New guy from centeral NC

[Djstorm100]

Hey everyone, I'm Dustin 26 years old and work for Caterpillar as Hydraulic engineer. Been lurking for a few weeks and always wanted a deuce and half. Always thought they were awesome truck to have on the "cheap" I've been a mechanic since I was 15 turning wrenches on cars/trucks. Now I'm in the process of looking for the one to pick up and take home.

 

[Scottd9990]

Welcome Dustin! I am in Concord NC. Picking up my first truck next week. M185a3 Shop Van. Might be handy tovget to know you. I dont know deisel engines very well. I am pretty good on rest of cars/ trucks.

 

[PowerstrokeNC]

Welcome from Greensboro.

 

[Coffey1]

Welcome from the SC crew.

 

[Djstorm100]

Thanks guys!

Is there a place around NC that sells these is good running order? Would like to be able to drive/ play without much trouble.

I am also looking at m923 but don't know that much about at all or how well they are compare to m35/44

 

[Djstorm100]

Welcome Dustin! I am in Concord NC. Picking up my first truck next week. M185a3 Shop Van. Might be handy tovget to know you. I dont know deisel engines very well. I am pretty good on rest of cars/ trucks.

Yea man! to be honest I haven't turn that many wrenches on them but know enough to be dangerous lol!

 

[Scottd9990]

There is a place in Albemarle that sells trucks and parts. I have his card here someplace. Also onevyo in Winston area i think.

 

[Scottd9990]

Chick out Craigslist. Thats how i found mine. Once we are all into a truck, we need to have a weekend meet!!

 

[Smokinyoda]

Welcome from the west side of the state. I agree, keep an eye on craigslist, just make sure what you buy has a title.

 

[Scottd9990]

Title is what i am waiting for the po to get done before I buy my truck. Should be done next week i hope. Been reading, reading tm's and everything i can find on these trucks. I have a pretty good idea how they work and how to troubleshoot the common problems. Think i am ready for mine. Not sure the wife is so ready!!!

 

[Djstorm100]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. That was the first place to look. Problem is getting knowledge on these trucks so I'm not taken advantage of by a seller. Mechanically I'm not TO worried about but still want to learn as much as I can.

Does the automatic (m35a3 I think?) have a higher top speed than 5 speed?

 

[stupidwhitecat]

Thanks guys!

Is there a place around NC that sells these is good running order? Would like to be able to drive/ play without much trouble.

I am also looking at m923 but don't know that much about at all or how well they are compare to m35/44

http://www.whiteowl.com/index.html

http://www.jimhenrystrucksales.com/index.html

 

[Doug Roberts]

Welcome ! ...from Chapel Hill NC ( the Chatham co side )

 

[Doug Roberts]

the A3 isn't the most desirable of the Deuces . 1st , it isn't a multifuel ( ultra cool , greener than a Toyota Prius ), 2nd it has CTIS ( can be a headache ) . There are lots of more experienced SS members here that probably can tell you more . Be careful about this 'top speed' mentality. Asphalt is no MV's favorite friend. Fast in a MV is 50-55mph ( on the road of course ). The tires aren't speed rated for much more. Safety is paramount , we go crunching cars on the road and the MV world generates negative attention that compromises ownership and could create regulations that restrict in serious ways. DMV policies already vary state to state.

 

[Scottd9990]

In NC how is the DMV to deal with when registering a MV?? Mine willvbe a M109 Shop Van.

Thanks!
Scott

 

[Doug Roberts]

has to pass inspection , and they come out to the truck to do it , after that you're probably good

 

[Scottd9990]

They come to you and do the inspection? Is it general safety items?

 

[stupidwhitecat]

They come to you and do the inspection? Is it general safety items?

I think he may be referring to titling as an antique vehicle. When doing that someone from the DMV will come out to inspect it. If registering normally, they will not. As far as the DMV, very easy for me. Just make sure all your paper work is in order. If not going the antique route, as far as they are concerned it is just a "truck." Just make sure you get the correct weighted tag. I think when dealing with them less is more. I didn't go in there exclaiming it was a big old military truck. "It is an 82' AMG truck that I am registering." My experience it was no different then when registering my family car. It will have to pass a general safety inspection just like any other car or truck. That was the most trouble I had was finding someone who would inspect it. Luckily nearby there was is a military surplus dealer that also has a garage.

 

[Warthog]

Welcome from Oklahoma

 

[Djstorm100]

Thanks guys!