M2A1 Halftrack restoration-- dialup beware

So the body is bolted/locktite from firewall back, and im fairly happy with alignment. Took alot of time and a few drill bits before getting the new holes drilled along the top of the windshield for the upper support rail. Also got the ammo locker doors on, one side it done, other needs some fidgeting. Last couple of days stripped, blasted and painted the windshield armor as i thought it best to put on before putting the pulpit armor on. Next, pulpit armor, and start wiring for engine.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10241-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10242-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10243-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10244-1.jpg

Looking great andy! How much shimming will you need to use between the armor and the frame?

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Originally Posted by Claven2

Looking great andy! How much shimming will you need to use between the armor and the frame?

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As much as 3/4 inch in places. Im surprised but should work out, only one spot, the battery tray floor has to be re-drilled and moved up, its curenty riveted to the frame. Part of the pass step bolts to it so it wont line up without mods

That does seem like a fair bit, but hen your frame is really old and may just have sagged or deformed over time. If you use good solid steel shims, it should be fine :)

And for the Christmas spirit,

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10246-1.jpg

Got the pulpit bolted down today and couldn't wait to get the ma deuce up there

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10247-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10248-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10250-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10251-1.jpg

Merry Christmas all,

Andrew

Looking great! I'm interested to know how the traverse works. Is the ring itself repro or original? Also, is/was there a platform for the gunner to stand on, or did they stand on the passenger seat?

Andy, you are a restoration maestro. Looking forwards to seeing/reading the whole story and pictures in print. Fantastic. Makes my day to see it progressing like that.

Now a small request......... You say that it's changed from an M2 to an M4 or vice verca......... what are the differences between not just those two but the others in the half-track game?

Awesome work just looking fantastic.

Excellent work Andy. I sold 2 M2A1s in 2007 along with a High Speed Tractor when we moved from WI. My halftracks sat for four years after I purchased them, then I sold them at our auction. Many of us dream of doing what you are doing, but you have actually done it. Great job!

Got a couple of photos of yours Old Grunt? Who's going to tell us what the differences between the different variants are, such as the M2 and the M4?