Posted by Winget on June 16, 1999 at 11:39:02:
In Reply to: WC-56 Command Car posted by Winget on June 16, 1999 at 10:01:29:
I've seen them "asking" $30,000 following a body off rebuild. Avarage price for a re-import is around $12,000. The price Alan is asking if fair, he has most of the parts. It's the detail parts and such that add up (or are not available) Such as the map board spring clips. The WC 56-58's are 12 volt as they came ready for radio system installation. Worth the price and time, for the looks, VIP's, Grand marshall vechicle requests.
I would figure about $6000 (new top/tires/sandblasting/paint/assorted parts, etc. for a top notch vehicle that can roll with the best of them.
Some small Drawbacks:
-Top Canvas prices are up there.
-It's not a Pickup truck, and there's easy room for carrying things it wasn't designed to carry (other than people)
-Towing an Artillery piece was not one of it's functions (I do it in parades sometimes, as it's the only thing I have large enough to handle the 57mm gun.
-It's DAMN cold in the Winter without a heater, and if you add one, your going to have to get the doors (somewhere) to close her up (sort of).
-No visibility to the right side when driving, (Top up or down) I'm adding another mirror for safety (maybe detachable for shows/movies).
-Have to cross that long front seat to get in/out from the Pass side due to the spare. (people look at you funny for that)
-Once restored, questions like "I didn't know the Army still had Flatheads" and "is that one of those surplus Jeeps" abound and everybodys father has parts to them sitting in the old garage (but they never do seem to find them and call back). Gas station attendants want to know if you need a receipt for the gas (like Uncle Sam would pick up the tab!)
-WC 56 just doesn't look right without a winch (personal opinion here) So of course I added one (even took it off a rare WC-55 AT chassis but that's another story)
-No where to hang the drive-in tray when eating out, the back map board needed a leg to level it, oh well maybe when the build the next model? they can add one.
That's about it, Manny C. is rebuilding one, I'm here if there's something I can help with. I'd buy Allan's if he weren't so far from me.
Regards WAW