Guntruck build "The Savior"

[muthkw25]

On Saturday I purchased a m54a2. Since I got into the hobby, I have always wanted one after learning about the guntrucks that served in Vietnam. I found one thats unique. The truck I believe started as a m54 or m54a1. The lower headlight position as well as the fenders on the inside of the hood look like this was a gasser in its previous life. My guess is the truck was repowered with the LDS 465-1a. Truck was picked up by previous owner from the forestery department.

Truck originally had the exhaust dumping out in front of front right tandem according to previous owner when he got it. Truck has a D turbo and a direct drive transmission. The 395s help get some speed but theres loss in torque. Truck runs well but needs some tlc. The plan is to build a guntruck replica using trucks that served in vietnam for ideas. Out of the 6 gun truck books I couldn't find a guntruck with the lower headlight positions.

Ive decided I'm going to name the truck "The Savior". First because Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and because these trucks were known as Saviors to those that served. I want to try to keep the heritage alive and felt instead of trying to copy a truck, id do one on how Id want it setup.

Plan is to use 5/16" steel for the gun box. Once the trucks been mechanically gone through I'll focus on cosmetics and then the gunbox.

 

[muthkw25]

After finishing paperwork at notary, I go to move the truck and the brakes are locked on hard on rear right tandem. Couldn't get to release, E-brake wasnt grabbing. I tried moving minor adjustment with no help. Tried the major adjustments but the bolts wouldnt budge. Called a buddy of mine that happened to be 20 to 30 mins away. He came and we took the drum off and the wheel cylinder wouldnt release. We cracked the bleeder and the wheel cylinder returned normally but not all the way. Cracked the bleeder at the left rear tandem and the right side wheel cylinder completely relaxed. Turns out the rubber line failed internally and turned into a 1 way valve.

My buddy happened to have the brake line at his place. We bled the brakes and got the truck rolling. What would have been a 5 hr recovery turned into a 12hr recovery. We got the truck rolling and off we went. Had 160 mile trip home.
We got about 40 miles from home to stop and use the bathroom and the left front tandem brake drum was smoking bad. Drum was 581F! Hubs weren't above 160F. We let truck cool for 45 minutes and finished the trip.

Truck drove great. Got home safely. Thank the Lord for him watching over me and my family that came to assist on the journey home. Thank God for my buddy who happened to be local AND have the part.

Truck will have all brakes lines gone through and all hubs and bearings repacked.

Plan is to have the truck completed by next fall so I have alot of work to do.

Going through truck now to see what needs replacing. Im trying to keep as much original as possible.

Going to go back to 11r20s (g177s because of miles we will be driving), spin-on filters, block heater, coolant filter, all fluid changes, pyro and boost gauge, mechanical coolant and oil pressure gauges. Just stuff to add safety, ease of maintenance and help increase reliability.

Here's some photos of the truck next to my 925a1.

Grandpa vs son.

 

[71DeuceAK]

These trucks truly do continue to run missions and protect their operators. Looks like a good score!