M2A1 Halftrack restoration-- dialup beware

Well I hope you enjoy looking at the progress of my halftrack restoration as I am building it.
Im trying not to replace every part but when you get in this deep its hard not too. every part is either reconditioned or replaced. Its like restoring an old car, but to remove and install some body parts etc a hoist/bobcat with forks is needed :D

Info:
History
This started life as an M4A1 81mm Mortar carrier in 1943, Built by White motors. This is the winch model. After the war is was surplussed and converted to the civilian market. The rear floor/armor was removed, and it was heavily modified with I beams. I believe it was used as a hydro truck carrying wire through the bush. In the 80s it was bought out of the US by a excavating company in Brantford Ont. I don't believe they used it for work. They eventually sold it to a fellow in Brooklyn Ontario who rented it out for work (I understand a movie in Montreal shot around 84ish called "day one" about the atomic bomb in WW2. In 1987 it was rented out for a tv show called Captain Power shot in a gravel pit in Brampton. It was used in a few episodes, one where they blew it up (i will include the clip)
It again transferred hands in the early 2000s to a fellow in Cornwall Ontario with the intention of restoring it. Alas it sat and not much was done other than pull the drive-train. Fast forward to Dec 2010. I found it on Kijiji, where it was for sale for some time. I contacted the owner but they didn't seem interested in selling. They eventually told me the sale was on hold. May of 2011 I got an email out of the blue asking if i was still interested. I made a deposit immediately without seeing it in person (it isn't easy finding something this big and cool in Canada) It came with NOS engine in a crate that was sealed in 1962 and never opens since. I was the first to open it. It was a complete power-pack from clutch/pressure plate to carb to oil pan. It was a complete drop in. It even included a new fan and fan belts

Once I got it home:
I had a local towing company pick her up on a flatbed. After calculating the weight It just was in limits of his truck.

I didn't touch it for awhile, sat in my shop and I did research all summer. During that summer I did locate NOS tracks that came out of Israel. They were made in 1994 (stamped on them) There military were still using half-track into the late 80s, and had bought the equipment to make the tracks. I understand the fellow who owns the molds will still make them for a minimum order.

I started to strip her down in the fall of 2011. I had to purchase a plasma cutter as there was way to much to cut off with torches.
Since last summer I also started collecting the parts I would need. Turns out there is still alot of NOS stuff out there, still wrapped in cosmoline. I'd say 70% of what I can get is NOS parts, with the rest being reproduction.

As i'm sure Claven2 is already thinking, enough talk more pictures ;)


Here is a picture from Southern Parts in the US. They surplussed off alot of military parts/vehicles. Look closely at the doors! This was shoot circa 1970

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...lene0001-1.jpg

and now mine
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10029-1.jpg
Not the same halftrack, but the doors did come from that one!



May 27 2011
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10003-1.jpg

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Dec 2011
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Jan 2012
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Mar 2012
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10099-1.jpg

May 2012
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June 2012
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July 2012
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Aug 2012
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Sept 2012
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Oct 2012

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10182-1.jpg


Here is a link to the Captain Power clip


More to come!!

That looks like it is coming along pretty well. I love half tracks,but it looks like you need alot of heavy machinery just to work on it.
Good luck with the rest of the build. I can't wait to see that Bad Boy in full dress!!

Alpaca, I take my hat off to you. Incredible feat from what it was. We had them in the British Army until about 1968 when they were replaced by the 432 (a version of the M113) with a HIAB crane fitted). Ours had a jib that fitted to the front bumper and folded back over the screen and raised rear cabin space. I'd like to read it as a story in booklet form. I recon that if, when you've finished the project, that if you wrote the story, with pics etc etc as a paperback book, then everywhere you had it on show or where people could see it, they'd all be asking zillions of questions. Then, in a kindly way, just show them the book.

That's a real pleasure to see. Keep us all informed........... Forumers, if you want to see more, just add your thanks to his thread.

Andy,

When you have a chance, you should post the before and after pics of the drum brakes and differential you posted elsewhere on the net. That's top notch work you should be proud of :)

Some before and after shots


https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10113-1.jpg

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Do many of these still exist in the US/Canada Alpaca? Are there many restored? Are they derelict/scrap? Are many of the parts such as running gear - brake shoes, bearings seals etc etc still current? See there's zillions of questions....... put me down for that paperback book when you publish it.

A fellow local to me had an ex Greek Army 4 wheel version of yours that had been cut in half as a condition of sale/disposal being a lend lease vehicle. He got it in two halves but farmed the restoration work out! His had been in the sun and was well maintained (? well....., as well as they do maintain their kit.....) so it was good bodily and mechanically. He also said that most of them were not sold due to the strict conditions placed on the sale by the US Govt so they were stripped of the wheels and tyres and placed on the sea bed close to some of the islands to form a reef/barrier to prevent more erosion of the holiday resort beaches. Someone else here has a Sherman Firefly - got from Portugal

Excellent pics of an awsome resto job, looking forward to seeing the finished living history piece. Are you going to "test" it once in a while? Take it thru the crap that little "toy" Blazer/Jimmy that shares the shop space can only dream about? lol
cheers, Jim

There are not many in the hands of collectors in Canada. I'd say a handful. Parts are abundant as armys were still using these upto 80s and maybe still. Southern Parts in Tennessee is gone, Gary Hebring in NJ bought out all the remaining parts from them. Southern Parts sold all kinds of military equipment from vehicles to small items. They advertised that they would build a vehicle to suit your needs. Many half-tracks were converted to the logging, hydro,drilling business by Southern. This is one of their conversions.

The wheeled version of the halftrack is the m3 scoutcar. Not much interchanges body wise even though they look the same

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

Do many of these still exist in the US/Canada Alpaca? Are there many restored? Are they derelict/scrap? Are many of the parts such as running gear - brake shoes, bearings seals etc etc still current? See there's zillions of questions....... put me down for that paperback book when you publish it.

A fellow local to me had an ex Greek Army 4 wheel version of yours that had been cut in half as a condition of sale/disposal being a lend lease vehicle. He got it in two halves but farmed the restoration work out! His had been in the sun and was well maintained (? well....., as well as they do maintain their kit.....) so it was good bodily and mechanically. He also said that most of them were not sold due to the strict conditions placed on the sale by the US Govt so they were stripped of the wheels and tyres and placed on the sea bed close to some of the islands to form a reef/barrier to prevent more erosion of the holiday resort beaches. Someone else here has a Sherman Firefly - got from Portugal

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---------- Post added at 10:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:36 AM ----------

oops I forgot to add the video, have to figure how to load it,, but in the mean time here is some upper halftrack eye candy I'm working on

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10186-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10187-1.jpg

Looking great :) For those who don't know, that started as an M3 and Andy is in the process of converting it to resemble an M2HB. For whatever reason, dewat M3's are easier to come by here in Canada.

Andy, that is some impressive work that you have done on this old girl. Congratulations of a wonderful job so far! :super:

Haaa, actually all i'll say is it is already insured, and yes the insurance company knows exactly what it is

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blazer91

Excellent pics of an awsome resto job, looking forward to seeing the finished living history piece. Are you going to "test" it once in a while? Take it thru the crap that little "toy" Blazer/Jimmy that shares the shop space can only dream about? lol
cheers, Jim

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Of course the cost at the pump is no laughing matter!

It just shows the results of determined good work,the only way to do is properly. Cheers Ross

I think this is an outstanding effort, and job! I look forward to more!!! Thanks for sharing!

I'm jonesing for an update!

Would you consider publishing a paperback book about the vehicle and the project Alpaca?

Haaa, that would take almost the same amount of time it is building it, although I am taking high quality pics as i go.

As i have restored many vehicle for not only myself but customers this is a natural move up for me. I do 90% of the work myself, and farm out only what i cant do.

I just got in a left side pivot shaft assembly as the one that was on was cocked in, causing the rear sprocket to tilt the track and not run true to the front sprocket wheel.

Next is replacement front and rear sprockets for the tracks as mine are missing chucks in them here and there. Not sure if it happen in combat or all the years after. Also found a replacement front winch to stick in that big hole behind the front bumper, which i have located.

On a gun note, my browning M2 top cover came in today

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10096-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10120-1.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

Would you consider publishing a paperback book about the vehicle and the project Alpaca?

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I think that sprocket could be made serviceable by a good tig man - it would depend on the cost of the replacement part ;)

if memory serves me it was 500 for all 4 in bolt on condition. Also, between the sprockets there are wear guides for the tracks. They are all gone and I would need to weld in new guides. Way too much work lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Claven2

I think that sprocket could be made serviceable by a good tig man - it would depend on the cost of the replacement part ;)

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Is it time for another update Andy?

Nothing new yet, sorry. Parts are still arriving and this week all my drive/idler sprockets for the tracks should be here along with a winch. These winches that are on the halftracks are specific to it, and not easy to find. I did find one in NJ from a dealer, but 3000+ was a bit steep. I found one in California for 1200 along with the other big stuff i needed. The rear armor is still on order, but no due date.

Andy

Out of curiosity, what is a complete and restored M2A1 worth?

Not enough lol.
Ill have 50 k into it, but it will be fully rebuilt new.
They usually go for 20k in average needing work, 50ks in fully restored.
Armor values is continuing to climb though

Out of curiosity, what is a complete and restored M2A1 worth?

I wonder if there will be any interest in renting it by the film companies once you are done? There cannot be many around in as-issued WW2 condition.

Renting to film companies is a real joke. I can only speak for the UK but I have a mint and when I say mint, I don't mean a load of filler covered with a quick blow job from an aerosol can either, 1969 ex Liverpool Police Mini Cooper S. There is a quaint Sunday evening programme called 'Heartbeat', about a 1960's Yorkshire village that is all about the nostalgia of the era and a small village police station in the Yorkshire dales. They asked me a couple of years ago if they could hire/borrow it for the programme. Disregarding all of the pious words of care etc etc, they wanted me to deliver it and collect it, a round trip[ of 360 miles, a week later at MY expense and the daily hire fee was, if I remember right, about £23 a day! I declined and they came back and said that there were plenty of others who would loan their care for free, for the publicity. I ask you

DON'T LET THEM HAVE IT ALPACA. Print and sell the books instead!

Yes it is painted green. No it is not indestructable. These are collector vehicles that are 70 yrs old.

Allright, I think I speak for everyone here when I say we need an update!!!

Here, here............

Now that's cool. I look forward to seeing more pics.

Wonderful work on the rig. You truly have talent and dedication.

Great job.You need of a video of the first drive.

Sorry all, I have been a tad busy. Turns out I have a whole big italian family I never knew I had. Im adopted and a birth sister found me. Turns out my birth parents married and went on to have 5 other kids lol, and everyone is still together. At 44 it was alot to get use too,

Quick update, Replacement sprockets and a winch came in around xmas. Rear armor, the last of the 8 boogie wheels, complete wiring, and pulpit armor soon.

Im hoping to get back on it full time (in between Italian lessons lol)

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10188-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10189-1.jpg

Congratulations on the life news! Now, get cracking on the halftrack. You're letting down all your internet friends. (Actually, take as much time on your affairs as you need. We are all spectators.)

Hey Andy, about time for an update yet???

Been awhile. As of late I have been swamped in the shop working on customers cars, but have started back on her. I installed the rear pivot shaft and test fitted the sprockets to check alignment as the original setup was off alot. It looks right on so i hope the old pivot shaft was the original issue
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10190-1.jpg

And today the last huge shipment came in. There will still be small stuff but the major stuff is all here now. What came in?? rear armor, pulpit armor (ma duce area) last of the boogie wheels, wiring, NOS brass dash plaques, headlight assembly's, gas tanks and covers, NOS seats, dash switches, tommy gun bracket ( i bought one of those metal bb gun tommys from princess auto when they were on sale and boy its really close to the real thing), armor nuts (500) and other stuff that has slipped my mind. So its all down hill now mostly. The 50 bmg is almost finished too! but i dont think i have any pics of it as of now.

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GREAT news. A truly worthwhile project and pretty well all done by yourself, in house too! And don't forghet the small booklet afterwards!

Looking good andy, though those sprokets and pivot shaft could use a dab of paint! :) If you haven't already checked it, check the parallelism between the two track sets. In theory, over time, that being out could have caused the old pivot shaft to deform to where you found it.

By the way, I found this photo on the net of an M2A1 (recently sold for $30K stateside) that shows it equipped with the pulpet armor.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...SC009031-1.jpg

I'm curious though, your cab clearly had a solid roof. When the pulpet armor is in place, is the roof modified to be open top, or does the gunner stand in the back of the halftrack, behind the cab?

We had these lend-lease half-tracks in the British Army as REME light recovery vehicles with an overhead crane until about 1970 or so. Very versatile but replace by the AFV 434 a derivative of the 432 or your equivalent of the M113. Disposal was quite troublesome because being lend lease, they had to be 'returned' to the US Government. They weren't of course but they did lay down strict rules about whom could bid/buy them at auction.

In Germany, the UK leased Diamond T's and half-tracks, DUKWs etc etc were taken by rail to Weisbaden for disposal by the US Military

I think the pulpit requires the roof to be left off.
Chris

Damn that is cool as hell :thup::thup:

So today got the rear pivots attached and painted, rear trailer hitch and mounts for the rear steps. Started to play with wiring, not going to be fun. Next week its the front and rear sprockets to be blasted and painted and mounted. Finished up the brakes, had a few small leaks but i hope no more. Lotsa lil stuff i need to blast and paint to mount. Next week also is rad install.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10196-1.jpg

Things have been progressing. Started to strip the rear bogie wheels. I have 3 differant part numbers of bearings and all come up empty. At this point i was hoping to replace all the bearings in bogies and upper rollers, need 20. Got Rad dropped in, boy you would think there would be alot of clearance but no. Lucky I have a great wife who will help.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10197-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10198-1.jpg

Your going to have the BEST toy on the block!! Oh, you'll definitely be on a watch list too..:(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alpaca andy

Things have been progressing. Started to strip the rear bogie wheels. I have 3 differant part numbers of bearings and all come up empty. At this point i was hoping to replace all the bearings in bogies and upper rollers, need 20. Got Rad dropped in, boy you would think there would be alot of clearance but no. Lucky I have a great wife who will help.

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Are you saying you can't find the correct new bearings? have you got the dimensions you need? I wouldn't be surprised if they are off the shelf parts (At least in the 40s) and can still be bought all be it with a modern part number.

And don't forget Andy that you dont always NEED new bearings, especially for things like rollers where the only real mechanical 'load' as such is the weight of the track. Without telling you or anyone how to suck eggs of course, but wired together as matched sets sloshed in a good wash/degrease tank followed by a close inspection on a light glass and a magnifier should identify those that have broken down/spalled. I wish I was there doing that half track with you.........

I only live a few hours away in Ottawa - I really must get down to see first hand at some point ;)

I have found a few sources for bearings, but at 80+ from napa etc each ebay is looking pretty good. Have found them there that are same manufacture as ones that came out. So far 15-20 each. I got 4 of the hubs blasted, por 15'd and painted. Also started painting and installing armor. Long and tedious screwing all those bolts.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10199-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10200-1.jpg

Working on getting more armor installed. Aligning is a huge pain, and at this point most of the armor has to be lifted in place with a hoist

Spending alot of time on armor. Got the rear armor on, also the track armor. Im going to start on painting the rest of the armor and install. Im still abit worried about 70 years of bent/sagging armor/brackets but so far have been able to align with not to much effort

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https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10201-1.jpg

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Coming along quite nicely. I really enjoy your updates.

Brilliant and I echo Bills enthusiasm following your updates

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Looking good Andy! What are the hollow boxes in back? Fuel tank armor?

The boxes behind the doors are storage compartments accessible from both outside and inside. All M2s had them, M3s didnt hence more seating for troops. M2s were artillery movers, m3s were more troop oriented. I had a setback, as i bolted up rear armor, parts didnt want to bolt up. Some of the original armor i knew was a bit off, but figured it would pull in once i started to bolt new armor on, i was wrong. So I am waiting from some replacement armor and angle brackets at the front of the track area. I did purchase all the bearings NOS + 2 extra for the bogie and upper rollers. Just over $300 Canadian for 22. Not bad considering list price on the only ones avail was $95 each, and not stocked anywhere lol

Glad you got the bearing issue sorted, should let you mount the track assemblies. Odd that the original armour needs to be replaced for repro parts? If anything, I'd have thought the original stuff would be more accurately made to drawing than modern repro stuff. In what way is it "out"?

How does the steering work on vehicles like this?

The V-shaped tracks provide a small bearing surface for the tracks, which I believe allows the vehicle to be steered using conventional rack and pinion front wheels. The front wheels could be locked like in a modern 4X4 to improve offroad performance.

Just seen a short 'Pathe News' of some British Army half tracks in 1950/early 60's post war Rhine Army. Also shows a mixture of Dingo's and Ferrets. I'll get son to do what you have to do to link forum up with it.

Good question War Pig. We had them until the late 60's but never gave steering one any thought. Incidentally, I took my tracked vehicle driving licence test on a half-track in 1967

Here's a question Alpaca....... What colours are you going to finish it in? Canadian Army wartime, Peacetime, US Army? Canadian Army post war Germany would look good. It's like the zillions of Jeeps in England........ All or certainly 99.99999% are all US marked when it is said that 90% of them are demobbed ex UK Military jeeps

I vote for Canadian Army wartime. It's in Canada, and with a name like Collene, it was probably sold out of Canadian service. Maybe the 22nd "vandoo" regiment given the french-Canadian name.

Sorry guys been busy with life.
All the bearings i need came in. I have stripped , blasted and painted the bogie wheel hubs. Working on rear idler sprockets. One is painted and installed, other I have to drill and tap a stud or 2. I was into the machine shop yesterday and they were working on the rear crab assembly trying to press out the pivot shaft. That part is the first to be installed before the bogie wheels. I will post pictures next week when it looks like I have done something. Spending alot of time on her, but doesn't feel like im getting far.

Steering, tracks turn equally, steering is done with non power steering box at front wheels, just like a regular pre 70s automobile.

Paint, well when it comes to US armor, lots of choices as long as you like green. There are basically 2 greens, 1940-43 and 44-45. I went for the 44-45

The Canadians used m5s and m9s. They look the same but are welded armor (and more rounded in rear, with a door at back) not bolted armor like US, and fenders are different. Different manufacturers.

At this time I have confirmed my Italian heritage, as last summer my birth family found me, and boy i have alot. My mother and father married after giving me up and went on to have 4 girls and another boy, great thing is now i have a huge stockpile of body parts locally if i need any parts lol

So im doing the African-Italy campaign. The family was still there until the late 50s

Andy

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When you see it in its stripped down form, you can appreciate how short the gearbox to drixe axle is AND how safe it is, out of harms way. GREAT work Andy. Now that you've found that extended family, get one of them to work on formulating that book..........

Incidentally, any problems using such a track laying vehicle on the road in Canada?

Currently there are some that are road registered in canada,, alot more in other countries. Problem is there are only a handful of halftracks in private and museums within canada. Since the tracks are like a giant elastic band they will not damage any surface

On another note was at macine shop and they got the rear crabs apart with no damage. Should have them back next week

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

When you see it in its stripped down form, you can appreciate how short the gearbox to drixe axle is AND how safe it is, out of harms way. GREAT work Andy. Now that you've found that extended family, get one of them to work on formulating that book..........

Incidentally, any problems using such a track laying vehicle on the road in Canada?

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Update time yet?

Here is what I had been waiting for from the machine shop. That is the crab assembly. That rusty pitted shaft had to be pressed out, and it didnt go easy. I had NOS shafts and bushings to go in, that was the easy part.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10218-1.jpg

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https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10219-1.jpg

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And this is the drive sprocket apart. Exactly like a tank drive sprocket. They wear at the front of the tooth, and they can be reversed after too much wear. The ones that came with my halftrack are perfect on one side so i will use these sprockets I got out of Ca;California with my rings

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10221-1.jpg

Still looking great! Will a track go on soon?

Just one quick question Andy. Apart from the siezed in bushes and bearings that you have to press out, was there any problem with the nuts and bolts part of the strip-down. They all seem to look OK where shown and you're certainly using a good proportion again. Great progress and not far to go now..........

I hope to start installing the tracks in the next few weeks

Most nuts and bolts/studs were fine, but some had torch marks from previous owners that im sure would work fine but looked like crap, so i got new ones of same style to replace

By the way, have you done anything with the old winch yet?

Sorry guys been a while. Farm and shop work has kept me busy. Since the cold weather has returned I have put the burner on to finish up prep and paint of as many parts as i can. Pics soon. Also waiting on another parts shipment with more suspension stuff.
BTW Claven, I did send then resend pics of the gas tanks test fit. As usual it wasnt a easy go, hole on drain at bottom was of on both by 1/4 inch lol, so out with the plasma cutter to open up the hole on the track armor where the drain hole drains from. Then grinding, repriming and repaint the painted area lol

Andy

Yeah, I did see the photos of the tanks in-situe, I got the pics late though - was out of town. I believe you went with the repro tanks from NJ, right? I hear they are good, but some complain they are off a little. If you got them to work for you, they should give great service :)

Ya i found the drain holes off about 1/4 inch.

I should be getting my last skid of stuff for this year this week. That should finish off the bogie suspension and rest of body.
Bought a new battery and cranked the engine over. It turned slow but did turn. I need to hook an aftermarket oil gauge to the engine and I will try to fire it this week, fingers crossed

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Claven2

Yeah, I did see the photos of the tanks in-situe, I got the pics late though - was out of town. I believe you went with the repro tanks from NJ, right? I hear they are good, but some complain they are off a little. If you got them to work for you, they should give great service :)

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I suspect after the oil circulates in the engine a bit more, it should crank much easier. Looking forward to more PICS!!!

Sooooooo, heres the update,
Takes time to strip and paint stuff

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10222-1.jpg

Pulpit parts and armor stripped and painted
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10223-1.jpg

Gas tanks test fitted
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10224-1.jpg


And all the rear bogie and suspension finished, and after almost 2 years sitting on axle stands. All 16 wheels on the ground again. Time to move her as when i took everything apart it was a good place to have her, 2 years later I have found out it was not lol
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10225-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10226-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10228-1.jpg

I got the gun ring in so now I have everything to mount the .50 :D

Andrew

It's beginning to look a lot like a half track!

Bob

I live on the other side of Simcoe hope to see this machine around the neighbourhood someday. Incredible!

Let the gun porn begin.
This is the pulpit assembly test fitting

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10230-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10231-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10229-1.jpg

Looking great! Have you got enough of the cab armor mounted to affix the pulpit yet?

Not yet. I still need to get the rear armor and cab armor mated, which will be a chore. Today I got the front wheels on and she finally rolled from her resting spot of almost 2 years where it was sitting on axle stands

Sweet, but show pics or it never happened. ;)

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10233-1.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Claven2

Sweet, but show pics or it never happened. ;)

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Looking great!

Yep....., lookin' great. This thread is the first one I flick on to when I switch my computer on. Your work standards are a sight to behold Alpaca.

Ive been kinda bad, haven't got too much done. Winch was finally painted and installed and now I'm on armor fitment. I'm slowly getting the armor to line up. I assumed the frame was pretty straight, but obviously I was wrong, so I have to shim here, move there etc. I have the upper perimeter rail on so its helping a bit

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10234-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10235-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10238-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...m2a10240-1.jpg

What's that old nail in the background Andy....., the red thinggy?

The vette? Its the wifes 75 stingray. Built it for her as a wedding present. Didn't get married that year but I gave it too her anyway. We got married the next, so i bought her a shotgun 8)

As they say on facebook..... Chris Likes this!

bump for an update?

I have been on other projects but im still fiddling with frame/body alignment. So far things are starting to square up, ran into some issues with some new parts not fitting. So right now it doesn't look like I have done much 8(
Im still hoping to get the cab/rear body done and maybe pulpit on b4 xmas

VERY VERY VERY NICE,
EXCELLENT JOB !!!!!!!
Chuck

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?

Quote:

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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?