M718 Ambulance Top Bows

[hondo100]

Looking for three each of the 11598875-1 Rod Vehicular Bow and 11598875-2 Rod Vehicular Bow for the M718 top bow setup. Would also be interested in a complete set of top bows if available.....one can wish?

Thanks,

Ralph

[Hambone]

If you don't find any, they can be fabricated out of 3/8 rod with a little welding skill, 3 long ones and 3 shorter ones, I could provide measurement if needed. The top bows and the wood runners can be had NOS. If you're not in a hurry, I may be able to find you a set of rods in the next few weeks, no promises tho.

bow rod1.JPG

bow rod2.JPG

[hondo100]

Thanks, I've got plenty of time, probably January or February? After dragging a M416 for 1000 miles behind my A2, we thought we would add the ambulance extensions and top/canvas so we can ditch the trailer for the next convoy.

As a last resort, I figured I could fab them up.

Ralph

[Hambone]

You do realize you will be drilling many holes in that nice jeep body, do you already have an ambulance top and curtains?

[hondo100]

I'll sacrifice my jeep body for the extensions.

No, I don't have any canvas for it. I was thinking Dave at OD Cloth may be the answer.

[rickf]

My personal take on this is that if you want to build an ambulance just for the extra space to carry stuff I think it is a waste of time and money. You will pack it tight and then every time you need something you have to unpack half the vehicle to get to it. Unlike a trailer where you have access to all four sides and the whole open top. Also, if you get to camp and want to take a side trip on back dirt roads it is much nicer to just drop the trailer and take the smaller and lighter jeep than it is to take a fully packed long vehicle. Just the cost of the top alone will make a good argument for the trailer.
Now, if you want to build an ambulance to depict an actual ambulance like Hambone did that is a different, and much, much more expensive story. And if you do that you will have even less room for storage!
How often do you plan to go on convoys like this is the question I guess.