Adding a 12-Volt Alternator to a Cummins Engine Powered 6x6.

Converting the M-1009 (Military Blazer) to a Cab and Cargo Box Unit. We have received numerous requests for a design to convert Chevrolet Blazers of the 1980 decade to a 2 person cab with cargo box.  The Blazers are readily available through FEPP now as the M-1009 CUCV.  We have completed design plans for converting the Blazer to a short box pick-up truck. The amount of water capacity will be limited, about 60 gallons depending on the weight of other added components.  This still makes it useful for grass fire duty and patrols units.  REC also has two other publications that relate to the M-1009.  Newsnote #10 tells how to convert the M-1009 24-volt electric system to 12-volt.  Newsnote #12 discusses potential tank capacity and weight considerations for the M-1009.

REC M1009 Cab and Cargo prior to paint and window installation.

Power Steering for Military 2-1/2 (M35 Series) Vehicles.  (Note:  Revised contact information on 8/30/2004.)

We recently were asked if we have had experience with Air-O-Matic Power Steering Kits developed for retrofitting M35 Series 2-1/2 Ton Trucks.  The answer is yes and we have found that operators are very happy with the difference power steering makes.  Anyone who has driven one of these vehicles knows first hand how much strength it takes to turn one of these trucks in some situations.  When operating off-road, forces on the front wheels can translate back to the steering wheel causing it to turn quickly and without warning.  This can be dangerous to the operator.

The Air-O-Matic system is actually air assisted manual steering that activates during turning.  It takes about 4 hours to install although you should plan for a little more time the first time doing the procedure. For further information and pricing, contact Interagency Motor Pool at (866) 749-0100, ext. 1, or www.m35products.com.

Agencies that have used the Air-O-Matic have been positive about the experience (24 hour technical support is available).  If you expect your 2-1/2 Ton to be in service for a while this retrofit will make it much easier to handle.  We think it is a good investment.

Military 2-1/2 and 5-Ton Cab Tops.

REC has produced designs for replacing canvas cab tops for the 2-1/2 and 5 Ton 6x6's.  There are two styles of cab tops that we have referred to as the GMC style and the REO style.

The GMC style fits the cabs of the Korean War vintage GMC 2-1/2 Tons called the M135 or M211.  These are the old automatic transmission trucks which have not been available through FEPP sources for many years.

The REO style refers to the M34/M35 series 2-1/2 Tons and the M809/M39 series 5 Tons produced from m the 1950's to 1980's.  These trucks were design at the Tank Automotive Command and utilize the same basic cab design.  We started calling them REO cab tops a long time ago because REO was the early manufacturer.   Since then, many other companies have had the contract to produce these vehicles for the military from the same design.  The main point is cab tops are interchangeable between these models.  If you find a military style hard cab top from an early vintage REO style 2-1/2 ton, it will fit a later model M809 diesel 5-Ton.   Hence, REC's 1973 design for the REO style 6x6 cabs will work for your newer FEPP acquisitions.  The same design is found in several of our publications. At this time, none of these publications are available on-line and must be ordered from us.  We hope to have the REO style design on-line by this summer.  The links below take you to summaries of the particular report. 

• Protective Cabs for 6x6 Trucks - GMC & REO

• 2-1/2 Ton 1000 Gallon 6x6 Tanker Handbook

• Tanker Handbook: Military 5-Ton 6x6, 1500 Gallon Low Profile Tanker

Converting General Motors built CUCVs back to 12-volt.

REC has published Newsnote #10, available online, which shows two ways to convert the 24 volt portion of the the Military GM pickup and Blazer units to 12 volt DC.  Most of the "civilian" 12 volt portion of the wiring is available making the this relatively easy to do.  This work primarily relates to M1008 and M1009 models.  M1010, M1028 and M1031 models can be done in a similar fashion.  Additionally, REC Newsnote #11 and Newsnote #12 provide weight and loading information for the M1008 and M1009 respectively.

CARC Paint Precautions.

Chemical agent resistant coating (CARC) paint has been used on military vehicles since the early 1970s. Exposure to vapors, mist, dust or fumes from CARC paint can cause health problems such as irritation to the respiratory tract, edema, dermatitis, dizziness, rash, itching, swelling of extremities, eye irritation, or damage to the nervous system, kidney or liver. The coatings may be fatal if swallowed. The primary compounds associated with this potential hazard are trivalent chrome, lead and cobalt-zinc hexamethylene diiscocyanite. Proper respirators should be used if sanding or torch cutting materials that are coated with this paint. These activities often warrant the use of respirators regardless of the paint type. Generally, you can determine if a military vehicle has CARC paint by applying acetone to a clean cloth, rubbing an area for ten seconds, letting it set for about one minute, then repeat. If the paint comes off, it is not CARC.

Adding a Separate 12-Volt DC Electric System to a 24-Volt DC Military Vehicle.

REC recently published a new flyer about adding a separate 12 volt DC system to a 24 volt DC vehicle.  It is available online as REC Newsnote #9.

Preventive Maintenance for FEPP 6x6 Suspension Torque Rods.

M-880 Plastic Fuel Tanks.

Several states have reported that some M-880s obtained through Federal Excess Personal Property have plastic fuel tanks that have been prone to rupture from underbody damage. A protective plate may be prudent for M880s being used off-road.

Roscommon Equipment Center - Wildfire Equipment Research and Development