M151 MUTT (well, close) redux

[RR 314]

I lived in Midland many moons ago when the quail were plentiful and have fond memories of hunting in these redone M151s. A guy in Midland bought a lot of surplus/demilled M151s and welded a frame and bodies and bolted on the suspensions/drivetrains etc. of the M151s. They are bomb-proof. The rear axle is not bent--tires toe in purposefully (independent suspension and the cause of many a roll-over with service-men). Speed is not your friend but these little rigs are unbelievably smooth chasing quail or mule deer through greasewood!

In any event, I looked for months and finally found one in Lubbock. A little more rust (surface) than I wanted but when they don't come on the market much I figured I could live with it. I headed North and happiness in Lubbock, Texas in your rear-view mirror with MUTT in tow. Got her home and at this point have the body straightened out and took care of some of the hood dents with a little "massage" from a rubber mallet and a little of the pink stuff. I don't want a lot of bondo in the hood to rattle loose, but figured I would take care of some of the bigger dents. Got it sanded/blocked and primed. I thought I may have to get it media blasted; however, the surface rust was quickly remedied with a little sandpaper and primer. Going to largely be a weekend project but it is underway!

I have a BIG bbq pit project I am trying to get done as well so this will probably take a while to wrap up but it breaks up the monotony of other tasks. . .

[RR 314]

I see there is not much interest here. :-) Last round. Will cut and re-weld sides to accommodate new seats. I removed the underseat tank and put a spun aluminum one in the bed area as cargo space is not a concern. New gauges installed as well. Thinking about cutting some of the steering shaft out to get a little more room--however, will at the same time bring wheel a bit lower. Hope to wrap up over the long weekend. Brand new Escalade seats are nice but now have to worry about keeping them that way. Arm-rests will go inside but thought about keeping them out initially as in picture.

[Quackerbox]

The caddy seats are a nice touch!

[kenfa03]

Looking good.

[jnors06]

that things is cool as ever, what kind of motor do they run with.

[7m STW]

To bad you didn't post you were looking for one I know of a few in midland that haven't moved in a few years. I can verify that these jeeps are stout and well built. Worked on a few myself let me know if you need help.

[LonghornTX]

First off, that is impressive.

I'm confused on why you put the tank where the backseat was. Is it because seats will be high there and the tank will rest below in surplus room? Are you going to coat the aluminum tank?

I certainly wish I had your skills. Looks great.

[RR 314]

To bad you didn't post you were looking for one I know of a few in midland that haven't moved in a few years. I can verify that these jeeps are stout and well built. Worked on a few myself let me know if you need help.

Man, I should have. I asked my friends in Midland to keep an eye open and nobody ever came up with anything. Hope to be done soon. Was thinking about stretching another one out a bit. :-) If so I will give you a finder's fee.

[RR 314]

that things is cool as ever, what kind of motor do they run with.

They have a little inline 4 with about 142" of displacement. Not quite a 460 but is well sized for vehicle.

[RR 314]

First off, that is impressive.

I'm confused on why you put the tank where the backseat was. Is it because seats will be high there and the tank will rest below in surplus room? Are you going to coat the aluminum tank?

I certainly wish I had your skills. Looks great.

Back seat sits high on the back rack with expanded metal floor over top of spun aluminum tank. I thought about putting tank on the back of the rack but space in bed/floor is not really a priority/premium. Battery was under passenger seat and that will need to find a new home as well. No plans to coat the aluminum.

[Clark]

It's looking great already.
I'll admit I had to google M151, now I know.
Cool project.

[Flint knapper]

Cool project!

Need to put some good led lights on the rack behind the headrest!

[RR 314]

Cool project!

Need to put some good led lights on the rack behind the headrest!

54" bar will go on the roll bar. Have a trolling motor battery box for power. Mostly a day time rig but will be good to have. May fab another basket there and across the fenders/hood with quick release. The windshield stays down most of the time.

[Triple 7]

I bet that thing will rattle every filling out of your teeth. Cool thread.

[bobc]

Not much interest here? You got mine...not sure how I missed this. That is one cool ride!