$2500 for a M725 that needs that much is no deal, I assure you. A decent
running truck with little rust should start about $2500. "Needs engine work"
on a 230 Tornado translates into a bad engine 99% of the time. These engines
are the weakest part of the M715 series trucks. I would go for a complete,
RUST FREE, truck and not worry too much about the engine. The V-8 conversion
is the way to go on these trucks, and that turns a good truck into a great
truck. Rust is a big problem with these trucks. Pay close attention to the
following areas:
Bottom corners and sills of cab
Firewall area, especially around the master cylinder. (They rust from the
inside of the drain well)
Bottoms of doors
Floorboard area, especially around the pedals
In addition, check the hood and tops of the doors for stress cracks, as these
are very common. The brake system on any truck that has been sitting awhile is
generally shot and needs NEW master cylinder and wheel cylinders. I have
never had a M715 M/C that was worth honing out. The wheels are getting hard to
find, so try and get a truck with good wheels AND the spare to boot. You will
find that under the rear of the truck. Rubber seals/weatherstripping on 715's
is NOT easy to find, so if the seals on the truck you want are shot, plan on
improvising. Windshield glass seals seem to be available, and some windshield-
to-cowl weatherseals, but the reast is tough to find. Reproduction canvas is
not a problem, and neither are repro data plates.
As far as WHERE to look, I would suggest Military Vehicles Magazine, Supply
Line, and your local truck trader type mags. Remember, they only made just a
little over 30,000 of the 715 series trucks over the year 1967-1969, and who
knows how many survive. Keep looking and a good one will turn up, just dont
make the mistake of jumping on the first truck that comes along, thinking it
will be your ONLY chance. (It wont be) Because as soon as you do, 2 weeks
later you will find a better truck, at a better price, and kick yourself
repeatedly. I speak from much experience in this area.
Erik Timothy
Federal Way, WA
===
To unsubscribe from the mil-veh mailing list, send the single word
UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of a message to <mil-veh-request@skylee.com>.