Owning an historic military vehicle (HMV) such as a 2-1/2-ton “deuce” means different things to different people.
Some folks love every minute of the time and effort that goes into doing a complete restoration. For others, the primary reason for owning a deuce is to drive it; and one doesn’t have to drive the Burma Road to enjoy the experience. It’s just as much fun for some people to drive their CCKW or M35 20 miles to a swap meet or show as it is for others who spend a week exploring the desert in their M35A1 or Studebaker US6.
I put many enjoyable miles on my first historic military vehicle, an M38, as well as on many other HMVs over the years. I learned a lot of lessons about keeping them “mission capable”. One of the most important lessons is that an HMV owner should be as self-sufficient as possible when it comes to onboard tools and spare parts. You should also possess — or learn — basic mechanical skills that include how to troubleshoot and repair your vehicle. It’s also essential to prepare a vehicle before embarking: the longer the journey, the more preparation. But, no matter where or how far you’re going you will be traveling in a vintage military vehicle, and even the most basic parts and components, such as water and fuel pumps, generators, starters, fan belts, tune-up items, and even head or tail lamp bulbs, won’t be found at most automart stores or gas stations along the way. This scarcity of parts is offset by that fact that most common collector HMVs are simple machines by today’s standards. Many do not have power steering or power brakes, much less exotic electronics or onboard computers. What isn’t there can’t
