1959 m43 b1

[Deuce Driver 67]

Is anyone familiar with an M43 being used as a communications vehicle? I picked one up recently and it has a conversion done to it by Lexington Signal Depot. There are two panels built into the driver side rear of the box. The larger would have an exernal generator hooked to it to power outlets inside the box. The smaller panel would have radio and/or telephone wires hooked to it. On the larger panel is a tag saying COMMUNICATIONS CENTRAL. Fab at Lex. Sig Depot. Ser#05

 

[kubotaman]

It is possible, but pictures would be helpful.

 

[tommys2patrick]

Welcome from Colorado. Quite possible. Some had special communications equipment or even

 

[kubotaman]

That is a interesting m43 picture.

 

[Deuce Driver 67]

Some photos of the M43 in question.

 

[kubotaman]

Seem like a radio truck. I didn't see any antenna brackets, but they could of been removed.

 

[Storm 51]

That is an interesting looking truck. It certainly would be nice to know the story behind that conversion.

 

[Deuce Driver 67]

I have searched the internet for photos of this type of truck in service. No luck. The ceiling has fluorescent tube lighting, there is a small chalk board on the passenger side inside wall, and several 110V outlets in the back as well. The sliding ambulance door is gone and cut out behind the passenger's head. There may have been desks mounted in it. There are holes in the body indicating it may have had antennas, a roof rack perhaps??

 

[armytruck63]

Very cool truck. It would be great for camping with a small generator hooked up to the 110 V outlets.

 

[nattieleather]

Just going off of my personal military experience and my love for commo I think you have a telephone relay (switch). Basically a mobile version of your local Ma Bell telephone building. It may have also had some radios as a way of re-transmitting the phone signals but I couldn't tell you and this is just a best guess on my part. Cool truck and one of a kind. Would be great to fix up and show even if you never find out what it really is.

 

[tommys2patrick]

That is a interesting m43 picture.

That was Goldfinger's Laser rifle version. Very limited production.

 

[GUNNY 155]

Very interesting truck. Keep us posted with what you do with it and what you are able to learn about it.

 

[Wolfen]

Interesting Truck