Looking at a M59. Need info

[M37keppy]

Hi all I’m looking at an M59 to buy and I I’m new to armor. What should be looking out for? I’ve looked at it twice and been in it. The tracks look good and it’s pretty complete. It is missing one engine but I’m familiar with the gmc302 and the hyramatic and have those parts. What do I need to know before trying to move it with heavy equipment? Thanks

 

[NDT]

I have restored two of those and even though I really like the 302, I do not think the M59 is a good track. The 302s spend all their time at 3400 rpm and struggle to move the apc. Synchronization of the two power packs is a nightmare. To move one unpowered all you have to do is release the steering levers from lock position.

 

[Austringer]

There is a pretty nice one near Nashville TN that can be picked up for less than 15k, pretty complete. If you are interested, PM me and I'll send you the info.
Jason.

 

[wilber]

Do you know of anyone that has repowered an M59? It looks like a good candidate for a couple of 5.9 cummins diesels with automatic transmissions. How synchronized do the powerpacks have to be? Does the differential smooth any of the power difference out? Thanks in advance.

 

[kubotaman]

Do you know of anyone that has repowered an M59? It looks like a good candidate for a couple of 5.9 cummins diesels with automatic transmissions. How synchronized do the powerpacks have to be? Does the differential smooth any of the power difference out? Thanks in advance.

Perhaps you could be fine with using just one 5.9 tuned for power. Keep it simple.

 

[wilber]

That is an interesting thought. I haven't had any luck finding an explanation of the twin engine setup and how the power flows to the tracks. It looks like two right had drives that send power to the front differential and then I'm assuming shafts that send power back out to the drive sprockets? I just bought one but it hasn't been delivered. I'll know better when I can actually look at the drive train.

 

[NDT]

Wilber that is correct. The center steering differential locks the two inputs together. I doubt the right angle drives can handle much more than 100 hp that the 302s put out. So using one 5.9 would be iffy. Two probably ok. This 43,000 lb machine needs way more power than the 302s can deliver.

 

[wilber]

Wilber that is correct. The center steering differential locks the two inputs together. I doubt the right angle drives can handle much more than 100 hp that the 302s put out. So using one 5.9 would be iffy. Two probably ok. This 43,000 lb machine needs way more power than the 302s can deliver.

Thanks NDT. I just bought one but have not taken delivery yet. I have a feeling I'm going to be asking a lot of questions...

 

[big camo truck]

Hi all I’m looking at an M59 to buy and I I’m new to armor. What should be looking out for? I’ve looked at it twice and been in it. The tracks look good and it’s pretty complete. It is missing one engine but I’m familiar with the gmc302 and the hyramatic and have those parts. What do I need to know before trying to move it with heavy equipment? Thanks

I know where two freshly rebuilt M59 engines and transmissions are

 

[Bradym114]

I know where two freshly rebuilt M59 engines and transmissions are

I sent you a PM on those engines. I'm the one who ended up buying the M59 that OP was talking about. Its Fairly complete, the other engine was there just tore apart. I don't think a 5.9 will fit I think they are too tall but I haven't measured one yet, The opening is 31 inches, I can get a 4-53 Detroit in there if I take the valve cover off till its in the opening. If I go the Detroit route I can use the Alison's from the M113.

The only thing I can see that its missing right now is the rubber side skirt on the drivers side, if any one has one i'd be interested in it. Also Some of the road wheels are pretty tore up, they will run but just look ugly. id be interested in those as well if any one had some.

 

[Austringer]

I prefer M113s and M59 without track skirts unless you want to swim (which I will be doing with my M106A2)...

 

[SCSG-G4]

If I remember correctly, the M-59 is overwidth for operating or being transported on the public roads. At $50 per state for a three day permit, it can get expensive to move around very much, even when riding on a trailer. The cool factor is very high.

 

[Bradym114]

I prefer M113s and M59 without track skirts unless you want to swim (which I will be doing with my M106A2)...

I do as well, but I like to have everything for a vehicle. and let me know when you take it swimming ill bring my winch truck down to drag you out lol,

 

[Bradym114]

If I remember correctly, the M-59 is overwidth for operating or being transported on the public roads. At $50 per state for a three day permit, it can get expensive to move around very much, even when riding on a trailer. The cool factor is very high.

This isn't a problem for me I have all the equipment to move these things. I can gross over 200,000 with my big trailer. My Iowa annual permit covers overwidth, so im good to go there.

 

[M37keppy]

If you do end up repowering with a different engine and trans and don’t have a need for the 302 and hydra. I might be interested. My big drawback from that machine was transporting it but sounds like you got it covered.