Hi,
I'm building the front fender signal lights for my M54 truck. What did these lights look like as used during the war in Vietnam? I've been looking at some fine full size replicas (The Gathering 2010 website) & have noticed the lights used on these vehicles which are far different lights than I thought should be used for the time period.
I'm probably completely wrong but, please, can somebody clear up for me once & for all exactly which type of light configuration I need to use?
Any photos would be good.
Thanks for all your help.
Joe.

Hi Joe

I know this one is a M51, but it should fit the bill anyway



Here's a TM picture (1955) :



HTH

Frenchy

Hi Frenchy,
Yeah, now that is what I've got. These are the signal units I have used.
The photos I mentioned earlier of the replicas seem to be using what I believe to be post Vietnam signal units & that is why I got confused.
Great! Now I can crack on.
Thanks buddy. Always nice to hear from you.
Joe.

Looks like "Proud American" has the correct style lights. Probably hard to find the period-correct ones.

Hey Warren,
Great photos you provided in the other thread, my friend! I just got a little confused with the front lights issue. I just wanted to make sure first before I stuck something on with loctite that shouldn't be there.
By the way, I wonder if you can help me here. I'm building the cargo truck version before I start on any of my guntrucks & I was wondering if the cargo bed ever had a headboard? The Real Model kit provides the slatted sides but not a slatted headboard so I was wondering if any were ever used at all. Any ideas?
Joe.

I'll look around and see what I have. I'm going to the MTA show in a couple of weeks, I may be able to get some pics there (if someone shows up in a M54). Will try to get the light wiring route from your other thread, too.

Hey, that would be great! I'll look forward to it.
Good luck.

I posed the question over on Steel Soldiers, you can go there and follow the replies: http://www.steelsoldiers.com/5-ton-up/67334-m54s-vietnam.html#post808041

In the Crismon book, the M54's appear to have the same style cargo box as the Deuces, the slat-board sides and front with a cut-out for the back of the cab window. As Driver523 says, pretty much anything went in Nam, so unless you are doing a specific truck from a specific unit, you could do any look you wanted and still be correct. I usually try to find a specific truck and use of that one to build by.

Thanks Warren,
Appreciate the heads up. I'll need to do a little bit of work & get back to you.
Thanks mate.
Joe.

Joe,
I have just learned that a M54A2 is supposed to be at the COMVEC show next month. Not sure how original it is, but if you give me a list of detail shots you want, I'll see what I can do. I've met the guy previously and I think he will let me take pics of just about anything on his truck. (Heck, he might even let me drive it!)

Hi Warren,
Just about anything will help, buddy!
Inside the cab, windscreen, fenders & lights, chassis, fuel tank, electrical wiring (only that can be seen on the finished model), mudguards,etc, etc.
Thanks my friend. I really appreciate your help.
Talk soon.
Joe.