M-43 USAF ambulance

[TAK824]

Just recently acquired my latest project, a 1953 M-43 Air Force ambulance. It needs some mechanical work, and some wiring repair, but overall it is in great shape. The body is just about perfect. There is NO rust.....anywhere. Even in the usual places, no rust. Solid as when it came from the factory. All the various appliances work, and are complete. Even the surgery light works. The "passenger" area heater looks like it's never been used. I will only have to "dust" the interior off, to make it look factory fresh. The exterior paint will need to be redone, from years in the sun, but that's it. I am going to have to rebuild the engine, it's froze up from sitting.

Now the questions; for those of you who might know something of Air Force vehicle's history's, I have found the following information stenciled on the rear doors...barely legible. It says, U.S. Air Force (duh). Under that it has "53K". I understand the "53" is the year, but what is the "K"...?? On the opposite door is the numbers "771". On the bottom of the left door is "ADC" and then below that is "636 CAFS"...! On the opposite door is "A2" and that is it.

Any ideas? I always try to learn the history of the vehicle I have.

Any other pointers/information towards the M-43 will be greatly appreciated.

[w30bob]

Hi Terry,

Great find! I've got an AF M37 and I'm always looking for pics of ORIGINAL Air Force vehicles. Please post some of yours, especially the cab interior when you get some time. I'm trying to find out the following things in regards to AF M37/43s;

Were the AF trucks delivered with OD canvas seat covers..........or black vinyl?
Was the steering wheel painted OD, Black, or Strata Blue from the factory?
Was the spare gas can OD or strata blue?
Was the spare gas can strap OD or dyed black?
Was the rear view mirror by the driver's door a 5" round or rectangular mirror?
Did the AF mount a first aid kit on the side of the passenger seat base?.....if so, which one?

I'll look in my notes to see what info I have on vehicle markings......if I have any useful info I'll post.

thanks,
bob

[TAK824]

Bob, as far as I can tell, my M-43 is all original, right down to the paint. I can find no evidence of anything being changed or modified. So, to answer your questions;
The seats are OD green. Steering wheel (what's left of the color) is also OD green. It did not have a spare gas can or holder with it. Rear view mirror is rectangular. I can find NO evidence of a first aid kit being mounted on the side of the passenger seat base. No holes, no paint discoloration, nothing. Behind the drivers seat, on the wall/column is a fire extinguisher bracket, that appears to be original. Side note; the gage cluster housing (and gages) are all OD green as well. I'm told by the restoration guys that all the vehicles, no matter what, came with the OD green cluster. Mine appears to be all original, so I guess they are right. An M-37 Air Force unit also had an OD green cluster.

Hope that helps.

Terry

[w30bob]

Terry,

That's great info...........thanks!! I'd still love to see some pics if it's not too much trouble........I'll file them away in my "Original Paint" folder so down the road if I have any other questions I have a reference.

Thanks again,
bob

[TAK824]

Bob, PM me your email address. It's easier for me to send you pictures that way.

Terry

[isaac_alaska]

at the bottom of the message screen, there's two tabs, "options" and "upload attachment"

the upload attachment tab seems to function the same as it would via email.

only posting this because i just realized today that this feature was available

[w30bob]

Terry,

PM sent. Thanks again.

bob