M43B1 Saying a hard goodbye

[zout]

I have sold the M43B1 to a fella out of Bellville Illinois who is a member of an MVPA group in that neck of the woods.

Invited Ron to ride down with me this morning - Thanks to PB and Tony for the hands on work of getting it pulled out and fired up.
It was a hard goodbye to the unit - anyone who had seen the rebuild might understand - it was not an easy decision.

Bill is the tall fella with the tan hat on - new owner - and yes I suggested he sign up and become a member on SS.

 

[swbradley1]

Pretty sure the smartest one in all those pictures walks on 4 legs and has fur.






Sad to see it head north.

 

[3dAngus]

Cool beans. Glad to see all your hard work pay off. It was a nice one for sure.

Steve, glad you said 4 legs. I see lots of guys on there with fur. Coming out of the ears, nose, chest, and other unmentionable areas.

 

[RodUSMC1962]

Always hard to let them go. Went to a good home I`m sure.

 

[WRMorrison]

One of the best surplus stores (if not THE best) that I've ever been to was in Belleville, IL; wonder if the new owner is somehow affiliated?

-WRM

 

[EMD567]

Sorry to see it go Zout. I am proud that I am one of the few that drove the M43b1. I am sure the new owner understands all of the hard work that went into the resto.

 

[Tinwoodsman]

You leave a little piece of yourself with every project you do. The new owner is a very lucky man.

 

[wdbtchr]

One of the best surplus stores (if not THE best) that I've ever been to was in Belleville, IL; wonder if the new owner is somehow affiliated?

-WRM

Tell me more. always looking for new places to haunt in my area. Didn't find a listing in the Yellow Pages.

 

[WRMorrison]

It's been a LONG time, but I can't seem to find it in a search either. It's probably been 15 years + since I've been there, but I thought it was "Belleville Army and Navy Surplus" or something along those lines. It might be closed down by this time... All I really remember is that it was a fairly big place, two floors, and (if I remember correctly) there was a military vehicle out front as a display/advertising; maybe a MB.

-WRM

 

[JimC2]

Is it the building on Main Street that has the green awning that says Belleville Surplus?

 

[zout]

Owner is Bill WIlliams - owner of Veteran Corp of America - check out his web site.

 

[ODFever]

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure Bill will give the ambulance all the love and attention it deserves.

 

[papabear]

Yup...it was hard to see such a fine piece of historical hardware leave the nest but there are two "plusses" as well.

1. The truck will be seen/enjoyed in places it has never been seen.

2. NOW I have a spot to park the 1941 K18-C if it ever dries up enough to recover it!!