by m3a1 » December 30th, 2017, 10:37 pm
You aren't seeing the military Liberty trucks or White touring cars around any more, either. I believe this is the nature of the hobby.
Our 151s aren't the International or Studebaker or GMC trucks of WWII where they were plucking pieces out of the parts bins extant and creating something not entirely "new"... nor are they the Jeeps which went on to have a huge following in civilian hands.
If one were to sit down and take a hard look at what the military had in WWII, those military vehicles I just mentioned are actually in the very small minority and so, it is the same with our M151s which were a purpose-built and highly specialized truck. They are trucks which, as we all know, have to this day had a huge following in other countries owing to Uncle Sam's generosity. So, we compete not only against our fellows but other governments as well. Such is the nature of the beast.
We aren't yet at the crossroads where such things as park plugs or coils are going to be the deciding factor. We can see how it might come to pass where "all-original" is no longer possible, but we aren't there yet. Not even close. I'm betting someone is going to figure out a solution to these problems sooner or later and probably for the better.
But I would like to add this. Like the time when MBs and GPWs were being sold off after WWII, this is now the time to get yourself a HMMWV, or a M1098 (which will probably be my next truck) The price will never be cheaper and if cared for, the value will never go down. You can't say that about a new civilian truck. In fact, your grandson, or great grandson will likely thank you for making the investment. There are a whole raft of newer MVs out there looking for a good home and that is what we do in this hobby.
If you think you can't justify the expense, consider what happens to your money when you buy a new pickup truck. $30-40-50 THOUSAND dollars and what will it be worth in four years....or eight years?!! Compare that to a carefully chosen MV straight from the government. It's value will NOT go down unless you mistreat it. So, perhaps it is time to baby your baby M151 and get it a new brother.
It's the circle of life, man. Hakuna matata.