TRUCK, BOMB SERVICE, M-6 TIDBITS

[RANGER]

STEERING WHEELS- Two types, Hard Rubber, and Wood some were made by Inland, a Division of General Motors that also made M-1 Carbines. The M-6 used a smaller wheel than the Cargo Version of the G-506 4X4

BOMBLIFT TRUCK, M-1- Hard to find, accessory, it had a hydraulic platform, was on 3 wheels and was used much like a Pallet Jack, made by Weaver Manufacturing Co., Springfield Illinois Weaver also manufactured Front End Alignment Machines. I only know of a couple places that have an M-1

BOMB, DRILL,- There were four different types listed as items issued with the M-6 Truck, the 500 lb. M43, 1000 lb. M44, 2000 lb. M34, 4000 lb. M56 with a lightweight case for ease in handling. These were issued to Aviation Ordnance Units that used the M-6, in order to train with bomb handling techniques. According to Organizational Tables, only so many of these Training Devices were authorized to individual airfields.

The M-6 had many tools issued with it that had to do with the handling and arming of the bombs.

It is amazing how fast the M-6 Bomb Service disappeared from the USAF system after the M-108 Crane mounted on the M-Series 2 1/2 Ton 6X6 appeared on the scene. Most USAF Bases started getting the M-108 in 1953.

CHEVROLET was not the only manufacturer of a Bomb Service Truck, in addition to the GTB, there was a pre war M-1 bomb service truck as a result of a run off between manufacturers to meet the requirements of the M-1 bomb service specification. (Betcha did not know this) I will leave this hanging so that some may do their homework.

[RANGER]

At one time there were more M-1 Bomblift Trucks than there were Chevrolet M-6 Bomb Service Trucks. It is the other way around, now.
At one time I had 6 of the main Fuel tanks in crates of two, there are two that I know of and are in the hands of a long time dealer, probably still wrapped the way I sent them. He is bound to get rich from them.

[RANGER]

The production of the Chevrolet M-6 Bomb Truck ended in February 1944, the CCKW M-27 Bomb Service Truck was in production and was issued for the same purpose to Aviation Ordnance units.
I am sure that there are some that will claim their M-6 is a 45.

[RANGER]

Near the end of WWII, a modification kit to install a front mounted winch on the Chevrolet M-6 was developed, however it was not ever produced due to the end of WWII.

[RANGER]

There was an Airborne version of the M-6 that consisted of a kit with components that included the parts to provide a splice in the chassis and a dolly for the forward portion of the M-6. It was similar to that of the CCKW. This allowed the M-6 to be transported in C-46 and C-47 type aircraft.

[RANGER]

Any photos of the M-6 being used during the Korean War period, 1950-1953?

[RANGER]

The M-6 appears to have been dropped from USAF inventory around the time of the beginning of the Korean War.

[Jason]

Haveing talked to an gentalman that handled bombs in WWII the M-6 was just not large enough to handle bombs much larger than 1000lbs. The 2 ton hand winch made by bee bee was slow to lift and a lot of work. Most bombs under 500lbs where man handled with spreader bars (tool box infront of boom). Most of the M-6's where sold off at the beginning of the 1950s. being too small to handle most of the new larger ordnance. Saddly most didnt find jobs after their military carreer. The boom isnt strong enough to use for a tow truck. Bed isnt large enough to haul much. The open cab is more open than a open Cab CCKW.

[RANGER]

Still no M-1 Bomb Lifts?
I hate to be the Lone Ranger.
It would be nice to have a mint M-6 to go with it. Shoulda bought the one on E-Bay eighteen months ago.

[Bud Wheel]

The M6 Bomb service truck on the back cover of this months Army Motors is sporting GMC full louver hood side panels .Shouldn't they be the Chevy partial louver style ? Or were they built that way ?


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[RANGER]

Gotta be Chevrolet, I have NOS for one side.
You get good service mine ain't here yet, I get 1st Class too.

You like this site, don't you. Best place in the MV world.

[Bud Wheel]

My crystal ball says " yours should arrive tommorrow "

10-4 on the site



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[andy]

Hi Ranger, been awhile, I think You told me that dodge had a pre-war bomb truck. I may be wrong. Thanks Andy

[Robbo]

If you haven"t already seen them, some nice colour pictures of the M6 at work on:

http://historylink101.com/ww2_color/index.html

Like this one:

[RANGER]

Hi Ranger, been awhile, I think You told me that dodge had a pre-war bomb truck. I may be wrong. Thanks Andy

Diamond T and Ford produced a Bomb Service based on Civilian Chassis and they were put to limited use. They were listedunder SNL G-85.
I have NOS Air Cleaners for the Ford that used a V-8.