Steve,
Here's a similar sort of story for you.
We have an old military jeep with a 24V electrical system.
It needs points, rotor, & condensor/capacitor for a tune-up.
These particular parts are available from any parts store,
as they are identical to civilian jeep units.
BUT you need a military-to-civilian cross-reference manual ($105.00) to know/find the correct civilan part numbers to walk into NAPA & get 'em, because auto parts stores do not have this info in their databases.
So, we've posted on FIVE Military Vehicle Forums asking for the civilian part numbers for these 3 simple pieces. In addition, we flogged their archives searching for previous posts seeking the same info.
ZILCH!
Why, you may ask...or like me, you thought "WTF?"
Because the Forum Owners ALSO sold Military Vehicle Parts, OR their main advertisers did, AND we the sheeple were meant to only buy from them...
even though the same nickle & dime parts are on the shelf down the street
at 1/3rd the cost. Can you say...
GOUGE?
I'll get these part #s from a fellow MV enthusiast who has the interchange manual when I see him next week, & then I'll post them for every one in every MV forum every chance I get from now on!!
