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The M113 Green Dragon – The Toughest of Armored Cars

Armored cars have been an invaluable military vehicle in every war since the dawn of mechanized war in World War I.

Designed to deliver troops, weapons, and supplies safely under the protection of strong, bulletproof, and shellproof armor, these military vehicles are lifesavers and able to travel more quickly over various terrains due to their build being lighter than that of tanks.

Among all of the armored cars and troop carriers used by the U.S. Army, the M113 rises as a star in this class for its broad versatility and usefulness.  

What is the M113?

The M113 was the U.S. Army’s most widely used armored personnel carrier during the Vietnam War due to its many positive design features which made it so ideal for the jungle ground war that was fought there.

Aptly named the “Green Dragon” by the Viet Cong, the tracked M113 was nearly unstoppable driving through jungle thickets to uncover enemy troops hiding within them.

Yet it was the vehicle’s construction that made it so useful in comparison to all other armored vehicles, as the M113 could do things and go places that no other APC in its class could manage. 

What Made The M113 So Good?

Constructed from a new type of aluminum, the M113 had armor that was thick and protective enough to fend off the ground fire being used against it, while also being light enough to offer other advantages.

It could be transported by air, something that could not be done with heavier armored cars, and was semi-amphibious as well, making it possible to traverse the jungle swamps where no other wheeled or tracked military vehicle could go. 

A Design Model For Future Personnel Carriers

The design was so impressive and successful during the Vietnam War that the M113 became the base model for many forthcoming variant military vehicles developed by the U.S. military.

Today, many of these M113 variant armored personnel carriers are still in use by the U.S. Army and more than 50 other countries throughout the world.

Variants include models with gun shields, military vehicles equipped as nuclear missile carriers and field ambulances, added machine guns, and many more specialty features. 

Still In Use Today!

Still known as one of the best and most popular military vehicles to exist, the Green Dragon also called the One-One-Three, was due to be retired in 2018; however, due to the immense popularity and performance of this impressive military vehicle, the M113 lives on for use by the U.S. military troops of today.

It is a timeless vehicle that was ahead of its time back in the day and a successful design that continues to improve!

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Interested in Old Military Vehicles?

Whether you are a World War II history buff, a lover of old cars, or a military equipment enthusiast, there is something for you in the world of restored military vehicles.

Cars, Jeeps, tanks, and more, all carefully restored by hobbyists and historical organizations, tell the impressive stories of wars of the past, and the vehicles that our military used to defend America and her allies in various wars.

The Love of Restoring Military Vehicles

Military vehicle restoration is a labor of love. It can be a challenging and expensive task that involves countless hours of research, attention to detail, and sometimes even the custom fabrication of replacement parts that can no longer be found to complete these restorations.

It is a job that must be done by vehicle restorers who understand the importance of every detail, and how to retain the vehicle’s authenticity.

It is no wonder that those owning these finished pieces enjoy showing them off to military history enthusiasts and old car lovers like themselves.

Learn to Appreciate Our Freedom via Restored Military Vehicles

Yet there is so much more to know about these vehicles than just what they looked like.

History lovers young and old can learn more about the World Wars, Vietnam, and other US military actions, and the parts that our soldiers and equipment played in them, when visiting to see these restored military vehicles.

In gaining a clearer understanding of not just the conflicts, but also the men and women who fought in them and the equipment they used, the American public can gain a better appreciation for the freedom we have today and the might of our military forces.

See Real Working Military Tanks and Trucks at Living History Museums

At living history museums, their collection of expertly restored military vehicles is on display for all to enjoy.

Each vehicle, which has been painstakingly returned to its original condition by trained restorers, is running, fully functional, and available for to be seen up close and personal.

Every effort has been made to return these vehicles to their former glory and each is presented with a history of the role it played in the U.S. military.

There are utility vehicles, armored cars, artillery, helicopters, and much more.

Visitors can even climb inside a tank to see what it is like inside and what the battlefield would have been like back in the day.

Let's Add This Up

If you love restored World War I and World War II vehicles, Vietnam war vehicle restorations, and want to see them up close, or just want to learn more about U.S. military history in general, go visit a collection of restored military vehicles at a living history museum!

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Truck Bumpers And Accidents – Repair or Replace?

Truck bumpers today are not as tough as they used to be.

Back in the day, steel bumpers used to protect almost every type of truck.

These days, plastic bumpers are the norm with bumpers generally composed of a plastic cover over a reinforcement bar made of aluminum, steel, and fiberglass composite or plastic.

Bumper systems usually include a crash absorbing mechanism made of plastic honeycomb or foam material that is more commonly known as "egg crates."

Modern Bumpers Only Protect in Low-Speed Collisions

Bumpers are every motorist's first line of defense during low speed collisions.

Experts agree that most truck bumpers can effectively protect a truck from serious damage during crashes up to mph, which often involve parking lot crashes.

With the kind of materials truck bumpers these days are made of, it doesn't take a lot to damage them.

Thousands of low speed collisions happen every day in parking lots and heavy traffic areas accounting for up to 14 percent of truck bumper damage insurance claims in major metropolitan areas. 

Need to Repair A Damaged Truck Bumper

Damaged truck bumpers are not just unsightly; they can also significantly reduce a truck's resale value.

In addition, as long as a damaged truck bumper is not repaired or replaced, the front or rear end is no longer safely protected from almost every type of collisions.

Repairs can be done; however, you are still left with that plastic truck bumpers that didn't protect very well in the first place.

Replacement of Damaged Truck Bumper

A more logical choice rather than repairing a plastic bumper is to spend a bit more money and look at the cost of replacing that plastic bumper with a top quality steel bumper.

Take the money paid by insurance companies to repair a bumper and put it towards the cost of a replacement bumper that will actually protect both truck occupants and the important parts of a truck with a steel bumper.

Then if another accident should happen, you and the occupants of your truck will often be spared serious injury or even death.

The wise choice then is to replace your damaged truck bumper with a quality steel replacement bumper!

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How To Choose The Perfect Heavy Duty Bumper Your Truck Needs

While getting rid of the stock bumper on your truck, choosing the perfect bumper can be quite confusing if you are looking for one with more performance.

Specially, if you possess an off-road truck, strong, replacement bumpers that are durable and heavy duty are the one that you must choose.

Let's discuss how to choose the heavy duty bumper your truck needs.

Protective Bumper Coatings

One must always remember that the first defense for any replacement bumper is the coating because it protects the bumper from corrosion as well as impact.

There are several heavy duty bumpers available; powder coating is always recommended since its more durable.

Picking a bumper with the right kind of coating creates the difference between a bumper that succeeds the test of time and one whose paint crumbles after every drive.

Bumper Design

The appearance of the bumper is one more factor that one should be considered because it's a fact that no matter how tough the bumper is, you will not be satisfied if it does not complement the truck.

The design determines the performance when it comes to the protection level offered by the bumper.

For unhampered protection, bumpers with a grille guard are the best choice because they are large and heavy.

The bumper as well as the grill acts as a shield during impact, protecting the radiator that is behind it.

Bumper Material

Finally, let's talk about what kind of material is the best choice for a replacement bumper.

Heavy duty truck bumpers are customarily made from two different materials: steel plate and pipe bumpers.

Steel plate bumpers are the perfect choice for maximum protection although they can increase the weight of your truck.

Current makes and models of replacement bumpers can offer good protection along with saving weight, which is the ideal choice if front end weight is a concern.

Otherwise, choose replacement bumpers made of top quality steel to get the durability and appearance that you are really seeking for your truck!