This is my first post on here as I traditionally spent my forum time over on Maple Leaf Up but I thought that my most recent nightmare would fit in well on the the 838!
The Cause of my latest trip down the MV rabbit hole is a 1974 AMG M151A2 that was sold to the Canadian Forces when new. It is a truck that is new to me but has been on 838 before. Armybuck041 acquired it in New Brunswick and shipped it to Ontario where he used it for parts in the build of his outstanding A2. After that it was traded between other 151 guys until I had my chance to try and save the old dog!
The data that I can find on the truck so far is as follows:
Serial Number: 46065
Body Number (on spare tire mount): 39927
Motor Number (Since Removed):5014338
Motor Contract date: 1971
Motor Colour: Green
Canadian Forces Registration Number: 74-09782
Service History: 422 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, 403 Operational training Unit, TAC HEL
Disposed From: CFB Gagetown
When Scott acquired this truck it was complete and looked pretty darn good but the paint and canvas was hiding many poor repairs and lots of rust!
After a half decade of outdoor storage and parts picking, the truck was pretty well beat. I was able to track down the current owner of it through some friends and Steve was able to make a deal with me that I couldn't refuse!
After scrounging lug nuts off the one wheel that was bolted on I jacked up the front end and got wheels on it.
The back end was very low and I was worried that the crossmember had let go or the springs were gone. What had in fact happened was the springs went through the rotten rear control arms! After cribbing the body off the arms with 4x4's and cutting down all the scrub growing through the driveline hole it was finally able to be pulled out of the hole it was in with the trucks winch! One wheel was a bit tight but started to turn after a few feet.
Now the fun really starts! I vacuumed about 10lbs of garbage from the floors and probably pissed off the local pressure wash car wash guy but it is now safely at my shop, clean and ready for tear down!
This 151 was half cut like most Canadian ones were and the typical east coast bad rot is everywhere. I will be doing a lot of shopping at CMD and in the classified adds on here to bring it back to life but i already have found a replacement front suspension, the original ROPS that was removed from this truck,one front seat, rear seat, gas tank, and have leads on a number of smaller parts!
i know that I have to be crazy to take this on but its one of very few Canadian 151's remaining! this build wont be quick as i have other irons in the fire but i am really exited by this one for some reason!
