M5H6 PIPELINE TRUCKS

[joel gopan]

As far as I can tell these were all Post WWII. In 1961, approximately 30 of these were released by the U.S. Navy at Quonset Point RI in NOS condition. The trucks had beed converted in the 50s, using new M5H6 open cab chassis and never used. The engines and various parts of the Cabs were taped over. We had about a dozen of these, most were sold to contractors who removed the Pipeline Body, modified the chassis,and butchered the cab in order to install a Crane. They were painted the shade of OD that was used by the Navy, it differed from the Army OD.

[armydriver]

Thanks Joel. Now we have the answer on the International stretch trucks.

[joel gopan]

Stretch trucks is bubba trucks, two of which are featured on this site. M5H6 trucks will run the collector out of enthusiasm long before completion, as every thing is difficult to find, or more than expensive. rear wheel cylinders run $250-$300.00 each, one side of front is rare. Only thing it shares with other MVs are the lights, Switches, and Wheels.(Uses CCKW Headlight Buckets) Hydrovac is related to GMC. Nice truck, but it was few in numbers, and spares were not that plentiful Powertrain is 100% Eaton-no CCKW Parts. Bantam Crane bought up the bulk of the NOS Surplus Eaton Axles, transmissions and Transfers for these trucks in the 40s-50s to use for their own "new build" Crane Carriers The Surplus parts were from Naval Supply Centers, and not produced in overkill like Army parts. I sold the last of the Pipeline bodys in the late eightys early 90s, one went to David Wright at his Museum, it went on a derilect M5H6 that Nate Schwartz had sitting around. I still have pieces of that body for sale. David was one of those special guys that make things happen, I enjoyed supplying him with parts for his M-19 Gun Carriage and M-24 Tank. He also bought my last crated Halftrack engine. I use to crew the Twin 40MM Gun Carriages in early 60s, it was exciting to see the drones get shot down.
Joel

[armydriver]

That is interesting information. Now I have no desire to own an International. To heck with driving a Marine truck.

[joel gopan]

Marines used CCKW, also, especially Korea. IH was nice, came with RD 361 Engine,and was upgraded at times with the RD-450. Most guys that get a reasonable buy in a IH give up after the sticker shock. If I were younger, and wanted to be Ben Hur, I would tackle an M5H6, the search for parts would be a chore at minimum. On a truck like the IH, you just have to have the cash to do what it takes to buy the parts. Cargo body is unique to the M5H6. The rear brakes are the bummer, as a person should invest in at least 4 spare rear wheelCylinders, cuz there will not be aly good ones around forever. I keep one of every major part for my CCKW. The next owner will appreciate it, as these will not have parts availability forever.
Joel

[Chris T.]

Hey Joel,

The RD-450 is the halftrack engine right? A farmer here has a really good M5H6 with no engine. Will the RD-450 just bolt in? He has had me looking for a 361 for about 6 years with no luck.

Later,

[Chris T.]

Hey Joel,

The RD-450 is the halftrack engine right? A farmer here has a really good M5H6 with no engine. Will the RD-450 just bolt in? He has had me looking for a 361 for about 6 years with no luck.

Later,

[joel gopan]

There were at least three series of the RD 361/450 block, Half track will fit but oil Pan and oil pick up have to be changed. gotta be careful as some are machined for different bore at distributor, some heads do not have all the bolt holes for truck Waterpump. The late RD series have a different CylHead bolt pattern. The lateRD 501s of the 60s fit fine too, but you have to use the WWII manifolds. I sold 18 RD-450 Halftrack engines in 24 Months a few years ago. I have nos valves for the WWII RD 361/450.
Joel