Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

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acudanut

Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by acudanut » October 9th, 2018, 7:24 pm

I think they are the ugliest "Jeep" I have ever seen. You could not give one to me. !!

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rickf
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Re: Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by rickf » October 9th, 2018, 7:51 pm

I think they are neat, I just don't fit in one. I can't figure out how four Marines, who at the time of the mite service were generally big guys, all fit in one. Also not a fan of the chrome lined cylinders that have a tendency to flake off the chrome and destroy the engine. But when you look at the engineering they are very similar to the HMMWV, independent suspension, inboard brakes, aluminum body.
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone

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m3a1
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Re: Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by m3a1 » October 9th, 2018, 9:10 pm

When I look at one I see a clown car but, seriously, it's hard to see how the Mighty Mite made it into service (deep breath - opens a can of worms) when the Growler was so universally panned as being a horrible idea.

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rickf
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Re: Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by rickf » October 9th, 2018, 10:13 pm

Maybe because the Mighty Mite was 30 years earlier than the Growler, cost a fraction of the amount and was not pushed through political favors?
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone

acudanut

Re: Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by acudanut » October 9th, 2018, 10:54 pm

It in deed look like a clown car.. :shock:

SEABEE62
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Re: Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by SEABEE62 » October 10th, 2018, 9:45 am

Hi Rickf...just a question. Why the chrome lined cyl ? Seabee
1971 M151A2 MUTT , M416 trailer
NMCB 62, Delta Co.,BU2, Gulfport, MS Home Port
VFW 3838, American Legion 63
Seabee Association of America LM , NMCB 62 Assoc.
"Performance Under Fire" US Navy Seabees '69-'72
National Assoc. of Atomic Veterans/ Amchitka
SEMO University Vet Corp Alumni
MVPA#32091

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rickf
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Re: Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by rickf » October 10th, 2018, 10:02 am

Can't answer that one. Maybe since they were air cooled they thought the chrome liner would hold up to extreme heat better? I would think standard cast iron cylinders would be just fine since they worked for 60 years prior to that with no problems. But you know how the military is, if it is "New technology" they are all for it. Plus, it did work well for them. I don't think there were too many issues with that while they were in service.

And Acudanut, you have to remember that they had to be able to stuff a couple of these things in the back of a banana chopper with a bunch of Marines so they had to be small and light.
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone

agwrangler
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Re: Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by agwrangler » October 10th, 2018, 2:15 pm

I think the mite is a cool vehicle, and they are fun to work on. But i agree with them being DANG small.
But just like the MUTT, it has its good and bad. I think they are neat.

Mark
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Re: Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by Mark » October 10th, 2018, 7:48 pm

I'd like to have one, I'd probably be the only one in the state
mark


1968 m274A5
1960 m151
1981 m151A2
1964 m416
1971 m416

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rickf
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Re: Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by rickf » October 11th, 2018, 9:09 am

Mark wrote:I'd like to have one, I'd probably be the only one in the state
Considering only 20 people live in your state that is a good chance. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
1964 M151A1
1984 M1008
1967 M416
04/1952 M100
12/1952 M100- Departed
AN/TSQ-114A Trailblazer- Gone

Mark
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Re: Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by Mark » October 11th, 2018, 9:17 am

Good Comeback!!!
mark


1968 m274A5
1960 m151
1981 m151A2
1964 m416
1971 m416

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m75
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Re: Anyone else hate the Mighty Mites

Unread post by m75 » October 11th, 2018, 10:17 am

I like the Mite that is on permanent display on the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. In its natural state, upside down with wheels perpetually spinning. Get a good look at the inboard brakes off the differentials....
Jim Peterson
SGM, 31B Retired 2015
1961 M151 -Sold
1974 M151A2, Working It!

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