Military Vehicles, February 1997,: Re: DUKW in the weeds

Re: DUKW in the weeds

Auke Dijkstra (auke.dijkstra@pi.net)
Wed, 26 Feb 1997 21:26:42 +0100

C3TX@aol.com wrote:
>
> I found a free DUKW that has serious rust in bottom, but good, straight sides
> and decent side rails. Top also badly rusted, especially at bow. Areas where
> oil leaked on floor have preserved areas of the bottom. All running gear
> present. Prop missing. Do you have any idea how to price sheet metal work?
>
> I had one guy tell me he spent $5,000 on getting a new bottom made, but with
> DUKWS being in the $15-25,000 range, the expense may be reasonable.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Craig
> Dallas, Texas

Hi Graig,

Well, I guess Gorden told it all. Just don't forget to weld a kind
of frame inside the DUKW that supports the side's, front and rear,
before you remove a big piece out of the bottom, if you don't do
this the bottom-piece might not fit afterwards. We replaced both side's
this way, we also replaced the front deck and the rear deck around the
winch, the complete interior wood was replaced as well as the drivers-
compartment, all axles, pillow-block, transfer-case etc.etc. were
rebuild. The total money spend on the project is a little bid more
than the value of a DUKW, but we had a good time, and that's wat
also count's.

Best Regards,

Auke Dijkstra