First of all, I'm new to M715 ownership -and M715s in general, in fact (I wasn't even aware of them until a few months ago.)
I've recently purchased my own, from a Zone member, serial #10254; referenced in .
My intention is to restore it to as close to its original visual appearance as possible while modifying it to serve as reasonable transportation - including highway/interstate use when necessary.
My M715 purchase included almost an entire truck in spares (minus only the frame and transmission, I think), so my plan is to service/rehab/exchange the spare parts while maintaining a functioning vehicle, to minimize downtime to the extent possible. Luckily, I live one mile from where I work and 3 miles from the grocery store - both well within stock Kaiser range, so I'm thinking I can pull this off.
In addition to returning it to its proper color; to keep it visually stock, I'd like to:
- retain the original axles and wheels (and I am fond of XLs on M715s)
- keep the cabin stock (all appropriate levers in original locations, stock seating, original gauges)
- utilize as many of the stock systems as I can live with - 24v, vacuum wipers, etc. to maintain as much of the truck's soul as possible.
As I'm a novice pertaining to Kaisers and MVs in general, I have a LOT of questions.
For instance, at the outset I know I'm looking at re-gearing the axles to 4.56, and installing the NP205 that came with the truck's spares package to make this thing capable of sustained speeds above 50 or so. I suspect that I might need to consider a transmission upgrade as well (NV4500?) to get into the 60-65 cruising range without grenading engines?
However I'm not certain if I can retain the factory parking brake with the NP205. And, if I were to swap transmissions, I don't have any clue as to whether or not I could retain the original levers in their original locations?
Also, I know that there are disc conversion kits for the stock axles, and that a MC upgrade is in order for safety's sake - and that boosting is strongly advised, but am new to hydro-boosted braking systems. How are they preferable to vacuum-assisted brakes? More appropriate for a military-inspired vehicle?
Currently the truck is 12v. I'd like to return it to 24v, but will need 12v at least for towing purposes - How is this accomplished?
What are the real-world downsides to 24v? Upsides? Why was 24v used originally?
I'm immediately looking at rebuilding the original seats to replace the aftermarket ones that are in the truck - I believe there are multiple options out there for seat kits (same companies that make the soft tops?) - which if any are superior in fit and appearance? What other criteria is important for choosing a seat kit? Can the seat base be modified to replace the spring construction with a modern foam for improved comfort?
(I'll post photos when I figure out where I am hosting them; I've already hit my quota with the images in the M715 purchase thread.)
In any event, after 2 days of M715 ownership, this is my priority list:
- Repair Driver's Window Regulator (window falls down when door is closed)
- Restore Horn function
- Restore Wiper function
- Restore Turn Signal function
- Restore Brake Light function (this should probably be closer to the top of the list...)
- Restore Parking Brake function
- Diagnose (and Correct) Brake Pull
- Re-upholster and Install stock seats.
Thanks in advance for the community support and collective knowledge - I expect I'll benefit from both.