50s/60s Jeep Comms

[KB2WIG]

As seen on eHam--

 " M38A1 Jeep Radio Equipment

I am in the process of restoring a M38A1 military Jeep and would like to set it up as a mobile communication vehicle. What kind of radios did the army use in their Jeeps during the 50's-60's? I once saw a mobile setup on eBay with all the radio mounts but never gave it much thought as I never knew I would someday own a military Jeep. Anyone out there familiar with this kind of gear that could tell me what model military radio to look for or who to contact that may know this kind of information? Kind of combining the hobby of Jeeps with amateur radio. Was at a hamfest once where the young owner of a complete model 19 set was powering it up and an old ham told him he wasn't doing it right. The old guy then took over and was throwing switches and turning knobs and tuned in stations on low band like he was back in the war. Very impressive watching a pro work that old gear. Gave me a whole new respect for the old guys. Now I know that I'm just an amateur but he's a "ham". Thanks guys Jerry-VE3OVS "

[W4EWH]

IIRC, we used VRC-6 FM Transceivers at training in Fort Gordon, GA during 1971. They had dynamoters, so I don't think they were the latest generation.

I'd bet the "standard" for Jeeps was the vehicle-mounted version of the PRC-25, but I don't recall the nomenclature. We used PRC-25's extensively in Vietnam, although I don't think I ever saw the vehicle-mounted version, just portables.

Bill

[WU2D]

Jerry,

I rode around all day yesterday with Dale KW1I in his same model jeep (I think 1953) and he has a complete GRC-19 in the rear. I could not upload a picture because the server is full.

Mike WU2D

[Rob K2CU]

You might want to check out this website:

http://www.armyradio.com/arsc/customer/home.php?cat=71

They list a jeep radio just as you seem to be looking for.

Rob - K2CU

[Tom W2ILA]

Check www.g503.com

there is a mil vehicle radio forum.
All Legit in the Korean era M-38 and M38A1
GRC19
GRC9
VRC stuff
TCS when mounted in the aluminum enclosure with plexiglass front but you need to paint the jeep USMC green for this set to operate correctly.

Tom