An American Overseas

[pmclean]

I got started with Powerwagons back in 2002 when I purchased a 1961 M37B1 from a local over here in Austria. Being an American living over here, I find that I often seek out activities and pastimes that remind me of home and the USA—I guess that's normal. Following the purchase of the truck, I have discovered that working on it and restoring it has been a deeply meaningful and satisfying experience. I'm at best a shade-tree mechanic and the area of vehicle restoration was generally a new one, but still; as I figure things out, make mistakes, correct them, and then go on to another assembly, I find myself connected with something very good that is purely American. I can't really explain it—but there you go.

[pmclean]

Within the first week after purchasing the truck, I decided to rebuild the distributor and wrote to John Bizal for new weights, springs, etc. I recall writing: "I need these because some previous owner put two weights of different tension in the stupid thing!" — that's where I'm at. But I'm still at it and haven't yet been disappointed or frustrated (with myself or the truck) enough to quit. I love every minute.

[Gordon Maney]

How are you doing with that distributor?

It would be interesting to know how the locals view your presence on the road in an American military vehicle.....