Gama Goat opinions?

refit1701 · Post by **refit1701** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 11:12 am

I know where there is a GG which I might be able to buy. But from what I have seen, they are more trouble than they are worth. Noisy, slow, etc.

The Goat didn't last very long in service, did it?

Post by **Cal_Gary** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 12:04 pm

Hi John,
Ah the M561! I worked on tons of Goats-they are very unique in many ways, and the biggest PIA in working on them from my experience was when the center diff goes-tough to remount but not impossible. The ease of accessibility of the engine/tranny/TC is a plus, but they are loud as all get-out. I wouldn't say slow but that is relative-they'd keep up with our M37s and would do fine in the parade or static circuit. Getting a winch model would also be a plus.

I'd save one if the price was right, but I'm not in the market for anything else while I search for the last bits to my M37....

Good Luck, and let us know!
Gary

refit1701 · Post by **refit1701** » Mon Apr 05, 2010 4:28 pm

I don't have plans to get this one (if it is even available to buy) right now since I just bought another M37. I still have to finish the AF truck!!!

I can imagine it being quite a trial to try to drive one of those to a show!! The only one I have ever seen running in person required hearing protection and additional lights on the rear for safety.

They are intriguing but an M37 is more practical.

Post by **Cal_Gary** » Tue Apr 06, 2010 5:43 am

We once had to recover one that tried to ford a river w/o it's hull plugs! Even with the bilge pumps full on it sank to the point where only the right-rear corner was above the surface. They aren't difficult to drive but it feels like you're sitting down in a bucket because the seats sit very low. The articulation between the front and back takes some getting used to as well. I was in our unit CP when the goat's commander had to explain this to the brigade CO-a regular song and dance!
Gary

Tom @ Snake River · Post by **Tom @ Snake River** » Tue Apr 06, 2010 6:38 pm

The only good reason to own a Goat, is to say you have one.
I just painted the undercoat on mine today.
Not sure what I am going to do with it?? Same as everything else I own ??
Paid about $3,000.00.

refit1701 · Post by **refit1701** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 5:19 am

Cool ride. Maybe someday I will go after that but right now I have the following projects:

AF M37
M151
USMC M37
1966 Mustang GT
Pioneer trailer

I need to finish a couple before I purposely wind up with any more. Unless I find an M211, that is....

MikeOneSix · Post by **MikeOneSix** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 12:41 pm

refit1701
There is an M211 sitting right down the road from me. The guy wants to sell it and it supposedly runs although, I've never seen it run. I have (some where) a copy of Steve Tuchet's article on Gama-goats that he wrote for Military vehicles magazine about a decade ago. P.M. me with your snail mail address and I'll send you a copy of it.
Matt