Well, it's about time for an update, eh? A LOT has changed in regards to the RumbleBee these days. I knew ever since the roll I'd need a new paintjob, that was a given. I got sick of sanding and repainting the fading paint that I used to fix the crash damage "temporarily". I also got a lot more tools I could work on the truck with- a Lincoln Square Wave TIG/SMAW welder, a JD2 Model 3 tubing bender, and some other stuff. Also, I have noticed WAY too many yellow trucks driving around, it's becoming too trendy. Time for a major upgrade. I have always been a fan of military history and military vehicles. Nobody can beat the rugged good looks and proven reliability of a military truck, so I have set out to build my own (since I can't afford one). Yeah, I know, CUCV's are for sale, but I've got this now and I like the challenge.
Meet the M1073 (Military 1/2 ton (10), 1973)
The first mod was making the troop cover; I have always hated the looks of the military CUCV troop carriers. Sure, they're practical but just too dang tall and ugly! I wanted something with the proper look, but that would also be somewhat useful. My brother and I took the bender and started messing around one afternoon. It took us 3 hours to get the proper shape for the first bow, then the four remaining went like cake. They are removable, and slide into little 1" ID receptacles mounted to the base that runs along the bedrails. Then, I got a military canvas and secured that and got the PERFECT look in my opinion. Next came the paint job- I just scuffed up the existing paint and used 18 cans of Aervoe "Light Green". I should have used Olive Drab to match the cover better, but the sample I printed beforehand had the olive too dark. Oh well, live and learn. Next came the bumper. It's 2" .120 wall steel tubing, bent around the sides, and the center has a step bent and welded into the lower tube (taking a section out of the lower tube to bring it up for better ground clearance). It's completely one-off and it looks great, is low profile, and is very durable. The ends are capped with 1/8" plate. The mag wheels and bumpers were painted with .99 cent flat black paint. The beauty of this is that if it comes off, I retouch it no problem. It also comes off the mag wheels with brake cleaner so if I decide to take it off, no problem (I think the mags look wicked in black- saved me $200 on black wheels!). The grill is a custom job- expanded mesh was cut to fit inside the opening, then surrounded by 1" strap. That way it sits recessed in and has a better 3-D look closer to stock.
The knuckles in the later pic are 3/8" plate ground into the right shape then holesawed. The lights are recessed into the grill for a cleaner look as well.
The CB is finally mounted, as well as a swing out spare tire carrier and troop benches in the rear. The trailer hitch is also made.
Future projects to finish: 14 bolt rear/Dana 60 front, replacement GM Goodwrench engine (it's in the t-bucket now, soon to gom in the truck), find a set of blackout lights, fabricate the front bumper, find some DOM tubing for the rollcage, and install a 2" lift (I know I keep saying that!), and a locker for the front probably. Stay tuned for more!
