San Diego Military Vehicle Preservation Association |
| |
|
Parade season is officially underway, and the weather has been on our side. If you have a family member or friend who can volunteer as a photographer at upcoming events, it would be a huge help, please let us know.
MVPASD is gaining real exposure, and it’s all thanks to your support and participation.
The July 4th Alpine Parade will be our first event where we represent MVPASD independently rather than joining another organization. We value our partnerships, but it’s exciting to finally get our own name out there.
Our youngest member, Dominic, now has two parades under his belt, a great start for the next generation of enthusiasts.
The MVPASD.org website continues to grow, and we’d love your feedback. Take a look and share your thoughts.
We Want Your Submissions
We’re actively seeking member contributions, thank you to everyone who has already sent in photos and articles.
Submission deadline: the 20th of each month
We’re looking for:
- Vehicle photos or current projects
- Military vehicles spotted locally
- Technical write‑ups and restoration progress
- Event recaps
- Ideas for events and recruitment
The new member handout cards! Please pass them out!
| |
Mount Soledad Memorial Service May 26, 2026
MVPASD was invited to support this year’s Memorial Service at Mount Soledad with a Vietnam era vehicle display and a unique shuttle experience for attendees.
Glen presented his impeccably restored M151A1 MUTT, while Greg transported guests in his M1161 Growler, giving visitors a rare chance to ride in authentic military hardware connected to the era being commemorated.
This year’s ceremony honored Corporal Patrick “Bob” Gallagher, a young man from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, Ireland, who crossed an ocean to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Gallagher gave his life during Operation Prairie in 1967, sacrificing himself for the Marines beside him. His story continues to resonate deeply, a reminder of the courage, loyalty, and brotherhood that define military service.
Mount Soledad stands as one of the most striking veterans memorials in the nation, with over 10,000 service members’ names engraved on its walls.
Against this powerful backdrop, MVPASD’s presence added a living, tangible connection to the vehicles and equipment used by those who served during the Vietnam War.
Events like this reinforce why MVPASD exists: to preserve history, honor those who served, and share these stories with the community in meaningful, hands‑on ways. Thanks Greg and Glen for volunteering!
Click here to watch Greg's Video.
| |
Upcoming Events and Possibilities.
Let us know if you're interested in attending!
| |
MVPA National Convention Fisherville, VA
June 19 to 21, 2026 is the 51st Annual MVPA Convention in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Central Virginia's Augusta County Expo Center More information click here to follow.
| |
Forth of July Parade Alpine California
July 4th, 2026 is the 250th birthday of our great nation!
Please let us know if your participating ASAP
| |
Pine Valley Days Parade, Pine Valley
Saturday July 25, 2026 9:00 AM in Pine Valley California. More details to follow.
| |
Broken Yolk Car Show Rancho San Diego
Saturday August 9, 2026 2963 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, CA 92019 from 8:00 am to 2 pm. This show charges a $25 fee to display.
| |
Christian Rods and Customs Car Show Spring Valley
Saturday August 29, 2026 9400 Campo Road, El Cajon, CA 92019 from 9:00 am to 2 pm.
| |
Military and First Responder Vehicle Show
Sunday October 4th, 2026 from 10 am to 3 pm at P2K Sports 2082 Willow Glen Drive El Cajon, CA 92019. Awards in 3 categories.
| |
San Diego Association of Car Clubs Meet Up Santee
Tuesday October 6th, 2026, 9630 Carlton Hills Blvd Santee CA 92071.
from 5 pm to 7 pm
| |
Membership Meet & Greet
Thursday November 5th, 2026 6:30 pm at P2K Sports 2082 Willow Glen Drive El Cajon, CA 92019. In the Classroom.
| |
Veterans Day Parade San Diego and USS Midway
Wednesday November 11, 2026 in San Diego. Save the date and more details to follow.
| |
Saint Patrick's Day Parade San Diego
Saturday March 13, 2027 Details to follow.
| |
Rancho San Diego Cars & Coffee (Monthly)
First Saturday of the Month from 8 to 10 am. 2502 Jamacha Road El Cajon 92019
Please let us know if you have other cars and coffees or Trucks and Tea or HMMWV and Hamburgers.
| |
Any events we missed?
Please let us know if there is additional events we can add to the list. Don't forget photos! We want them!
|
MVPASD’s First Cruise Night
MVPASD attended its first official cruise night, meeting at the La Mesa Lumber parking lot for a relaxed meet‑and‑greet before cruising down La Mesa Boulevard. The convoy drew plenty of attention. Cameras everywhere, smiles all along the sidewalks, and a crowd excited to see historic military vehicles rolling through.
A simple night out, but a great debut for the group.
|
La Mesa Flag Day Parade
MVPASD Rolls with the Legion
The La Mesa American Legion invited MVPASD to carry several of their veterans in the June 13th, 2026 Flag Day Parade.
It was another beautiful San Diego day, made even better by being surrounded by rolling military history. War Jeeps and HMMWVs convoyed through the route with a police escort, drawing waves, smiles, and plenty of thumbs‑ups from the crowd.
A meaningful event, a proud moment for the veterans onboard, and a great showing for MVPASD.
| |
MVPASD Membership
Our membership is easy and free! You need to be a National Member of the MVPA (Military Vehicle Preservation Association) Click here to join then select San Diego MVPA as your affiliate! Easy!
Display your profile Iconon MVPA with pride MVPASD number! Email us.
| | MVPASD youngest member Dominic! Our future! | |
Please submit your photos for upcoming Newsletters! Click Here
| | |
MILITARY VEHICLE (MV) WIRING AND CONNECTORS Part 4
Packard Connectors in MV Wire Harnesses
The previous newsletter covered the older Douglas connector system. This issue focuses on the newer Packard single‑wire connector system, which replaced Douglas connectors in later military vehicle wiring harnesses.
From Douglas to Packard
Douglas connectors used male pins on both wires, joined by a double‑ended female socket.
Packard connectors use a more conventional approach:
- One wire receives a female terminal (socket)
- The other receives a male terminal (pin)
- Each terminal is installed inside its own shell assembly
This system is more durable, easier to service, and became the standard on later MV electrical systems.
Assembling Packard Connectors
Follow these steps when joining two single wires:
- Identify the wire gauge (commonly 16, 14, or 12 AWG).
- Select the correct terminals and shells for that gauge.
- Wire with the female terminal (socket):
- Slide the male body shell and nylon sleeve onto the wire
- Strip the wire
- Crimp or solder the female terminal
- Slide the terminal and sleeve back into the shell
- Wire with the male terminal (pin):
- Slide the female body shell onto the wire
- Strip the wire
- Crimp or solder the male terminal
- Install the slotted “C” washer behind the pin
- Slide the female shell forward over the washer and pin
- Apply a thin film of dielectric grease to the male shell exterior and female shell interior to ease future disassembly.
Packard Connector Part Numbers
12 AWG
- MS27142‑1 — Female shell assembly (shell, slotted washer, male pin)
- MS27143‑1 — Male shell assembly (shell, flat washer, female socket)
14 AWG
- MS27142‑2 — Female shell assembly
- MS27144‑1 — Male shell assembly (includes nylon sleeve)
16 AWG
- MS27142‑3 — Female shell assembly
- MS27144‑2 — Male shell assembly
Terminal Pins (Shared Between Douglas and Packard)
The male pins are identical for both connector systems:
- MS27148‑1 — 12 AWG
- MS27148‑2 — 14 AWG
- MS27148‑3 — 16 AWG
This interchangeability simplifies repairs on mixed‑era wiring.
Using Douglas and Packard Together
Douglas and Packard connectors do not mate with each other.
When repairing older vehicles originally wired with Douglas connectors, replacement parts often arrive with Packard connectors already installed.
To integrate them, you may:
- Use a Douglas‑to‑Packard conversion lead, or
- Remove the Douglas connector and install a Packard connector to match the new component
Both methods are common in restoration and field maintenance.
Patric Vargas
1952 Dodge M37
SN 80030594
Production Date: June 1952
| |
Electric Power Steering Upgrade for the “Lizard”
The Praga M53/59 Lizard, a Czech armored anti‑aircraft gun truck, is powered by a Tatra 912‑2 air‑cooled diesel producing 110 horsepower. At roughly 18,000 pounds, steering this beast with its original manual setup is no small task. To make driving more manageable, we’re installing electric power steering.
Because the truck uses a positive‑ground electrical system, the upgrade required some creative engineering.
The steering column has been removed, a section cut out, and splined fittings welded in to integrate the new EPS unit.
The mount will tie into the under‑dash structure and the existing column bracket.
The system includes an electronic controller that will be isolated from the positive ground, along with a rheostat to adjust steering assist. When stationary, you can dial up the assist and turn the wheels with ease.
Look for updates as the project progresses. The full installation, including labor, should come in around $1,500.
| |
| How did you like this email? | | | | | | |
