For his next mission

POST FALLS — Dave Coppom wants to rally the military vehicle enthusiast troops.

The Vietnam-era veteran, who has restored two Army rigs, is onto his next mission of forming a military vehicle restoration club in North Idaho.

“It’s testosterone heaven,” the Hayden man said of the hobby. “They’re a great winter project in Idaho.”

Coppom had such a ball restoring his 1954 M-37 Army truck and 1953 M-38 A1 Jeep that were in service when he served in the Army that he now wants to buddy up with others interested in the same hobby.

“Maybe they need help or encouragement to restore their vehicles,” he said. “Let’s get these vehicles out of garages and to events.

“I have found that in this area there is a lot of talk about who has military vehicles they are restoring or just have sitting around, but no organization whatsoever that can get these people together.”

Unlike most classic cars, military vehicle restoration is relatively inexpensive and the parts and supplies are easily accessible.

Coppom bought the truck for $7,000 and the Jeep for $4,000 from private owners. He has trailers for both. He spent about $2,000 restoring the truck and $1,500 the Jeep.

“These are pretty much the Chevrolets of the military,” he said. “A lot of them were made, they’re very durable, easy to work on and there are many suppliers.”

Coppom, who is retired after serving for 31 years with the Santa Clara Police Department in California, estimates he spent 2,000 hours in the past eight years restoring his vehicles.

Coppom uses his vehicles to give cadets from the Civil Air Patrol rides and shows them in local parades.

He said it would fun for a group to drive them to community events such as Veterans Day presentations at schools for youth and others to enjoy.

Coppom, who is involved with the Civil Air Patrol, said that group’s building at the airport could be a gathering spot if a new military vehicle club is formed.

Coppom said a neighbor helped him during his restoration projects, and he’d like to pass the torch to others itching to dive in or those who simply have an interest in getting started.

Coppom said the labor of love is especially rewarding when he sees fellow veterans’ eyes light up over the restored vehicles.

“Each vehicle is a piece of history,” Coppom said. “It’s honoring the people I served with.”

Calling military vehicle buffs

• Those interested in forming an informal local military vehicle restoration club should contact Dave Coppom at 699-6077 or [email protected].

A gathering will be held on March 29 at 7 p.m. at the Coeur d'Alene Airport for those interested. Call Coppom for directions and access.