[GratefulCitizen]

Free America.


Had a delivery on Monday to a particular customer in Fredonia, Arizona.
Finally took the opportunity to get a picture of his "Arizona SUV".

He had it out recently for some event just across the border in Kanab, Utah.
(Wasn't there for the event, the owner recounted the story.)

The main .50 isn't real, but he had semi-auto only .30 MG replicas on the side mounts and a bunch of other WW2 rifles on display.
Firing mechanisms (and ammo) were removed so kids could work the bolts and play with the machine guns.

There were county buildings on one side and an elementary school on the other.
Parents weren't concerned about the guns and thought it was great.

The parents were more concerned about the kids damaging the vehicle.
The owner wasn't worried. (what are they going to do to a 20,000 lb truck covered in 1/4 inch steel?)


The vehicle is a 1943 White which never left the US.
It was used as a farm vehicle after the war and some of the armor was used for other purposes (cab redesign or something).

He was only able to salvage about half of the original armor plate for the back.
The rest, while correct in appearance, is mild steel.

There are two mounts for .30 MG in the back; there should be a third.
The tires and tracks show a lot of wear, but are fully functional and have plenty of life left (owner doesn't consider replacing them to be worth the money).

He found the truck sinking into a field in Kanab.
It had been sitting there, unmoved, for 20 years.

Recovery was simple.
Owner used a new battery and some gasoline.

Started it up and drove it out of the hole.
Guess it was built to last.