52 GMC M135 and M211 Projects

[JCKC]

Hi All! I thought I'd share pics of my M135 now that I have it hauled home to my storage lot. It's pretty solid and complete and needs some brake and starter work to get it operational. I am anxious to get started on it, but it will most likely be a Winter project. i also have what's left of a modified M211 equipted with a Clark 5 speed, pics in my photo album. Another pending project. JC in KC

 

[USMC 00-08]

Nice looking truck! Did you buy it local?

 

[JCKC]

Yes, more or less local. It was previously a snow plow / Civil Defense Truck from the TX panhandle. It sat in a building in TX most of its post-Army life.

 

[NDT]

Yes, more or less local. It was previously a snow plow / Civil Defense Truck from the TX panhandle. It sat in a building in TX most of its post-Army life.

How cool is that! My M135 came from a TXNG unit in the TX panhandle as well. I bet they were stablemates. Can you transcribe the unit markings on the bumpers?

 

[JCKC]

I'll need to check out the bumper markings in person next time I am at my storage lot. That area is a bit rough due to the snow plow mounting/welding etc.

 

[USMC 00-08]

Where in the panhandle? I used to live near Perryton, TX.

 

[Maverick1701]

that is one very cool find sir! It looks to be in really good condition.
Where in the panhandle did you find the truck? I saw a similar truck sitting in a lot up in Amarillo, TX but I haven't been by recently to see if it is still there.

 

[JCKC]

I think it was Channing, TX, but I'll need to check the title next time I have a chance. I am pretty sure it was not sitting in a lot.

 

[USMC 00-08]

that is one very cool find sir! It looks to be in really good condition.
Where in the panhandle did you find the truck? I saw a similar truck sitting in a lot up in Amarillo, TX but I haven't been by recently to see if it is still there.

If that truck is still sitting there in Amarillo, it has been there for at least 7 years. I wonder what is wrong with it? Several times I have wanted to stop and ask about it but it was always the weekend when I was through there and the shop was closed.

 

[Maverick1701]

If that truck is still sitting there in Amarillo, it has been there for at least 7 years. I wonder what is wrong with it? Several times I have wanted to stop and ask about it but it was always the weekend when I was through there and the shop was closed.

I stopped by and asked about it back in late 2011. IIRC they thought it was gold plated because they wanted an arm/leg for it.

 

[NDT]

My M135 came from Dumas, TX (north of Amarillo) and has the unit (bumper) markings of 72BG (72 Infantry Brigade) 372 ???. This was (is) a unit of the Texas National Guard. It was surplused in the late 70's. I bought it in 1982.

 

[hendersond]

Welcome! wonderful to hear there are other retired civil defense trucks out there.
Dan

 

[USMC 00-08]

I stopped by and asked about it back in late 2011. IIRC they thought it was gold plated because they wanted an arm/leg for it.

First time I saw it was in 2006. Now we know why it has been there so long.

 

[JCKC]

Mine is from from Channing, TX. Titled in 1973 and sold in 2012 by the Hartley County Civil Defense to the previous owner.

 

[Maverick1701]

First time I saw it was in 2006. Now we know why it has been there so long.

I had to go to rillo today for some training. Its still sitting there off exit 77 @ the lot on the N access road.

 

[JCKC]

Thought I put out an update on my M135. The starter was acting up so I pulled it. It seemed like the bendix so I had a new bendix on hand. Upon disassembly there was some crud under the bendix making it immobile. Soon I'll get it all back together. I rounded up a few functioning batteries, so when the weather warmed up I'll try to get her up and running.

 

[wrenchturner6238]

Cool looking truck. I have 2 M211's 1 parts truck and the other I am planning to get up in shape.

 

[JCKC]

Ok, another quick update! I put the starter back in and managed to get it started for my first time! It purred like a kitten at idle, but that's all it would do -- idle. I pulled the carb and found the throttle shaft was immobile. There was a carb kit in the cab, so I am going through the carb to freshened it up. There were lots of mud-dobbers under the throttle body!

When I was getting it started I noticed the ignition switch is on the fritz and the light switch disappeared somehow while in storage. More parts to chase down! Hopefully I'll be reporting on a test drive soon.

 

[m1010plowboy]

Is it SOON yet? Test drive?

I have a carb kit laying on the bench waiting for pictures and video of how you did it.

Hen D has a great thread including carb conquering for anyone needing inspiration http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?68735-First-52-XM211

Always exciting to see one of these trucks moving again, good luck!

 

[drlogistics]

Hey plowboy, I found a pretty good step by step manual for carb rebuild online. I used it to do mine. It was the first carb I've ever tinkered with and my truck runs great. If I remember correctly is was a manual from Holley. About 30 pages. I can prob find the link if you're interested.