Usaf 5500
 

Not mine...... might hafta have it tho!

https://images.craigslist.org/00a0a_...y_1200x900.jpg

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Looks like it is a 7500.

Strange it only has 6 Lug Wheels.

Re: Usaf 5500
 

I found this cool thing on the internet so I thought I'd try it. Easy way to save Craigslist ads.

http://www.craigslistadsaver.com/view.php?name=USAF5500

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Thanks for the link.

Well, maybe it is a 5500, lol. Who ever converted it, much have installed the Wider Fenders. First time I ever saw a 292-6 in a truck like that. It also has Air Pressure, but not sure if it has Air Brakes. Unique truck for sure.

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Appreciate the Link!
My father-in-law took a look at it; not bad, all things considered. Seems like cheap money but not the best time of year to be cutting loose with cash. Also, what kind of fuel consumption is to be expected with this setup - my guess is 4 mpg.

Re: Usaf 5500
 

My 292-6 in a C-30 got about 13 to 14 MPG Fully loaded. I would say that it would get about 7 to 9 in my opinion, tuned properly anyway.

Re: Usaf 5500
 

That's what I am thinking, it's an ES 5500 that someone put H front fenders on. Notice how far in the front wheels are? Narrow front axle. Besides, the H series never offered the 292. Neat truck regardless!

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Got the day off tomorrow, gonna get all the details I can.

Re: Usaf 5500
 

That really is a neat configuration all around

Re: Usaf 5500
 

OK,
So I went and took a look-see ............ and bought it!
Used to be a pole setting truck. U.S.A.F. owned it 1st, then was allocated to a Co-operative Extension type of Agency. The PO had very little info about it's history, but was interested in it because of the axles.
Anyway, we were able to agree on terms, and I will have it at my place in a couple of weeks.
NO mil-spec data plate to be found, but a whole bunch of military stencil. I'm excited to get it - the plan is to rehab her into the hauler for a WWII ambulance for parades & shows.
A lot to figure out but hoping to do a "Build" here.

Re: Usaf 5500
 

That is great that a board member bought it! Make sure to share your build with us.

-Richard

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Glad to hear you got it. Looks like a pole setting rig for sure. It's got that USAF blue. It's a crew cab 4wd dually...only different!

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Thanks all!
Something new to get used to, and learn about. I guess its an ES5500 - butterfly hood and a few other differences. For now the 292 is gonna stay in place, with at least a tuneup.
The tires are cracked bad so those will get changed out and probably go through the brakes from start to finish. Hope to glean info from others on the Forum, this is new ground to me.

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Congrats on the buy.

Let us know what the Air Pressure is for as the truck does not appear to have Air Brakes.

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Thanks much!
Believe it is connected to the under hood compressor.

https://images.craigslist.org/00R0R_...qI_600x450.jpg

Sorry about the pix. Working on getting em loaded to my computer....

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Right, but I'm wondering what it is used for on your particular truck.

I'm going to guess that there are some air outlets somewhere, where they used them for pneumatic tools.

Unique truck for sure.

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Very cool truck, I'm guessing air over hydraulic brakes from the small tank on driver side. I assume all the pole work was done on the rear, the gantry on back is probably hydraulic lift to set the pole in the hole. Wonder if it had an auger set up originally?

Re: Usaf 5500
 

68panelman,
Correct. Had an auger - quite the setup. Whats left it is coming off.

I need to shave off weight where I can as the plan is to hopefully keep the 292. I'll be installing a generator and using the boxes for tool and parts storage. Probably gonna pull any unnecessary hydraulics lines/controls as well. The winches will have to be rehabbed/restrung. Lotta lot to do. Gonna try to do a build page.

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Very cool truck, I'll bet it was a heck of a workhorse in its day.

Re: Usaf 5500
 

Hood/cab/dash looks a lot like my 69 C80. One cool truck.