New M151A2 Purchase

[glcaines]

I recently purchased a 1979 M151A2 TOW Carrier that was converted back to a standard A2 by the Army. All that is left of the TOW Carrier is a lot of holes. The A2 was complete, including ROPS, with an almost new top, sides, doors and webbing. The paint is MERDC Summer Verdant but faded so badly that it is difficult to see the camo. Unfortunately, I needed to take off the fuel tank for cleaning or replacement. There is a sligh amount of rust in the filler pipe, but no rust in the tank itself, only very thick varnish. With the ROPS, the left middle support was in the way of removing the tank, so I had to cut up the ROPS and trash it. No great loss as I hate the ROPS on M151A2s. I'm currently trying to decide what paint scheme to use on the A2, the choices being MERDC Summer Verdant or 24087. Obviously, it is much easier to paint the entire 1/4 ton with the 24087. In addition, when I was in the Army driving M151A1 and M151A2 1/4 tons, they were all painted 24087 as this was prior to MERDC camo. However, the A2 being a 1979 model, it was painted in MERDC camo when serving with a unit. I also need to replace both front floor panels and the battery floor. Interestingly, the balance of the floor sheet metal under the A2 is completely rust free. I'm also trying to decide whether to convert the dashboard back to standard A2, not really a large task.

[Horst]

Welcome!

But without pictures we don't believe anything

[Hambone]

Welcome to the best forum for the M151, as far as color, paint it the way YOU want, it's your jeep, I'm a solid color fan, I like the darker OD, 24087. Horst, it's a nice A2, I've seen it on the other forums, seems to be in nice shape, can't wait to watch the build, I feel sure he will share it with us. Hope he doesn't mind me sharing a pic of it, a lot of helpful mutt fans here, ask all the questions, this is the most knowledgeable fan base.
Good luck with your build.

jeep.jpg

[m3a1]

Welcome to the forum. Don't be discouraged if the responses seem to be minimal. There are LOTS of lurkers here.

Cheers,
TJ

[glcaines]

Here are some photos of my new to me M151A2 TOW Carrier.

[Horst]

Awesome!

I would paint it as is in MERDC camo. (But I also would keep the ROPS, so ignore my opinion;))

How does a TOW carrier dash look like?

Did TOW carriers and launchers roll of the manufacturing line or were they converted at the unit?

P.S. you seem to have other interesting stuff, as a former deuce and Unimog owner, I am jealous!

[m38inmaine]

Nice rig, I am painting my 74 24087 but it's a full restoration, if mine had looked that good I would not paint it, I love that original patina. I look forward to seeing what you do.

[glcaines]

Awesome!

I would paint it as is in MERDC camo. (But I also would keep the ROPS, so ignore my opinion;))

How does a TOW carrier dash look like?

Did TOW carriers and launchers roll of the manufacturing line or were they converted at the unit?

P.S. you seem to have other interesting stuff, as a former deuce and Unimog owner, I am jealous!

All TOW launch and carriers were M151A2. There weren't any M151A1 TOWs I believe some were specifically destined to be TOW vehicles, but later, standard M151A2s were modified, at least that is what I've read in different sources. I believe the TOW Carrier dash was a standard A2 dash. My A2 TOW had a ROPS added later. With the ROPS, the left front support interfered with the light switch, so the light switch was moved over a few inches to the right and the heater switch, if equipped with a heater, was moved to the left. Also, the data plate was moved from the left side of the dash to the right side of the dash. I understand that the rifle mount was moved slightly as well, but I'm unfamiliar with the details.
When I was in the Army in 1970 - 1971 and stationed in Germany with the 3rd Armored Division, I only saw one TOW vehicle and that was during demonstration firing of the TOW. It was unbelievably accurate. I saw a lot of 1/4 tons equipped with 106 mm Recoilless Rifles, however. In fact, I had a close call when observing one firing at night in Germany. I was in the back seat of an M151A1 and the driver accidentally drove up onto a range at night. We were behind the 1/4 ton firing the weapon when it went off. It picked up the side of the vehicle about a foot and showered us with a significant amount of gravel. I couldn't see for a few minutes due to the flash.

[rickf]

Here is a whole line of them in Viet Nam. When this pic popped up years ago it was a WTF moment for me. I remembered seeing these guys when I was there! 1971, Pleiku, Vietnam.

I had heard only MP's had the A2's but I doubt MP's had TOW's.

[Horst]

My mistake. I did not read the first post correctly. There is no mentioning of a TOW dash…

I’m very familiar with the modifications needed for ROPS. I installed ROPS in an otherwise virgin Barstow A2. Had to do it after an unfavorable experience with my M201. After that definitely wanted seat belts.

[rickf]

Remember what happened to George from Holland when he got tapped in the rear end on the highway? Rolled him over at speed with no roll bar! He was very, VERY lucky as he skidded down the road on his butt. Being a race driver my entire life I have had cages save my bacon more times than I can count so I know they work but Georges experience shows what can happen just cruising down the road. Remember, you are going substantially slower than everyone else who is on their phones not paying attention to what is in front of them.

[csmith]

Welcome!! Nice rig, your at the best place for 151 lovers!

[1SGCAV77]

Welcome. That is a very nice 151. Mine is OD 24087. I do like that motor pool look on yours.

[glcaines]

I was going to paint it in MERDC Summer Verdant, but have changed my mind to Winter Verdant. I did get it started for the first time today. After cleaning the fuel tank, I re-mounted it, and put 2-1/2 gallons of ethanol-free gas in it along with a whole bottle of Lucas fuel system cleaner. I was amazed. It turned over three times and fired right up. It blew a lot of black soot all over the garage floor, but idles and runs fine. I drove it down the road for about 3 miles, turned around and came back home. The clutch is fine, the transmission shifts fine and 4-wheel drive works fine. All of the gauges work as well as the speedometer. The alternator is also charging. The brakes also work fine but there is more to that story. None of the rear wheel cylinders are leaking and the MC is not leaking either. I pulled the rear brake drums and the shoes look new. I don't know about the front yet. However, I do have a problem. I'm assuming the brake fluid is DOT 5 since the A2 hasn't had any attention since the Army had it. I removed the MC cap and placed a straw down inside the MC to bring up a sample of fluid. The MC has fluid in it up where it should be, but the straw came out covered in thick black sludge, looking like decomposed rubber. I'm going to need to either rebuild or replace the MC. In any event, I've heard horror stories about the difficulty of removing and installing the MC. I will also need to completely flush the brake lines and wheel cylinders. I'll probably go ahead and replace the wheel cylinders. It's too bad because the brakes work OK and there aren't any leaks.

[Horst]

My recommendation:
Remove the entire pedal cluster as one unit. Disconnect brake pipe from MC, disconnect the clutch lever, unplug the stop light switch and 4 bolts later you have everything on the work bench. This way you can also service the bushings of the pedals.

If for whatever reason you decide against, at least remove the light switch for better access.

In my case the DOT 5 fluid hat turned into jelly after all those years sitting in the desert at Barstow.