Soo.... I got myself a project

[bikemancs]

A 1977 M880, 5/4T military gasser.  Got it from surplus auction out of Ames Iowa, the DNR.  Don't know the interior condition.  Sadly, only got one picture.  Have a quote out with uship right now for pickup and delivery.

[kenz]

Cool deal! Doesn't look bad in the pick. Definitely a great start to a cool project. 

[aka_chewy]

That's pretty cool.  Seems like those type of vehicles always have really low miles.  Hopefully it all checks out when you get it back.

[bikemancs]

So, is anyone around Ames? I'm having difficulty getting a shipping vendor to pick it up. I have one guy but he 'can only' pick it up either friday night or Sat... (I'm presuming this week, and yeah, it's a tad fast.  BUT... if I could find someone to get it out of the DNR's property it'd be a lot easier to find a shipper to pick it up.

[bikemancs]

Well I got the Truck Sat night. Been messing with it now and then.  The biggest obstacle was that there was a key broken off in the ignition. Been messing with it for a day or two. Today my locksmith buddy brought in a broken key extractor.  Got the key out... and the truck turned over, and ran.  Drove it up the street to check steering, brakes and transmission... It was awesome.  as soon as I get some amber lenses to swap out the light bar, I'll get it licensed for road use. 

[bikemancs]

Well, got the truck licensed, have a year to complete an inspection for licensing as an Antique Auto. 

[lilfroger]

NO! You can NOT license it as an "Antique"!!  I have serious issues with something put on this planet in '77 being an antique!



What's next?

[bikemancs]

NO! You can NOT license it as an "Antique"!!  I have serious issues with something put on this planet in '77 being an antique!



What's next?

Well, I couldn't title it as a "Horseless carriage" if that's what you're asking.

[noplugs]

NO! You can NOT license it as an "Antique"!!  I have serious issues with something put on this planet in '77 being an antique!



What's next?

Well, I couldn't title it as a "Horseless carriage" if that's what you're asking.

Exactly... its not Kenz age yet....   

[bikemancs]

So a small update.  North Carolina has a "Year of Manufacture" law.  Basically what this enables me to do is display a 1977 stamped tag, and I will be able to use that instead of the Antique Auto ugly NC plate.  I picked up a 1977 NC National guard plate that I found and will be using that.

I have received in a fender well and floor board from Rock Auto for replacement of my really bad parts. 

I talked to a local tire shop and they say that Firestone is currently producing a 9.50x16.5D Tire.  I will be checking with the Firestone Tire shop on post in the next few days.  the tires work, but man, they are LOUD.  Looking through the manuals, I think it's actually the snow / "arctic kit"tire. 

Oh, and the amber lenses came in today, might try to replace them tomorrow and look at Plasti-dipping the bar.  The chrome wouldn't exactly fit the image of the truck I'm going for.

[lilfroger]

Are you able to keep the light bar or did that have to come off?

[bikemancs]

I can keep it, just have to change the lenses out to the ambers

[Tom Courtright]

Nice, my brother recently got a 70s m880 and he's driving it daily lol

[bikemancs]

 Batty, i need the mirror glass for the side, can you source some? none of the stores are coming up with anything the right size, should be 11" Diagonal. 

I've driven it a bit, too hot to drive around here right now, but looking forward to getting it buttoned up a bit.  I have acquired a complete bed kit for it.  I will be sanding it and repainting it.  I'm debating powder-coating the grill guard in black vs. paint. 

[Tom Courtright]

I'll try to find one,
Powdercoat is tougher but hard to touch up if you do scratch it