and bumper- what is it's reason?

77 AMG said:

Interesting that the brushguard is tubular, versus the flat and welded plate style that I have on mine. Also, the tubular piece on the drivers side, between the fender and bumper- what is it's reason?

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For the weight plates

simp5782 said:

For the weight plates

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"Factory" on a 936, but I've never seen that on an 816. Simp - where did you find that pic? And thanks for posting!

77 AMG said:

Interesting that the brushguard is tubular...

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77 AMG said:

Also, the tubular piece on the drivers side, between the fender and bumper- what is it's reason?

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Many of the Australian wreckers used this space for added storage trays; Jerry cans etc. Even heard of one that had a 'bush toilet seat' there.

Interesting. Why only one the drivers' side, instead of both? That would make more sense, from a balance point of view. Yes, I spotted the vice...

It is still is a neat and clean truck to look at at!

zebedee said:

"Factory" on a 936, but I've never seen that on an 816. Simp - where did you find that pic? And thanks for posting!

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Just googled "Australian m816"

77 AMG said:

Interesting. Why only one the drivers' side, instead of both? That would make more sense, from a balance point of view.

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As far as I understand the tube is only on the driver's side because it (and also a triangular gusset) is part of the extra support needed for the air cleaner which is also driver's side only. This is true of all American M809s that I've seen and is not unique to Aussie trucks.

Actually, zebedee, I understand the reason for the support brace going down to the weight tray. It was the large brace that I wasn't sure about. I just got my 5 ton last weekend and I will be awhile learning about it. Sorry for the distractions.

77 AMG said:

I just got my 5 ton last weekend and I will be awhile learning about it. Sorry for the distractions.

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No need to apologise, learning about vehicles and asking questions is what this site is all about. I am trying to learn about Aussie M816s and the differences from the US issue ones, but it's difficult from this side of the pacific! There are several veterans and a few trucks in museums with associated curators, that are putting up with my questions and requests for photos. A lot of my fabrication and positioning of parts that are different, is based on digital scaling from good pics..