I rode in my first M715 when I was 15 years old at an event known to those into preservation of antique military vehicles as the Weare Rally. An annual gathering for these individuals to display their vehicles as well as a chance for vendors to come out and sell their items to those interested or possibly in need. 3 years later I purchased my first "715." A 1968 winch model in pretty rough shape. Shortly thereafter I joined the Marines and it sat in my grandparents yard for the entire duration of my enlistment. 3 years into my enlistment I purchased #2 which was a 1967 non-winch model but had many salvageable parts where the first by this time was pretty rotten through. With the purchase of #2 I gained a 3rd parts truck as well as access to 4 other trucks located in a sand pit about 3 hours drive away. Over the next couple months my father and I, mainly my father due to my absence, worked aggressively to restore this truck into adequate shape to participate in the coming Weare Rally, located in Weare, NH during the last weekend of July. The truck was finished just in time but unfortunately had some bugs to work out and still does. We've developed many a headache dealing with the old military 24v wiring harness. I have contemplated switching over to 12v to allow for more aftermarket accessories but if I do I lose one very important thing, the waterproof 24v distributor currently on the 350. We swapped the absolutely beautiful military Braden 12,000lb PTO winch. Currently it still has the military NDT tires. The 44"s are waiting for a swap of the weak military Dana 60 front and 70 rear in exchange for much stronger Dana 60 & Corp 14's off of a donor M1028 truck. Many more mods documented in the page to follow.
We completely pulled off the bed and cab in order to replace the entire floor of the cab, it had completely rotted through. We were able to purchase new floors and rocker panels from JeepPanelsPlus.com and they fit great. The bed needed only minor sand blasting.
Here you can see we've mounted the winch from the first donor truck and have started to reassemble items such as lights and reflectors. Also notice the large gap from the Body Lift, we've been contemplating what to do to negate that.
A side shot of the truck just about done. We spooled out the winch to check the cable more thoroughly as well as to lubricate it and spool it correctly.
A rear shot that has a better glimpse of the body lift. I'm looking to relocate these tail lights as I feel they are very vulnerable.
A slightly distanced shot. We have a temporary exhaust set up for now. Straight pipes back from the manifolds going into turbo mufflers into down spouts. Since these pictures were taken we replaced the turbo mufflers with chambered exhaust which held it tighter to the frame, we're currently working out how to run it up inside the frame for maximum protection.
One final glamour shot. It will eventually be painted tri-color. A shot of my fathers surplus 1-ton duallie Cucv in the background w/ radio enclosure.
