need input to make Army mutt a Marine

[muttguru]

The short answer to this question is.............. the USMC did not install ROPS on any of their mutts. The FAV versions had roll-bars custom-made but none on the standard M151s. Any mutt that has a USMC format and also has ROPS was either an ex-army version or ROPS was added by a private owner.

1. Some USMC mutts also had some add-ons which were not 'issue'.
The gear-stick had a bracket with a hole in it, welded to the stick. When the vehicle was parked, the gear shift was put into 1st gear position which mated up with a matching bracket on the dash. When the brackets lined up with each other, a padlock was inserted through the brackets to lock the gear stick in first gear...... a simple anti-theft device. There was also a second version of the bracket..... (picture attached).

2. A similar add-on was a sliding bar which covered the fuel tank's gas-cap and was also locked in place. (picture attached).

3. In addition to the fording valve, the brake master cylinder cap was also fitted with a vent line.... a length of clear nylon tubing, (picture attached). Although this one looks like steel tubing.

The USMC also insisted on retaining the hood numbers...on the hood. They never adopted the Army system of putting the registration on the dash. They did however use smaller lettering, usually in matt black.

Ken

[Horst]

That’s what I was thinking about ROPS. But did the Army install deep water fording kits and if no, why is there ROPS with the snorkel?

[rickf]

That’s what I was thinking about ROPS. But did the Army install deep water fording kits and if no, why is there ROPS with the snorkel?

So you have something to sit on as you steer with your feet and the hand throttle pulled out. That way you can still see and breath.

[muttguru]

That’s what I was thinking about ROPS. But did the Army install deep water fording kits and if no, why is there ROPS with the snorkel?

The Army did have fording kits which were issued on an "as necessary" basis but unlike USMC vehicles, the Army didn't pre-install the fording valve etc.

ken

[tbh726]

So it appears i need to remove the ROPS system to be true USMC version. Now the question is do i want too... I plan on driving the jeep around town few parades maybe to a few schools on Veterans day... want to put civilian tires on it for normal driving around and then military ones for parades and when i want... Do the ROPS make the jeep top heavy? is it safer to just leave it installed? And if i leave it installed i was wondering is there supposed to be a padding on the bar. see the images... i seems the rops would tear the Top with out it? what does everyone think... it Jeep is safe i could remove, else i would just leave them in place...

tim

[rickf]

This is like asking which is the best motor oil, you are going to get 20 different answers. Personally I would leave it in. It is a safety feature and it works well. Originally it had padding which is easy enough using water pipe insulation. It does not make the mutt top heavy, unless you plan to be autocrossing with it. Remember, 1/3 of the cage is below the center of gravity along with all of the heavy mounting plates.

[Mark]

I took The ROPS off my A2, wish I would have left it on, you will be surprised in what you could haul on top of the ROPS!A good safety feature for the mutt I think I'll put it back on.
The A2 came from the USMC,

[lpcoating]

I like have the ROPS on my A2. I've seen where people claim it makes them top heavy. I've never noticed the truck feel top heavy and I put a lot of miles on mine. I like the added safety. I also run the military tires as I like the look and feel that it handles fine. Would it be better on civilian tires? I'm sure it would but also keep in mind your average speed is probably going to be 40 - 45. Drive it like a short wheel based truck and you'll be fine. However, your truck, your choice!

Guy

[Lou]

Padding only needs to be on the sides of the roll bar where you can hit your head. Since we off road, we like the rops in case the worst happens.

IMG_2492.JPG

[Horst]

First and foremost the ROPS provides seat belts. That’s more important than the less likely case of a roll over.

Padding on the bars is a absolute must. However the front bar running parallel to the windshield has no padding, just cover the pin with the same green tape you use to cover the padding. This way it will not tear your top.

[Refit1701]

We always want to be as accurate as possible with our trucks. But remember that 99% of the general public will not know the difference. So don't sweat over small details for them. My M37 still gets called a jeep at parades...

[lpcoating]

99% of the public thinks my 151 was made in the 40's!

[Mark]

same-same here

[tbh726]

thanks all, sometimes i do forget that most civilians would never know... i will try the idea of using the same tape that i used on the sides over the front pins and as long as it does not mess with the top i will call it a day...

thanks

tim

[Lou]

Do not know how historically accurate you want to be. Assembled the rops with grade 8 nuts and bolts, then taped over them. The rops does not rattle this way.