Looking for Details on a Gun Jeep

[Elvis Presley]

Was wondering if anyone had further information about a particular gun jeep named: California Dreamer? I have a few pics, and I can discern that the jeep served in the 54 Transportation Battalion, 512th Transportation Company. Would anyone happen to know its serial number, or have any further details on this unit? I'm thinking of making my '66 A1 into a tribute gun jeep honoring the men that served in the original.

Knowing that each of these units were unique and hand-built by those who relied on what little protection the side panels provided, is there any info that would show what types of materials were used (angle iron, tubing, plate, hinges, bullet-proof glass sections, etc..) and where they were mounted to the body?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!

[MUTT_KAHUNA ED]

Aloha..you're best bet is to contact James Lyles,author of multiple books on Vietnam gun trucks. James was ncoic of Vietnam gun trucks and has a LOT of pics,info of all things relating to transportation companies in Vietnam. The last email I had for him is : lyles289hp@ aol.com

[muttguru]

Start by obtaining these two books......
Ken

[rickf]

There was an underbody armor kit made for the 151, I don't know much about it but I have seen pictures of it.

[Elvis Presley]

Thanks for the tips - I have picked up the first two books from Mr. Lyles. Lots of really cool pictures and information. Lots of ideas!

Have a nice day!

[Mutt Hunter]

Sorry for a really late reply here, but if you have Amazon Prime, you'll be able to find a great one hour documentary on the gun trucks of Vietnam. I was really surprised how detailed it was. Its aptly titled: "Gun Trucks of Vietnam."

The best part of the documentary was how the Vietnam era gun truck troopers were contacted by the Iraq and Afghanistan troopers for tips on how to better up-armor their trucks prior to the advent of the MRAP.

Lots of great live super 8 black and white footage...and i'm pretty confident you'll eventually see what you're looking for.

If i'm not mistaken, you can get to it via Netflix too.

[Elvis Presley]

Thanks for the info!! I have all of Mr. Lyles books and have seen the video - I have seen a few cool things to incorporate like a mermite on the drivers side rear bumper. Not sure how it stays there just yet, but could be cool. Anyone been to any of the gun truck reunions?? That would be a place to take tons of pics!! When the becomes a bit less crazy maybe they’ll have another one!! Thanks!!

[Elvis Presley]

An update: before the socialists take over, I've purchased two M1919A4 kits for my gun jeep project. A Jeep from the 8th Transportation Group, 54th Battalion, 512th Transportation Company named California Dreamer had two M1919A4s early in its life and that's what I'm going for. It eventually received 2 M60's, but they are stupid expensive, and even dummy guns are not worth it in my humble opinion. Plus the 1919A4s can be converted into semis fairly easily - so why not!

Also, ran across a guy with two VIC-1s from the 1980's and 90's and will most likely sell them to get an earlier AM-1780 (in a more pleasing OD color: OD - Olive Drab 24087 to be exact!). I also picked up a bunch of mics and headsets too. I will put those in my sell list as well.

[fowlercal]

Elvis,

Where did you find the 1919A4 kits? I thought they were no longer available. (I’m an Anti-Socialist)

Cal

[Elvis Presley]

They are still out there!! There's a guy on Gun Broker right now with 4 191A4 .308 kits for sale for $1550 each. I actually want the 30.06 kits so I had to look around for a while. SARCO received one last week and I bought it - also apex had a 1919A6 and I bought that one as well. If you're looking for a .308 kit the dude on Gunbroker has them as buy it now at 1550. Good luck!!

[fowlercal]

Thanks for the info.

Cal

[Elvis Presley]

Unfortunately none of the books includes pictures of the inside of a typical gun jeep. Does someone know a MUTT owner (or is a MUTT owner) that has configured their M-series as a gun jeep? I'd love to check out their ride if possible, or perhaps get some pics of the interior details!!

Thanks again for all the wisdom and knowledge from all of you MUTTheads!

Have a nice day!

[muttguru]

There's a new Gun Truck book out now by David Doyle.....his books are usually excellent but I haven't read it..... yet.....





There's also a Mil publication which covers the history of convoy security with a very good section devoted to GTs in Vietnam. It isn't restricted or classified.
If you want a copy of this email me directly as shown on my contact information below. It's 90+ pages and it's around 5Mb size.
If you only want the Nam section...say so (-:

[rickf]

https://m151jeep.com/photos-us-forces-vietnam

Bottom of the first page I found the Wolfman gun jeep. There may be more on there.

[Surveyor]

For those interested in seeing some history...






Looks like the 30cals changed to m60's at some point.