From: Richard J. Thiers, Jr. (dangercat@onemain.com)
Date: Wed Aug 11 2004 - 12:08:15 PDT
Hi Kenny,
Great letter! I think you're really on the money in your description of
the M880 series trucks! BTW, I bought that M880 on eBay! I'm going to use
it to keep my M887 going. I hate to do it, but my M887's body and frame
have about had it, so I'm going to swap all the Contact Maintenance goodies
to the "new" truck. Then I'll take it to the spring shop, and have the
suspension beefed up to carry the load. In case you didn't know, the M887
had an extra leaf spring or two, to support the extra weight of the
welder/generator.
In reference to your pintle hook question a few days ago, I used a
pintle/ball combo hitch on my truck, since I'm not off road enough to need
that much movement in the hitch. I also wired in a civilian "round-6"
trailer receptacle so I can tow the occasional civy trailer.
When I have the time, I'm going to document the re-hab of the M887 on my
website. I'll keep you posted.
Rick
P.S. If anyone wants to see the truck as it is now(I still drive it every
day) go to the Truck page on my website. Oh, it's not for sale anymore!
Rick Thiers
M.V. Sales & Hardware
1035B Fallowfield Rd.
Atglen, Pa. 19310 USA
610-593-1218 8-6 EST
http://www.mvsalesandhardware.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Military Vehicles Mailing List [mailto:mil-veh@mil-veh.org]On
Behalf Of Recovry4x4@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 2:46 PM
To: Military Vehicles Mailing List
Subject: [MV] M880 Slug or treasure?
Well gang, I figured I would share my take on the M880 family of vehicles
since I just got one not too long ago. I think this might be the best kept
secret
in MV ownership. If you're an afficianado of the classic MV than the 880 is
not for you. If you want a truck you can drive and work, then this might be
the
ticket. The M880 series are dirt cheap. Granted, it might not be as simple
as
the M37 but its darned close. Parts are everywhere. The 318 is as common as
a
cold and runs pretty darned good. Hauls a ton and more too. You can upgade
it as simpe as anything. The ignition module isn't the best part on the
truck
but it can be dealt with. Tows a trailer fairly well civilian or military.
In a pinch you can hook up the 24 volt trailer and have some semblance of
lights with the 12V electrics. Electrical system is as basic as they get and
bulbs
and headlights are just around the corner. Already has a heater so no need
to
go shopping for one. Adding radial tires makes a big difference and won't
break the bank like adding radials to the deuce. Power steering is a simple
bolt
on from another civilian donor vehicle. Want that real military look for the
interior? Add the blackout light kit. It will get you that 3 lever light
switch that screws up the average Joe when he needs to drive it. Seats 3
comfortably too. I like this better than the 2 bat handle switches that the
CUCV uses.
Since I'm closest to hell here in FL I was thinking of shopping for a simpe
under dash A/C unit. I'm telling you with PS and A/C it would be a daily
driver
even here in the heat. Fuel mileage isn't too good but a savvy parts guy can
improve that by using an inexpensive part time 4x4 kit and some front axle
parts
from a Chev 4x4 3/4 ton. This done right can net you lockout hubs without
breaking the bank. All in all, the M880 might deserve a second look as a
utility
vehicle around the house with the MV theme in mind. I just saw one on Ebay
in
recent weeks with a $495 buy it now price.
Kenny
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