M52A2 Tractor - to - Cargo Done, Ready for Paint!

[Hkx3]

Well its been a bit of work, but all worth it. Made all my own bracketry, used gr. 8 hardware throughout (new), and couldnt be happier.

Now its on to a little bodywork and a fresh coat of paint.

Only thing it needs mechanically now is a new wiper motor on the pass. side.

Have a look:

 

[neilhendrix]

Looks good

 

[Boatcarpenter]

hey Hkx3, very nice. Very satisfying when it all comes together and you are happy with the end result
BC

 

[emr]

This is one swweeett truck!!!!... ...Great job U did on that truck, I wish I did it.!!!It looks awesome, im sure U are proud of her for sure, and your work also, fine, fine job!!!!!...now this is an MV post! and one of the better ones...Randy

 

[Offroadfabworks]

Re: RE: M52A2 Tractor - to - Cargo Done, Ready for Paint!

Looks good

 

[oifvet]

RE: Re: RE: M52A2 Tractor - to - Cargo Done, Ready for Paint

Wow! Where did you find such an awsome cargo bed to go on that truck?

Seriously. That truck looks great! I'm proud to be part of the effort, though I didn't share in the "work" end of the project.

I give it a 10!

Just raw, COOL!

 

[rosco]

Sharp truck. I doubt that you will have trouble with "overloads".

Lee in Alaska

 

[vtdeucedriver]

Care to share how it was done. I gotta say I LOVE IT!!!! Got any pics from the rear???

 

[gimpyrobb]

Got any pics from the rear???

I'm sure there is some fun to be had with that one!

 

[Hkx3]

Thanks a lot for all the favorable replies!!

For you guys asking about the install pics, Ill try tonight to help you out.

Its straightforward. You can see in the first pics Im drilling/clearancing the 1"x3" spacer blocks for the frame. These had to be clearanced for the 3/4" rivets that hold the frame together. By sitting around the rivets, I avoided having to punch more holes in the frame to hold them on. This way, I could use the pressure from the bed, and the mounting brackets to keep them from walking.

As for the brackets, I made them using 3/8"x2" stock, cut to 12" lengths. I bent them 90 degrees at 4", leaving 8" of straight. These I bolted to the frame with 2 spaced 1/2" bolts, and to the bed with 1 5/8" bolt. Military uses 8 mounting points, I used 8 mounting points. However, mine are slightly different. I ended up cutting the factory headache rack mount points for the tractor, and using them as forward bed mounts, since they were solidly mounted, and made from 3/8" stock.

One thing I was excited about was seeing how 'right' the bed looks on a short frame tractor. Seemed to really come together.

Ill get some more pics up.

thanks again for the replies.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Glad you didn't decide to get rid of the truck! I'm sure you will have loads of fun with it.

 

[maddawg308]

Very nice job! Looks like JYWC has some competition for the best looking 5-ton/deuce hybrid!

 

[Hkx3]

Where can I find some pics of his conversion?

As for paint, Im going with the old Vietnam era green, and the offwhite lettering/ID.

Im going to do the matte black frame and drivetrain, and wheels.

I think that looks so so 'classy' if thats possible for a MV.

 

[70deuce]

Really nice looking l truck. Does look like that bed was made for the truck. Now you have a M52-35A2!

 

[rockman]

Excellent work and conversion. this idea certainly give more thought to getting a tractor and converting it. where did you find the bed?

thanks for sharing, Bill

WOR

 

[Hkx3]

Sourced the bed from OIFVET here on the boards. He and I swapped tractor stuff for cargo stuff.

Speaking of OIF, we need to talk.

I have your taillight, and tell your people at the restoration shop to keep the brackets, no need in paying freight on something I dont need now.

TIA

ETA: Could someone point me toward the number/name of the old dark green used during 'Nam, generally associated with only white numbering? Thanks

 

[maddawg308]

That would be 24087, Olive Drab Semi Gloss.

 

[oifvet]

Hkx3,

I hope my truck looks as awesome as a tractor conversion as your truck does as a cargo conversion!!

Thanks again for the opportunity to trade everything as we did!

Looks great!

(PM sent)

 

[Recovry4x4]

Looks great, the paint even kinda lines up. I've driven JWCs truck, it's plenty cool.

 

[CliffW]

she looks sharp.