m109a3uk
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Just bought myself a Mite Bound to need some word of wisdom from the group here
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Steel Soldiers now has a few new forums, read more about it at: New Munitions Forums!
New M422A1 owner
- Thread starter m109a3uk
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Look for an X stamped in the ends of the front axle spindles, if there is none, it will likely snap off and then the wheel falls off.
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Nice!
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That looks really nice!
m109a3uk
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Need to work out a hood number for it will it be on the chassis plate??
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No
No, as I understand it there are 3 numbers: Frame, body, and hood number. None of which will match.
m109a3uk
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One side does the other side has a small hole drilled in it!!! but will check when i get 5 mins!
m109a3uk
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So no way other than slowly rubbing the paint down to see if there is anything there?!
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Mites, unfortunately, do not have the USMC 6-digit serial number stamped on the data plate, only the 4-digit manufacturers number.
Most M422A1s hood numbers were 30xxxx, the last four do not correspond to the manufacturers serial number.
If you want the original number, careful sanding down through the hood paint to see if there are remnants may be your only option.
If that fails, here are some originals to consider. The one indoors is in the museum on Camp Pendleton.
I've read several places that the Marines didn't use windshields or canvas tops in Vietnam, however photographs prove this to not be true, they were operated both with and without.
Cheers
Most M422A1s hood numbers were 30xxxx, the last four do not correspond to the manufacturers serial number.
If you want the original number, careful sanding down through the hood paint to see if there are remnants may be your only option.
If that fails, here are some originals to consider. The one indoors is in the museum on Camp Pendleton.
I've read several places that the Marines didn't use windshields or canvas tops in Vietnam, however photographs prove this to not be true, they were operated both with and without.
Cheers
m109a3uk
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AA
m109a3uk
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Found these on the tailgate 307493
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That's it!
The markings on the sides of the hood/bonnet and tailgate are 3" tall.
If you are going to put a spare tyre on the back, the markings move down to the bumper/fender, and are done in 2" letters and numerals.
I'll be working on mine again today (just got the engine power egg reinstalled after a clutch change), I'll take a picture of the back markings.
Cheers
The markings on the sides of the hood/bonnet and tailgate are 3" tall.
If you are going to put a spare tyre on the back, the markings move down to the bumper/fender, and are done in 2" letters and numerals.
I'll be working on mine again today (just got the engine power egg reinstalled after a clutch change), I'll take a picture of the back markings.
Cheers
m109a3uk
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Thanks
Tony
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Here is the back of mine.
I am about to swap out the small tail-lights lenses for the larger Gama Goat style ones, not completely original but much safer on the road.
Cheers
I am about to swap out the small tail-lights lenses for the larger Gama Goat style ones, not completely original but much safer on the road.
Cheers
Last edited:
m109a3uk
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Not sure if I'm going for the spare tyre on the back or the Jerry can(it has the holes for it (did they fit can holders to the back or is it after market?) and I have an Alloy USMC fuel can that came with the mite! Seats are the big thing I would like to find as the one's in it are awful.
You never see them at shows in the UK and I think there are less than 6 here so be nice to get it right!
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They didn't put jerry cans on the back as a general rule, but there may have been exceptions. I've not seen photos of any.
That said, it is your vehicle, do what makes you happy and don't worry about anyone else. If the holes are already there....
Original seats are apparently very difficult to find. You can see by the canvas backs on mine that they are not original (originals have metal backs with a diagonal rib).
I've been told that world wide there are only about 100 complete Mites, unknown how true that is.
Cheers
That said, it is your vehicle, do what makes you happy and don't worry about anyone else. If the holes are already there....
Original seats are apparently very difficult to find. You can see by the canvas backs on mine that they are not original (originals have metal backs with a diagonal rib).
I've been told that world wide there are only about 100 complete Mites, unknown how true that is.
Cheers
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While rooting through my Mighty Mite image file, I found this one showing Mites in Vietnam.
It's not very clear, but does show how the markings were applied on the tail gate when the spare wasn't mounted there.
I can't make out the emblem between the USMC and the vehicle number, but it looks like it could be an FMF-PAC (Fleet Marine Force-Pacific) shield.
Cheers
It's not very clear, but does show how the markings were applied on the tail gate when the spare wasn't mounted there.
I can't make out the emblem between the USMC and the vehicle number, but it looks like it could be an FMF-PAC (Fleet Marine Force-Pacific) shield.
Cheers
m109a3uk
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Thanks for Adding Rory I want to add a red marking of some sort especially to the front to break up the slab look to the front.
KallyLC
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Is this the one that was up on EBay for ages? I kept seeing it myself and thinking it was a neat bit of kit, just a bit rare and unusual so seemed like it'd be a nightmare to find parts for.
For your sake, I hope i'm wrong. Would certainly be something different to see at some future vehicle shows.
For your sake, I hope i'm wrong. Would certainly be something different to see at some future vehicle shows.
m109a3uk
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Y
Yep thats one of them there is another on there that has a kubota diesel fitted! Bits do seem to be scarce but aren't most military bits these days! Land rover wolf bits are getting hard to find now which is scary. Hoping to have it at least running and driving for Capel if not Tanks and Trucks