Posted by Ugg (in Uggville) at IL on Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 11:05:53 :
In Reply to: OT - Surplus Army truck questions posted by Todd Wilson on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at 22:44:18 :
Todd:
David gives some pretty sound advice, and APB should also be able to enlighten you. As for a 1st time buyer with GL, you have to pass a screening which takes 45 days. They want to be sure your not a forgien national or terrorist.
Another BIG THING, personally check it out before ya bid. I was told mine had a small rip in the top, it was completely gone by the time I got there. I got the SF 97 with mine, then they stopped issuing them, and now they do again. Also, the starting bid has been raised.
I was VERY lucky with mine. It had a DoD rebuild on the engine 4K before I got it. Also, while it was sitting there the 45 days waiting for me to be cleared, the 2 trucks on either side of mine had their brake lines stripped off.
Again, I was VERY lucky with mine. I needed both front wheel cylinders replaced and both batteries, and I drove it 1400 miles home. I only had one issue, and that was corrected with a stop at Walmart for a tarp and some duct tape (it now has a new top). BTW, if your interested, mine is in the photo classifieds now, and I have the M 105 trailer with it.
It all depends on your skill level, what tools ya have, and the money in your wallet. If ya buy from a dealer, you'll be getting a gone thru vehicle, and depending on the dealer, you'll KNOW what your in for. Oil changes ain't cheap and neather are the filters.
Parts are readily available at GOOD and resonable prices. There was an interesting artical in the recent Military Vehicle Magazine about the M 35, and all of it's evolutions.
Also like David mentioned, the prices are jumping. I've seen residue going for $3500.00. Some M 35's DO have automatics. They were phased out of active duty after Desert Storm, and the trickle down is now going thru the Guard. The Reserves have already replaced theirs. Mine came from the VA Nat'l Guard.
Good Luck
Ugg