new to me Mule

M274 Mechanical Mule Wanted, For Sale (NO AUCTION or EBAY), and Knowledge Base
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txdodge43man
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new to me Mule

Post by txdodge43man » Thu Aug 28, 2014 7:08 am

Friend of mine and I were able to pick up a M27aA5 from a government action in CA back in May. It was short a few parts and a bad engine but we have got her taken apart and have tracked down almost everything we need except the rare parts like engine deck cover and seat frame. She will be USMC green again year of Manufacture 1968 and I forgot to get the serial number for who ever is doing the database on mules but here's the numbers that she came with USMC 325196 will post the SN later. My friends was sanding the deck and found some rebuild markings which ill post some pictures of later but for now here are a few pictures.
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photo 1.JPG
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1943 MB "Puddle Jumper II"
1943 MBT
1968 m274A5
1976 m151a2 "Kermit"
1968 M416
1943 WC-52 "Hope Renee"
1963 M762


old man
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by old man » Thu Aug 28, 2014 7:47 am

Welcome to the wonderful world of mules. looks like a nice project mule. Seeing as you have some major work to do on her, it would be a good idea to open up the sub assemblies as you go, seals, o-ring, bearings. I found that it is best to do replacement as you go, they have all kinds of issues after sitting for sometime.
I don't know what you have for a parts supplier out there, John Emery of emerymule supply is a good source for the parts, and he has a wealth of knowledge also. there are some real what we call guru's here on the board. If you run into problems don't be afraid to post some photos and ask questions.
Chuck is the one that has the data base, He is number one if my book for knowledge of the mules, and working through problems.
enjoy your project.
Old Man

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txdodge43man
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by txdodge43man » Thu Aug 28, 2014 8:39 am

We have already rebuilt the two front drop axles the driver side had broken gears the passenger was good just replaces seals and gaskets. starting on the rear axles this week. So far the transmission is looking good no metal in the oil and shifts through all the gear just fine will know more once we put the new engine in. Have been on the phone with John Emery many time great guy we have been buying all the parts so far from him.
Last edited by txdodge43man on Thu Aug 28, 2014 12:34 pm, edited 2 times in total.
1943 MB "Puddle Jumper II"
1943 MBT
1968 m274A5
1976 m151a2 "Kermit"
1968 M416
1943 WC-52 "Hope Renee"
1963 M762

Chuck W.
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by Chuck W. » Thu Aug 28, 2014 11:54 am

Nice looking mule, series 1 A5 built by Baifield in June, 1968. Serial number is probably in the 109** range. Can you check your data plate and see if it shows anything besides Baifield Corp, possibly Automatic Sprinkler Corp ? Thanks.

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txdodge43man
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by txdodge43man » Thu Aug 28, 2014 12:45 pm

OK call a buddy had him look at the data tag for me

S/N : 10902
MFG: Baifeild

I will get a pictures of the tag this weekend and some more pictures of the mule.
1943 MB "Puddle Jumper II"
1943 MBT
1968 m274A5
1976 m151a2 "Kermit"
1968 M416
1943 WC-52 "Hope Renee"
1963 M762

Auto Shop teacher
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by Auto Shop teacher » Thu Aug 28, 2014 5:09 pm

Is that the mule that was at the Barstow base?

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txdodge43man
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by txdodge43man » Tue Sep 02, 2014 3:58 am

Here are some pictures of the data tag and current progress. Started working on the engine on Sunday getting to that point where im ready to start laying down color once i install the motor and test run to check transmission.

Also while doing some sanding on the deck I cam across two decals under first layer of paint right in front of the drivers seat. as far as I can tell one reads

MCLB
Barstow California
Serial No. 05419
This unit has been pre-
served as indicated below

and the second one reads

MCLB
Barstow California
Serial No. ?0551
This unit has been inspected
and is in serviceable condition
??? ssu3

If anyone has better pictures of this kind of decal or can shed some light on the purpose or any info on the decal that would be great I plan to reproduce the decal put them back on the mule when its complete.
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mule1.JPG
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1943 MB "Puddle Jumper II"
1943 MBT
1968 m274A5
1976 m151a2 "Kermit"
1968 M416
1943 WC-52 "Hope Renee"
1963 M762

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Re: new to me Mule

Post by Auto Shop teacher » Tue Sep 02, 2014 6:05 pm

Wow, you don't mess around when you tear into your mule, sure looks naked without the deck on there. I'll bet getting those deck screws off was challenging.

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txdodge43man
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by txdodge43man » Mon Dec 01, 2014 11:10 am

here are a few update pictures got the engine built and installed and the frame is primed and ready for paint once we test run the engine.

What size battery are most people using on mules?
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mule14.JPG
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mule13.JPG
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1943 MB "Puddle Jumper II"
1943 MBT
1968 m274A5
1976 m151a2 "Kermit"
1968 M416
1943 WC-52 "Hope Renee"
1963 M762

old man
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by old man » Mon Dec 01, 2014 5:59 pm

Thanks for sharing the photos. it is always nice to see a mule coming together.
I noticed you started with a tan paint, are you going camo the mule, straight tan.
The mule I call the orphan is painted the same base color, I plan on doing a camo paint on it when (if I ever get her together). shops is shut down for the winter up here, just to darn cold for a few months.
keep posting as you get her together, I (we) sure enjoy seeing what a difference a little TLC can make.
Old Man

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txdodge43man
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by txdodge43man » Tue Dec 02, 2014 3:37 am

Thats actually grey primer not tan base coat. The mule was 4 color camo when I got it but it will go back to its original Vietnam solid green. After dooing some sanding on the deck it looks like there are only three coats of paint primer original OD and Camo paint.
1943 MB "Puddle Jumper II"
1943 MBT
1968 m274A5
1976 m151a2 "Kermit"
1968 M416
1943 WC-52 "Hope Renee"
1963 M762

progun3400
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by progun3400 » Sun Dec 07, 2014 7:48 am

Looking good. Looks like one heck of a nice shop too. 8)

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charles fitton
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by charles fitton » Mon Dec 08, 2014 3:22 am

About the battery...

I use the one from my 20 hp lawnmower...this keeps the battery fresh, and if I'm off with the mule - I ain't mowing lawns..
Bren Carriers
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crankshaft45
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by crankshaft45 » Mon Dec 08, 2014 6:00 am

I use a heavy full sized battery on my mule because I have a crane and winch to power.
82nd Airborne 1960-63

old man
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Re: new to me Mule

Post by old man » Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:38 am

It all depends on what your going to add to your mule. If your going to add lights, or any other power items to you mule then you should look at adding a larger battery...by that I'm not saying a big beast of a battery either. On one of my mules I'm using a small lawn tractor battery, there is no alternator on this unit. no lights. only used for starting. I use a battery tender on it this spring to make sure I had a full charge. I've started it and used it 30 40 times this summer and fall and it still pops right off. now that I have it pretty much stored for the winter I leave the battery tender on it, it keeps the battery topped off in this cold. If you remember the original mules didn't have electric start, just pull rope. Once it is started your not pulling any power. a small gel battery at wal mart is about 36.00, I've not had any problems using them.
I hope this is of some help
steve


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