M35 Variations Rarity

[windrac]

All,

Just curious as I'm still learning a lot about the deuce "lore" and history. What is the order of rarity of the M35 models (Standard, A1, A2, A3).

Thanks,

 

[ToddJK]

The A2 and A3 are the most common ones you'll find now. The other versions have had more years to be dismantled, scrapped, modified, ect, but there are still a few around, but those are more so restoration projects and the owners are more likely to limit their uses with them. One thing I do find interesting, are the rare versions of the A2 that were made, such as the mechanics and the pipe line version. Then there are versions that weren't produced that way from the factory, but later modified by the military to be mission or task specific.

 

[rtk]

I like the pipeline versions . When they are done up with all the bits and pieces and gin poles they are IMO a nice ride . Very rare at this point .

 

[HDN]

You'll definitely find more A2s than A3s. Only about 5800 A3 deuces were built across four variants. Anecdotal evidence shows that the M36A3 is probably the rarest of the A3 trucks, with M109A4 just behind that. I'm not sure what the breakdown is between the dropside and non-dropside M35A3s.

As for the A2s, M35A2s seem to be the most plentiful, followed by the M35A2C dropside cargo truck, the M109A3, and M36A2. There are some M45A2 fire truck variants around. Some fuel and water variants are around but seemingly rare, and there's the M108, which I believe remained a gasser because the 5-ton chassis made for better crane trucks.

I think the rarest A2 I've seen is a mobile machine shop, which is an M46A2 XLWB chassis with the SEORTM body.

 

[Crazyguyla]

You'll definitely find more A2s than A3s. Only about 5800 A3 deuces were built across four variants.

Is this number for A3s for trucks delivered by AM General only or including A2s converted to A3s?

 

[rtk]

The way I understand it all the A3's were converted from A2's Mine was a 71 A2 rebuilt about the end of the line . This was supposed to be a cost saving for the DOD !!!! LOL

 

[BKubu]

I suggest taking a look at David Doyle's book, which I believe is called Standard Catalog of US Military Vehicles (or something close to that). I believe he goes through all of the variants and even list a rarity score.

 

[HDN]

The way I understand it all the A3's were converted from A2's Mine was a 71 A2 rebuilt about the end of the line . This was supposed to be a cost saving for the DOD !!!! LOL

How can you tell what your truck was rebuilt from? I haven't found any other stamped serial numbers besides the A3 one on the frame under the driverside fender.

I read a report that the ESP did save the DOD some money compared to buying more LMTVs, but they bought more LMTVs anyway so I guess it's a bit of a wash It seems the only difference is that the DOD could get M35A3s faster to reserve units than they could the LMTV and they got them for about 33% less cost than the LMTV for about the same capabilities.

 

[rtk]

In another life we had a DOD contact person and I believe I ran it through him for the info . That was a long time ago !!!

 

[Crazyguyla]

How can you tell what your truck was rebuilt from? I haven't found any other stamped serial numbers besides the A3 one on the frame under the driverside fender.

I read a report that the ESP did save the DOD some money compared to buying more LMTVs, but they bought more LMTVs anyway so I guess it's a bit of a wash It seems the only difference is that the DOD could get M35A3s faster to reserve units than they could the LMTV and they got them for about 33% less cost than the LMTV for about the same capabilities.

My M45 truck built in 1957. I think it's a second generation truck after the initial contract order in the early 50's. It didn't enter service until the early 60's being that's when the chassis was married with Harris Equipment Air Compressor. I'll get to the point through all this rambling, the early trucks had a serial number stamped on the driver's frame rail near the front spring hanger.