It followed me home

[m3a1]

Around here some folks insist they have found a Chupacabra. Usually, they're just dogs with a real bad case of demodectic mange and if you don't know what that is, Google image it. You'll soon see the similarity between that, and my A2

[m3a1]

Ok, boys. It came today at 0800hrs. As he rolled up my son got excited and came up behind me and gave me a hug while I was hefting a cup of coffee. So, half a cup of joe went right into the keyboard of my Mac. PFFFT! The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Rather than mourn my Mac I went out to greet my M151A2. What else could I do?

First thing I did was trim off the aft section of roof canvas as it was in tatters so now it has a bikini top, which is far and away better than no top at all.

Here it is after and hour and a half of power washing it while I was getting rained on. Some of that old paint just will NOT give up but I figure between some of the old paint gettin' gone and some time in the Texas heat the rest might start to come loose.

Appears the hood numbers might be vinyl the way they stand out.

[rickf]

That ROPS appears to be CARC painted which means it is a LOT newer than the vehicle, maybe added after it left the service because there is no ROPS MWO tag on the data plate. I see it has the M-151 version of run flats, even with no air they stand up on their own. Looks pretty solid, how is the underneath?

[m3a1]

Yes, those used to be tires - round, and once made of rubber but, they're good enough to move it when I need to make a shuffle around here. This little truck is going nowhere until it gets its brakes overhauled and that isn't gonna happen until the Alley Cat gets all the attention it needs.

Will get under it when the weather clears but my earlier assessment was the front transverse member had some issues and that was about it underneath.

The front suspension also squats a bit with noticable negative camber so something isn't quite right with that. I suppose it's time to start stockpiling parts again *sigh*....

Whether it belongs or not, the ROPS will provide excellent support for a tarp until the day comes for me to dig into this project.

[Horst]

You might be right Rick, the ROPS decal looks brand new compared to the rest. Wasn't the overlay not on the fender mounted data plate? Not sure.
I like it with ROPS but I do know that I belong to a minority group....

[m3a1]

Tell me what views of this you want and I'd be glad to go take the pics. All the info you're providing is most welcome.

[m3a1]

Guys, the data plate on the fender lists information with and without ROPS. From this, can I assume the ROPS is a military addition, rather than done after it was out of service?

[Horst]

That is what I was thinking. That little overlay gets on the weight and dimensions data plate. And yes, very likely as almost nobody adds it after being out of service. Except me...

[m3a1]

Yeah, I think the ROPS is a bit "busy" looking, especially with all the kit that is attendant to it, like the webbing and such. At the same time, wouldn't it be a shame if there were no more representative examples of these because everybody junked 'em?

I can't get a tourelle ring for my M2 half track because everybody who bought these surplus vehicles felt the ring was an inconvenience (no doubt after banging their head for the tenth time) and discarded them. The occasional one that shows up for sale is worth its weight in gold.

Frankly, I plan on keeping it. The data plate is there so the ROPS stays and if I really want to go topless, there's always the Alley Cat.

[Horst]

I did not know a dimensional data plate with ROPS existed. Always was assuming only the overlay plate as they were issued and installed significantly after the 151s were build. Interesting.

[rickf]

The overlay plate was put on the data plate up front.

BTW, I also like the ROPS, After racing my entire life and having a cage save my arse more times than I can count I have no problem with it.

[m3a1]

News from down under - 98% of the subframe is in great shape. The front transverse subframe is what needs attention and it's out in the open and easy to work on. In fact, almost all of the right side is gone with the attachment flanges still in place for a handy reference so there's not a lot of wreckage to have to clear away. The opposite side needs to be replaced as well. After doing a little bit of repair work on the floor pan, replacing these is a nice, straightforward job, if you ask me. So, without further ado, here are some pics...

[rickf]

What is that sticking out of the oil pan drain?

[m3a1]

I dunno but it sure is a nice one!

[whiterabbit]

Looks like minor repairs and you'll be off to the races!
BTW, I like the roll cages just clean n seal the mounting pad locations really well. They were the cause of 90% of my rust issues.