Starting Back

[M42Dodge]

I last posted here about five years ago. I became busy with helping a relative with his M42, getting involved in my son's hockey league and life in general, while spending less time with my own M42. I took it out now and then then until I was injured at work in a train/truck accident, two years ago. Since then it sat in my garage. I started it now and then, rolled it in and out, but never really drove it.

Well, I took today off work to gas her up, tighten U-joint bolts, grease everything and get her ready for a show here in NJ, tomorrow. It will be the first time I have taken my M37/42 out on the road in quite a while.

I came close to selling my truck a few times (My brother in law sold his a while back) but I couldn't do it. I hope to get back into doing shows and parades again. I am sure I will encounter some issues soon, especially with replacing the entire wiring harness, so you may see me here more often seeking knowledge and help.

M42

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[Carter]

Welcome back M42 good looking truck. Hope all goes well going and coming back from the show. From what I read you have prepared the truck for the drive. How many miles is the trip?

[52 M-42]

Nice looking truck. Do you have any photos of the bed with the M-42 kit installed?

[M42Dodge]

Hi Carter. It is an easy start back. About 15 miles from my house. Mostly highway. The furthest I have ever driven it was about 100 miles round trip. I just want to make sure everything that can be a basic fail issue is looked over. I just aired up the tires...they were all at 15 psi...a little low! The right front brake sticks and grabs a little. I ran it up and down the drive and it is slowly clearing up. Miles will help, I am sure.

The photo I have on my iPad is too big. I have more on my PC including interior shots that I can post later...

TJ

[Monkey Man]

Good to have you back TJ

MM

[M42Dodge]

Thank you, MM. The old Doodge cleaned up pretty well. Ready for the show now!

[Cal_Gary]

Yes, glad to have you back! It's saddening if you look through some member profiles to see how long ago they last posted-can't help but wonder what happened to them (like SOTVEN and a host of others).
Gary

[M42Dodge]

Here are few older pics of my M42. At this time, I don't have the kit applied as it doesn't fit in my garage with the bows in place...

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[52 M-42]

Thanks for the photos! It's always nice to the various set ups of the different kits. It is interesting to see the wire reels for the remote transmission sets.

What is the "165 (or 185) F' box?

[M42Dodge]

Thanks. I had a field phone setup I would assemble for kids to play with at various shows. I used regular bell wire for that deployment. The lead wire reel was for the display...

The box is a Coleman lantern box used by the Army. It holds two lanterns and a can of white gas, as well as spare parts. The lanterns are U.S. Army dated 1953. The box is marked with the 165th Field Artillery to discourage pilferage by other units..lol.

My truck is set up as a vehicle with the 50th Armored Division, 165th Field Artillery, HQ section as a artillery spotting post.

TJ

[T. Highway]

TJ,

Very nice looking truck. I like all of the small details that you have added. Can you snap a couple of photos of the lantern box / kit / contents?

Bert

[M42Dodge]

Sure. It just have to get the chance! It is all plywood covered with sheet steel, with heavy duty hinges and hasps. It might be fairly simple to duplicate...pics soon!

Tom

[M42Dodge]

Hi Bert. I have not forgotten you. I just need to get into my shop and pull the box out. I take pictures with my phone and then I need to make the images smaller on my PC so the site will accept them. Bear with me!

[M42Dodge]

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[M42Dodge]

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