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Pulled the trigger on a M820

dburt

Member
329
6
18
Location
NE Oregon & SW Idaho
Yeah, SirBliss, but they are always a loooooong ways away from me! I wish the price of diesel would get down to where it ought to be- less then regular gas, and then I could afford to have one shipped or go get it myself.
 

802dot1q

Member
123
5
18
Location
SoIL
Sweet truck! Be interesting to know what kind of fuel mileage you get when you get her roadworthy. I don't know if the wind resistance from the box or the overall weight would be the worst culprit. I have lusted after one out here in SW Idaho at Idaho Motor Pool, you can see it on the website. Alex wants $17,500 for it, it has a new motor and trans in it, but a little rich for my blood. And I am afraid I could not afford to put the diesel in it to move it more then just around the yard. I'd like to build the ultimate off-road HD RV out of one. Guess I better start playing the lottery!
Well I filled it up on the first road trip. $200 and about 56 gallons. Ouch!
 

rrrr

Member
752
0
16
Location
Missouri
I put 25 gallons in my M932 in the right tank. $90, shows a half tank and I still had an empty left tank !

I figure it will cost me around $360 to fill it up....... OUCH !!
 

802dot1q

Member
123
5
18
Location
SoIL
Got a few more things done tonight. Picked up new hoses and clamps from NAPA. Put some metric o rings on the primer pump to keep it from puking diesel into the cab. Finished up the headlight project. Now sporting 100watt H4 bulbs in Hella E Code housings. Just need some wiper blades and I'll be in business!

Sunday morning we went to breakfast and did the shopping in it. It drew a lot of looks sitting in the various parking lots.
 

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802dot1q

Member
123
5
18
Location
SoIL
Got a few more things done.
  • Replaced broken speedometer cable
  • New wiper blades
  • Replaced passenger side engine side pannel under the hood
  • Replaced under fender sheetmetal covers
  • Installed LED dome light
  • Adjusted headlights (wow these things are bright
  • Bolted down floor pans
  • Fixed driver's seat
  • Got a pin so the stairs won't fall off the back door

Drove it to work today too. I am just amazed at how easy this beast is to drive. Rides decent, steers like a 60's era Caddy and I think it has better brakes than my Porsche! Ever since getting the overhead set it will start with the slightest bump of the starter. A few more maintenance items and it will be time to start work on the box.

Here is a picture of it at Lowe's. I saw at least 3 people taking pictures of it. My electric umbilical cord is about to come loose!
 

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802dot1q

Member
123
5
18
Location
SoIL
I think this thread has kind of turned into my build thread. Here are a few more things completed.

  • Diffs, transfer, and trans lube all changed out
  • Refinished and painted 8 FMTV wheels
  • Mounted 8 395 Goodyears on the FMTV rims (2 spares)
  • Bleached and cleaned the inside of the box.
  • Expanded it for the first time and cleaned and lubed all moving parts
  • Fixed grounding issue on instrument cluster
  • New glad hand gaskets and made a 50' air hose
  • A good cleaning inside the cab
  • Sold all 11 NDTs and wheels
  • Ram iPod mount on dash
  • 24v DC to 12v DC 20 amp step down converter installed in cab
  • 3 12v outlets (cig lighter plugs) in dash with toggle switch for all 12v power
  • Cup holders!
  • 500 watt pure sine inverter (24v DC to 120v AC) mounted under the bench seat
  • Pad locks everywhere
  • Adjusted the parking brake so it works
  • Top speed checked by GPS at 61.5 MPH
  • Completed 500+ mile road trip to Anderson, IN with no problems
  • Acquired a second (missing) ladder. Thanks John!

Now the upcoming list...
  • Recover both seats and install a springer for the passenger
  • Mount ammo cans for center console
  • Mount and plumb second fuel tank
  • Mount 6m radio antenna on front bumper (bridge feeler for the box)
  • Mount 2nd spare tire in truck
  • Fix axle gasket leak
  • Replace window in box
 

rwbrown72

Active member
772
33
28
Location
Mt. Vernon, IL
I think this thread has kind of turned into my build thread. Here are a few more things completed.

  • Diffs, transfer, and trans lube all changed out
  • Refinished and painted 8 FMTV wheels
  • Mounted 8 395 Goodyears on the FMTV rims (2 spares)
  • Bleached and cleaned the inside of the box.
  • Expanded it for the first time and cleaned and lubed all moving parts
  • Fixed grounding issue on instrument cluster
  • New glad hand gaskets and made a 50' air hose
  • A good cleaning inside the cab
  • Sold all 11 NDTs and wheels
  • Ram iPod mount on dash
  • 24v DC to 12v DC 20 amp step down converter installed in cab
  • 3 12v outlets (cig lighter plugs) in dash with toggle switch for all 12v power
  • Cup holders!
  • 500 watt pure sine inverter (24v DC to 120v AC) mounted under the bench seat
  • Pad locks everywhere
  • Adjusted the parking brake so it works
  • Top speed checked by GPS at 61.5 MPH
  • Completed 500+ mile road trip to Anderson, IN with no problems
  • Acquired a second (missing) ladder. Thanks John!

Now the upcoming list...
  • Recover both seats and install a springer for the passenger
  • Mount ammo cans for center console
  • Mount and plumb second fuel tank
  • Mount 6m radio antenna on front bumper (bridge feeler for the box)
  • Mount 2nd spare tire in truck
  • Fix axle gasket leak
  • Replace window in box
If you were a "Beaver" you'd build one big A$$ pond!

RB:doghead:
 
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