M2A1 Halftrack restoration-- dialup beware

[alpaca andy]

Ok, track 101

There is metal inside the tracks, they are encased in rubber. There are also cables that run the length of the tracks


This pic shows the rubber deteriorating but you can see the metal that runs across where the sprocket gear engages

Attachment 52719


Here is a cross pic of the track, you can see the cross bar with holes and if you look at the rubber track you can also see holes where the cables run thru. The weird U shaped bracket is what keeps the track running true, the sprockets and the bogie wheels have channels that that bracket runs between.

Attachment 52720

[Claven2]

That makes sense I wonder if the Israelis made the metal bits from new, or if they re-used the metal from worn-out tracks and re-moulded them? I can see that if someone DID buy the mould, there's a fair bit of metal manufacturing or salvage that would be required in addition to moulding rubber.

[alpaca andy]

everything was new, they guy who made the tracks outsourced the metal parts to other Israeli company's

That makes sense I wonder if the Israelis made the metal bits from new, or if they re-used the metal from worn-out tracks and re-moulded them? I can see that if someone DID buy the mould, there's a fair bit of metal manufacturing or salvage that would be required in addition to moulding rubber.

[Cwcoolcow]

That looks awesome! How hard were they to put on? Did you do it alone or have an assistant help out? This is a great thread!

[Peter Laidler]

Is there any mileage (if you'll excuse the pun.....) in just bolting track shoes onto the steel tracks as we did with our 432's and Centurions et-al when used on the roads. A set of track pads - we called them hush puppies - would work out far cheaper than a track set

[alpaca andy]

A bobcat to get them beside the the halftrack and a small wife to help me install

That looks awesome! How hard were they to put on? Did you do it alone or have an assistant help out? This is a great thread!

---------- Post added at 09:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:28 AM ----------

There are reports made during war that states 2500 miles on paved roads, so more if your off road. Also there are questions to the Israelis using better rubber than was avail in ww2 so maybe even more mileage. In theory 2500 miles is alot more than i think she will see

Is there any mileage (if you'll excuse the pun.....) in just bolting track shoes onto the steel tracks as we did with our 432's and Centurions et-al when used on the roads. A set of track pads - we called them hush puppies - would work out far cheaper than a track set

[Claven2]

Ya, 2500 miles (about 4023km) is probably more than most restorers would put on that halftrack

[alpaca andy]

And finally the other side is done. This time I did it myself without asking the wife to help.
Now its taking to take proper shape of a halftrack. I believe im over the hill and now everything is coasting. Good days ahead I hope
Next week is steering and alignment and driveshaft

[Claven2]

Looking awesome Andy! Is the drivetrain all hooked up such that it drives under its own power yet? Looks like it mostly should...

[alpaca andy]

Almost. Should have steering hooked up soon and will get on new ujoints on driveshaft by end of week. No seats or floor but should be able to move her around under her own power. Vids will be coming of that

Looking awesome Andy! Is the drivetrain all hooked up such that it drives under its own power yet? Looks like it mostly should...