12216 Coming Back To Life

Hello all,

I started a thread on another forum but since this seems more specific and active to M715s, I'm moving over here.

I'm new to the forum and new to M715s. On Christmas day I acquired a M715 from my father-in-law and his neighbor. This truck was parked under an old chicken barn probably around 30 years ago and has sat ever since. I first caught a glimpse of the truck 3-4 years ago and from that point was envious of it.

We drug the truck out of the barn a couple weeks ago, and over to my father-in-laws house. On the way over, we put the truck in gear while towing it and noticed the engine spun pretty easily, I even smelled fuel pumping out on the way. The truck steered well but as would be expected, there were no brakes.

We disconnected the fuel line from the fuel pump, cleaned the points, and dumped some fuel in the carb. After a few cranks, the truck turned over. It didn't take long and we had the truck running as long as we continually dumped fuel in the carb. After sitting for nearly 30 years, its amazing it ran with only a few minutes of tinkering.

At this point, we pulled the carb because it needs to be replaced. The brakes were removed and wheel cylinders replaced. I ordered a new Master Cylinder but haven't installed it yet. I'll be removing the bed soon (its a dump bed) and sand blasting the back half of the truck and applying POR15 to the frame. After that, the plan is to redo the fuel and brake lines and see where we go from there.

Here are some pictures of the truck in storage and now in its current state.

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Welcome! I think that you have identified those items which will be your challenge. Brakes are always in need of repair. Hopefully the shoes that you have are good. As for the carburetor, I would try to rebuild it if at all possible. New ones, if they even exist are expensive and the rebuild kits are not all that expensive.

Another challenge will be the fuel tank. They are usually very rusty and boiling, coating usually is temporary. But others will have more information for you.

I am in the "Stock" family, wanting my truck to run on 24 Volts and essentially the way that it left the Kaiser Jeep factory.

Ask questions!

Thanks, Don!

I believe the drums and shoes are in great shape. The truck shows 8000 miles on it and by the condition of the pedals, brakes and tires, it looks accurate.

I think I'll take your advice and soak the carb in carb cleaner tonight, to see what I end up with. I'll also post on this forum to see if someone is parting with one.

I can tell the outside of my fuel tank doesnt look good. I'll wait to remove the bed to really assess the tank.

I'd like to keep my truck close to original too, but I'll part from that where I need to, especially since someone already made it into a dump truck.

Thanks!

Get under the bed and spray the bolts holding the fuel tank straps on with some penetrating oil. Repeat for a few days and then talk real nice to them before you try taking them out.

Out of 5 M715 beds I have had to work with. 4 had those bolts broken off. I just drilled the broken bolt out along with the welded nut. Then just used a longer bolt with a nut I had to hold to put the straps back on again. Not bad, but I don't enjoy drilling vertically above my head all that much.

Thanks, Barrman. I'll have to show a picture of my gas tank situation later, but my gas tank was moved from the middle of the truck to the rear in order to accommodate the dump bed.

I’m interested in how the dump bed was set up. I remember years ago (like 1st and 2nd board old) it was a pretty discussed topic. Great looking truck!

gonz, I'll try and get some pictures this weekend. My goal is to have the bed off and working on the frame in the next few days.

Can someone help me with the orientation of these brake wedges (I'm guessing on the name)? When I took them apart, I didn't take good enough pictures. I think the arrow points to the front of the truck, but in some of my disassembly photos, they seem to be oriented the opposite way.

https://pkaymq-dm2305.files.1drv.com...all.jpg?psid=1

go to figure 16- 12 in the maintenance manual it shows a parts break down.
I believe you`re talking about the anchor block washer and anchor block.

90% sure the arrow points forward.....

From the -34 TM:

f. Install anchor block with convex surface contacting the primary shoe and the straight side contacting the secondary shoe. The arrow stamped on the anchor ‘block must always be installed pointing in the direction ‘of forward wheel rotation. Install the brake shoes on the brake backing plates. Remove the wheel.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JimmieM725

go to figure 16- 12 in the maintenance manual it shows a parts break down.
I believe you`re talking about the anchor block washer and anchor block.

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Sorry, JimmieM725. I don't have a maintenance manual yet, but I guess I will be ordering one.

Thanks, Ray.

Thanks, Don! That is exactly what I needed. Now I can install the drums no longer worrying if I got that wrong.

I just learned that I had access to the maintenance manual through this site. Learned something new!

Pressure washed the truck today and cleaned it up real good. The rust flakes, dirt and grease are pretty much gone. I prep'd the back of the frame with degreaser and ospho so I can start to paint the frame with POR-15 tomorrow.

https://fiyiaw-dm2305.files.1drv.com...iOS.jpg?psid=1

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Hello all,

I'm going to be taking my leaf springs apart and cleaning and paint them soon. I've been looking for the leaf spring straps but cant find similar ones. Anyone know where I can find the straps?

Also, my u-joints are worn in a few spots so I think I would like to replace those too. If you have any tips on finding these too, it would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Joe

Are you talking about the clamps that hold the leaves together? I think my bolts at the tops of the clamps are bad, but the clamps seem OK....Maybe try one of the spring companies? Deaver or alcan? I think all of the ujoints are spicer 1310 size....

Hey Ray, thanks for the tip. I too have a broken bolt, so worse case I can just replace that. I was hoping to replace all the hardware so I’ll check with some of the spring companies.

As for the u-bolt. I’m talking about the axle to leaf spring u-bolt, they look about 9-16” by 8 or 10”. The outside bolt has a little bend in it, so it’s not something I can just get at a hardware store.

Painted the back half of the frame as well as the rear end today.

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Ahhh....Leaf spring U-bolts....Got it, almost forgot those stock ones have that little kick to them. Not sure if they are commercially available, but a spring shop, blacksmith, or good fabricator should be able to make or modify one for you...

In the past people have gone to spring shops and gotten straight ones and had them tweak them...seems it is not a big deal for them...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GIJoe911

Hey Ray, ...

As for the u-bolt. I’m talking about the axle to leaf spring u-bolt, they look about 9-16” by 8 or 10”. The outside bolt has a little bend in it, so it’s not something I can just get at a hardware store.

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They do look a little odd as you say. I forget but the front is different from the rear. One has the bend; the other one does not? Seems to me that when I replaced the front springs on my truck, I got new "U" bolts from AB Linn (many years ago). I still have the original rear springs. It was easier to replace the springs than try to deal with the rotten bushings. Rear doesn't have rubber if I remember.

Rear has one that is bent...

Hello everyone.

Was able to finish painting the rear of the frame, rear axle, cleaned up and painted the leaf springs and put it back together. After much research I decided to go with Rancho shocks but I painted them black and put black boots on them to help them blend a bit.

Not sure if these pictures work, but I keep posting them.

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Looking good, keep it up! Did you replace the brass bushings? I think venominjected was looking for the measurements to possibly machine some new ones,,,,

Hello Ray, the brass bushings looked fine on the rear springs. I will be replacing the front rubber bushings.

How is the build coming along? You were killing it there in January!