M123 new to my collection

[peter34668]

I just purchased a 1965 M123, v8 cimmins diesel that at some point had the 5th wheel removed and was converted to a forestry truck. So far all I have done is removed the tank and got rid of the awful firetruck red that faded to pink over time. I thought I might share it here as I have never seen one before.

 

[1300UnimogDownUnder]

Nice man, how long did the paint job take.
I just love the size & look of the 123's.
I wish I could own one of those.

 

[timntrucks]

that is one sweet truck. thanks for sharing the pics

 

[fasttruck]

When you get around to greasing it one of the most important fittings on the truck is under the cab on a bellcrank associated with the brake linkage. If this sticks for lack of lubrication the truck either will not build air pressure or the service brakes will drag. Also in the steering knuckles there are bevel gear sets associated with the live kingpin used in the M123. These run in oil and if the oil level is not maintained you will burn up the bevel gears and then junk the truck. Don't make a move without the pubs: -10-, -20, and LO.

 

[rumplecat]

Super truck!

 

[Jeepsinker]

Alright, alright. You don't have to beg me, I'll take it.

 

[srodocker]

mmm m123!!!! I know where is sitting...

 

[peter34668]

Nice man, how long did the paint job take.
I just love the size & look of the 123's.
I wish I could own one of those.

I used spray cans and it took all day. I still have to get to the interior paint. It really looks good even with the mickey mouse paint job I did. Rustoleum to the rescue!

Its huge and mean as **** but also a bit impractical. I know thats hard to say from a man who drives his M923 almost daily but this thing gets 3 MPG and is 9' 8" wide meaning I have to get an oversize pass every time it leaves my town. With that said here in NH no insurance is required, no tax and reg is about $25 for an antique plate. So the $6 I have to pay online for the pass each time i leave the town isn't that big a deal.

Yup I did some bragging about the "Live Free or Die state"!

 

[srodocker]

Man m123s are that wide? holy cow. I need to go take some pics of this m123 in a yard that I know about.

 

[Karl kostman]

For a spray can paint job that truck is beautiful, the front protective bars certainly assist in making the 123 look even meaner and more menacing than before, and I did not think that possible!!! Beautiful HUGE truck I just sold my 123 and seeing pics like this certainly makes me ask questions as to WHY!!
KK

 

[Howlin Mad Murdock]

That thing looks awesome! I imagine since it is a 10 ton, it is considerably larger than a Deuce even if it does share a number of parts. Would you mind posting a picture of this thing parked beside a Deuce?

 

[Carlo]

They are getting more rare by the day! Once you seen one in person you never forget. Photos don't do them justice.

 

[123mack]

The only parts it has in common with a M35 is the cab, instruments, and lights.

 

[fasttruck]

M36, 818,817 and 123.

 

[Carlo]

M36, 818,817 and 123.View attachment 525731View attachment 525731View attachment 525731

Thanks for the photo. It's cool to see all together to see the difference. I've never owned one or even seen one. I've read
they did not have the best motor is in the V8 cummins. I've read the V8 gas motor was better. I wonder if the gas motor was an international?

 

[Another Ahab]

Liking the cab cage on that brute. Gets the job done, and looks right sharp:

 

[srodocker]

Love that cage...

 

[fasttruck]

Gas engine is a LeRoi V8 of massive cubes and equally massive appetite for fuel. V8 Cummins is not a hill climber especially with just a 5 speed trans. Once dragged a M60 up a five mile grade on I80 and it took 45 minutes to get up that hill. 42 mph flat out even if driven off a cliff. Army finally applied a Williams exhaust brake at which time it was actually possible to upshift the truck. But is was shorter than the M911 replacement which made it easier to slide into some extremely skinny places with a M747 trailer.

 

[DHennon]

Your M123

Really NICE truck! Don't know if I could transition from my Smart car to a M123! Practicality is not a factor with a 10 ton. Everyone should have one! Congrats on the find.

 

[peter34668]

That thing looks awesome! I imagine since it is a 10 ton, it is considerably larger than a Deuce even if it does share a number of parts. Would you mind posting a picture of this thing parked beside a Deuce?

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