Do any of you guys know about the use of diesel fuel to clean and polish tanks? I read a biography of George Patton’s son who was a tank unit commander during the Korean War. He was directed by higher-ups to clean up his tanks and wash them down with diesel fuel to shine them up for an inspection. ( He refused as they were all deployed and in emplacements) My question is how common was this practice?
That doesnt surprise me. Sometimes the stupidity never ceases to amaze.
Very rarely would we do that now. Modern Vehicles are painted with CARC paint, which is chemical agent resistant. Polishing them with diesel would ruin the paint properties.
However, sometimes we would armor-all our wheels and tarps. I used GP cleaner and a scub brush to get the painted areas done. If a really important dog and pony show is coming, the vehicles go to the paint shop.
I have seen brake fluid and mogas used to clean up the vehicles, but you can tell who did that when it rains.
We used diesel fuel to shine up parade/display tanks well into the 1980s, before Armor All was around. Diesel was also applied to the rubber portions of tires or road wheels. This wasn’t an everyday occurance, just when the vehicles needed to look good for the dog & pony shows.
Thanks guys, the whole episode that Patton jr. was referring to was in a combat zone so it really didn’t make any sense to me.
I guess it would seem that a vehicle model could actually be depicted as squeaky clean and shiny after all. (Blasphemy!)
Hello , I can relate to that ! In the Canadian Army , I have coated vehicles in diesel , used un-diluted engine shampoo, and have known of people to use hand cleaner , to give that " Parade Square Gloss" , to their vehicles. Plus we had to roll our personal kit with elastic bands , only to lay it out in the rain , when the empty " Tank Hangers" , were only 50 yards away.And today in the Canadian Forces, when we send people overseas , for most of them it is about how much money they will make. Imagine if they went to Iraq , where alot of brave Americans , have fought and died.
Frank
“PERSEVERANCE”
Not related to this subject, but I am posted in Wainwright Alberta, a " Battle School" , we have guys in Edmonton , that would rather " shoot themselves in the foot" , rather than get posted here , but yet they are good to go overseas , to make the " BIG COIN." I thought at one time " we were all soldiers" , but in some cases , I guess not.
Frank
“PERSEVERANCE”
You know, somethings never change. Ive layed out my personal gear a few times outside in the rain. had to make my soldiers do a few times too for being so “squared away” they need a little help.