I’m putting together a tool kit for my 1954. I’d like to obtain as authentic of a set of wrenches as possible. Can anyone help me with what sizes and makes would be close to original? Billings, Barcalo, etc. I suppose they were wrenches with a different size on either end. I know I’ll have to search and put this together a wrench at a time.
Any other advice would surely be helpful. Thanks!
Tool kit for ‘54
-
- G-Sergeant First Class
- Posts: 90
- Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2021 7:49 pm
- Location: Washington state
Re: Tool kit for ‘54
I recall reading somewhere...(caution: second hand information ahead )
that there were no "standard" from-the factory accessories for the M38A1.
Certainly units could have issued them or put them in a vehicle, but not the factory.
In others words it is not like a car where a tool roll and first aid kit come with the vehicle.
I agree, it would be interesting to know what tools (also size and make) units would have put together in a kit/roll.
Were they "off the shelf" commercially branded items (Craftsman, Snap-on, etc) or genetic and built for the government (without a commercial name)?
I have a new 1" & 1 1/16" crescent wrench I bought at a base surplus store ( back when bases had them) and it is unmarked except for the size and contractor (Wright) as well as "U.S.A.".
that there were no "standard" from-the factory accessories for the M38A1.
Certainly units could have issued them or put them in a vehicle, but not the factory.
In others words it is not like a car where a tool roll and first aid kit come with the vehicle.
I agree, it would be interesting to know what tools (also size and make) units would have put together in a kit/roll.
Were they "off the shelf" commercially branded items (Craftsman, Snap-on, etc) or genetic and built for the government (without a commercial name)?
I have a new 1" & 1 1/16" crescent wrench I bought at a base surplus store ( back when bases had them) and it is unmarked except for the size and contractor (Wright) as well as "U.S.A.".
M38A1 MD 82551. Built 3/1955. Purchased in Nov. 2021.
Former owner/restorer of 1977 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade Levis Edition.
All stock w/factory V-8. Used as a daily driver for 7 years.
Former owner/restorer of 1977 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade Levis Edition.
All stock w/factory V-8. Used as a daily driver for 7 years.
-
- G-Sergeant
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:27 pm
- Location:
Re: Tool kit for ‘54
Since posting the question, I’ve read the same thing…..no tool kits issued.
-
- G-Major
- Posts: 930
- Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2014 9:19 am
- Location: Dorchester County SC
Re: Tool kit for ‘54
I believe the reason is that the vast majority of military drivers aren't mechanics, they're drivers (that could also be clerks, cooks, or infantrymen).
The Army didn't want non-mechanics doing things to their trucks (no training, no tools, and no repair parts).
The only tools carried on board are intended for things the Operator's Manual says a driver is responsible for doing --- like changing a flat tire.
Anything else is supposed to be reported to a mechanic.
Look in your copy of the Operator's Manual for details.
Back in the day it used to be big trouble for a driver to fail to properly inspect his truck and then take it out of the motor pool with a problem that should've been reported before he left. Especially if it caused having to send a wrecker to go get it (or worse, an accident).
Nowadays we can load them down with all the tools and repair parts we want.
Good luck!
The Army didn't want non-mechanics doing things to their trucks (no training, no tools, and no repair parts).
The only tools carried on board are intended for things the Operator's Manual says a driver is responsible for doing --- like changing a flat tire.
Anything else is supposed to be reported to a mechanic.
Look in your copy of the Operator's Manual for details.
Back in the day it used to be big trouble for a driver to fail to properly inspect his truck and then take it out of the motor pool with a problem that should've been reported before he left. Especially if it caused having to send a wrecker to go get it (or worse, an accident).
Nowadays we can load them down with all the tools and repair parts we want.
Good luck!
Ron D
1951 M38
1951 M100
1951 M38
1951 M100
-
- G-Sergeant
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 3:27 pm
- Location:
Re: Tool kit for ‘54
Thanks!
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 32 guests