Checking out that restored CCKW

[RANGER]

Many new collectors would rather buy their CCKW ready to go. There are many options to pick from in purchasing a CCKW project. one can drag an abandoned CCKW out of the brush or gravel pit for the taking, or they can go one step higher and respond to an offer of a CCKW with trees growing up through the chassis, but was advertised as "running when parked." Nice CCKWs are available from overseas stock in varying degrees of condition, most run, and some are cleaner than others. There is always the offer of a pristine restored truck, a nice way to go, but beware, check the owners references, and the credentials of the shop that did the nice restoration, as some are better at it than others.
One could break a restoration into the following classes;
Factory Class- Speaks for itself
Motorpool Class-Used but nice
Combat Class-Really used
Improvised Class-It just looks like an Army Truck, but is repowered and utilizes all those better ideas that short sighted automotive engineers lacked.

My best impression of a "restored" truck starts by lifting the hood and checking out the wiring, plumbing, engine, and accessories, if it does not look like anything in the TM for that model, it is a good indication of how the rest of the truck has been reworked-beware! Ask the owner to take you for a drive, if it does not run well with the owner "mechanic" driving it, it will probably be a headache for you to drive also. Those nice digital photos of trucks decked in canvas are not the best indicator, look under the hood and take it for a spin. Anyone can slap on a coat of paint, and drape web gear, but not everyone can make one run.

Remember, paint and waterbuckets, do not an Army truck make.
Hard work, correct parts, and driveability will decide the truck to take.

[Ugg]

RANGER:

Very good advice IF your close enough to go check it out personally. Otherwise you have to TRUST others. That only works sometimes, but even the best intentioned person could miss something. I don't know enough about the CCKW market, but with WC's, they always seem to be just a little to far to check out to just make your decision about purchase.

Later

[RANGER]

One more thought.
If the owner cannot drive and shift the CCKW smoothly, he most likely was also clueless as to any maintenance the truck required. when buying a Military Vehicle you should initiate a preventive maintenance plan that includes pulling all wheels in order to inspect the brakes and wheelbearings. Many new owners do not consider this necessary and experience brake and wheel bearing problems at about the time they take part in their first parade and convoy.

[RANGER]

Sometimes the term "restoration" is a figment of the owners imagination.
some like to improvise and cut corners. Looking at the bolts used on the restored truck will give an idication of the degree of attention to detail used. Square bolts out of the junk box is a good indicator of the quality of the workmanship. Blue silicone oozing out of many bolted joints is also a red flag, if you are expecting quality.