My near 68 year old USAF project

[vin]

Was thinking how many of my machines i have used in restoring this one over the years. Much time was spent fabricating adaptors and other specialized parts. Things like the body mounts and the "deploy-able" running boards and the attachments took lots of time and all were "one off" designs and manufacture. The running boards are a sort of omage to the f-111 and the first of the swing wing fighter bombers. Started in mid 69 and still undergoing mods.

 

[silverhawk]

That is gorgeous!

joe

 

[vin]

Thanks. I was about 19 when i got it. 71 now. USAF retired it circa 64. Uncle passed in 69 and was left to me while i was in the USAF. 4 engines and 2 chassis later + $30k and what you see today. Many F-111 aircrew rode in it back when.

 

[eugene13]

Really nice, I like the sliding rear window, I had a '49 5 window two wheel drive.

 

[vin]

Rear slider look nice works great and leaks water like sieve. Bed is stainless with synthetic decking. 350 crate with approx 350 HP, 700r4 all on 84 GMC Silverado Stepside donor chassis, See link for one of the 10 who went to war and perished, Unlike Col "wild bill" Coltman and Lefty Brett many were never recovered and i was often last to see them off. See link if you want to see more and recovery pics right there in Laos where we weren't supposed to be. My paperwork was found intact as shown- Amazing seeing as thier remains were identifiable by DNA only. My old 430 TFS patch shown. Being in combat intell i worked directly for the 428th and 429th TFS as well. Funny how you remember stuff and miss folks after a lifetime.

"Wild Bill" Coltman

 

[hotrats]

Fantastic looking truck! Such a nice history and build. Thanks for your service.

 

[middle.road]

That is so SHARP!...

 

[DavidR8]

That looks really great!

 

[vin]

FWIW the electric running boards are from AMP and modded from those for a CJ5, I milled out the hangers from aircraft aluminum (wing struts) and used the same 2x2 strut material to suspend them from the existing running board supports. Custom lathe machined bolts were used as well. They deploy and retract with either pin switchs (alarm type) when doors are opened or closed, CAn dploy them at any time with dash switch and they actually feel like they add a little "lift" at speed. Also get stares from onlookers. There was no real plan here it just evolved. Door insignias are old USAAC which i always liked better than the star and bar. Exhaust pipes will eventually painted have perforated stainless sheilds like a aircraft MGs. Dash has full GPS and "cockpit" switch array.

 

[sdelivery]

That is a sweet ride and you did a great job.
I especially like the deployable running boards.