M37 Tires in Vietnam

[WarrenD]

Wondering if the M37s in Vietnam ran something other than NDTs for tires?

[rixm37]

Hi Warren . Yes they did use regular tread tires . Here is a pic of Malfuntion a gun truck with a great shot of non NDT tires on the front and NDT types on the rear. I don't know how common the use of other tires was but I have also seen photos of 5 tons from the same period that had non NDT tires on them.

[MikeOneSix]

Street tire use was pretty common across the entire MV weight range, over there. Here is a link to an image of an M151A1 (8th trans co) sporting street tires. http://g838.org/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=5442

Matt

[k8icu]

I know from my brother that it was up to the local commander if he wanted to change tires out to civy models and also that sometimes NDT were not available to change so the civy tires which could be gotten easily were put into use. From the Army's point of view VN was a big show but it wasn't the BIG show. Germany and being ready to fight the commies was the BIG show. VN was a side show, a distraction to the big thinkers (aka the big brass). So top of the line new equipement and supplies were going to Germany first then S. Korea and then VN. So many times units had to make do with what they could get.

[WarrenD]

Thanks all. Not sure what I'll do yet but I've got some time.

[MikeOneSix]

Warren
There is/was a picture book put out by Squadron/Signal publications about Vietnam gun trucks. Although the emphisis is on 2.5 & 5ton trucks, there are several photos of 3/4 & 1/4 ton trucks. I recommend this book because there are more then a few photos of US "M" series tactical vehicles sporting street tires. Think it was probably quite common.

Matt

[rixm37]

And speaking of books don't forget "The Hard Ride;Vietnam Gun Trucks" parts 1 and 2. by James lyles.
I have part 2.
Lots of good pics and info on the trucks in Vietnam. In part 2 there is a chapter on the M37 .

[WarrenD]

Yep, got both Hard Ride books and the third is due this fall with some more M37s!

[Wayne64]

Street tire use was pretty common across the entire MV weight range, over there. Here is a link to an image of an M151A1 (8th trans co) sporting street tires. http://g838.org/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=5442

Matt

Matt, Followed your link and I was shocked. It seems the action that was mentioned by TopTiger was no doubt when I was wounded twice in 5 hours. I tried to register to explain the action and that was part of the reason our unit got the PUC. Maybe send a message to Toptiger as he might want to hear the whole story including that they were NVA not VC and we also killed a good number of Chinese advisor's.
As far as tires, I'll check my photo album but the pics will probably show just M113s.
update, went into the pics and found two pics of my COs M151A1 Marked Bravo Six on bottom of windshield and it was spotting NDTs.

[MikeOneSix]

Street tire use was pretty common across the entire MV weight range, over there. Here is a link to an image of an M151A1 (8th trans co) sporting street tires. http://g838.org/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=5442

Matt

As far as tires, I'll check my photo album but the pics will probably show just M113s.
.

Don't think they made street tires for M113s (but I could be wrong)
Matt

[toptiger]

Wayne, I flew the aircover that day for your convoy, leading a fireteam of Huey gunships..
I would love to know what went on on the ground, we were not able to remain on site long after the action stopped, and had to go to Tay Nihn for rearm/refuel. I do recall seeing a medevac shortly after the attack. I have a series of photos I took showing the whole ambush. Haven't seen them for years but they are are around somewhere, I think.
Glad you made it out ok,
I won't pursue any further war story input here as I just joined and don't want to piss of the moderators or forum members, Over at the G838.org for M-151 jeeps everyone is cool about that- I'll leave that to you or contact me by pm or email.
BTW my call sign was Mustang Six and I was talking to someone on the ground, was that you? I don't recall the ground unit call sign.

[Monkey Man]

You would have to do far worse than converse about old times as such to P me off...
Most folks on here would be more that interested to hear about this sort of thing.

Regards - MM

[WarrenD]

I know I am always interested to hear (read) stuff from the war, as long as the person wants to talk about.
What helo unit were you with?

[MikeOneSix]

Hey Top! Glad to see you made it over (It's WC Matt )! I guess now, you'll have to get an M37
Matt

[Wayne64]

I know I am always interested to hear (read) stuff from the war, as long as the person wants to talk about.
What helo unit were you with?

WarrenD, at this point, even though your a great sport, we have messed up your thread enough. I can talk about most of what I saw and did as I was warrior that managed to keep a measure of morality and could always look into a mirror. I would love to tell the story of brave soldiers and some of what I contributed to a very confusing war. I will start a thread over in the soap box section and a thread that hopefully all that served will add to, and not just US vets either as I enjoyed many a pint with Australian troops and even a few ROK hard asses.