M2A1 Halftrack restoration-- dialup beware

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Everyone who sees your half track in the next 25 years WILL ask you a question about it. And your answer will be '.......here's a little booklet that answers every question you're going to ever ask'. That's ANOTHER sold!

If you carry a stash of these books in the stowage bins, and hang out your shingle at every show and rally you attend, you could move quite a few. Not just to potential fellow restorers, but to general military vehicle buffs and, most importantly to restorers of ANY "interesting" machinery. The methodical processes that you have followed AND documented apply to pretty much any vehicle restoration.

A year or so ago, I picked up a book on how to rebuild "vintage" Bridgeport milling machines. Such a subject may seem a bit esoteric and some may wonder how many copies THAT book shifted. Despite the fact that I don't own a Bridgeport, (yet), I now know a LOT more about some of the pitfalls in buying a "pre-loved" machine AND how to bring one back from the grave, as it were.

Take a deep breath (sans paint and exhaust fumes) and go for it!

[alpaca andy]

Sorry for the delayed post, been under the weather lately. I have been looking into a restoration type book. In the last few weeks I have been able to acquire the last 2 1919s to complete the halftrack. So 1 ma duce, 3 1919s and a tommy gun. So now just one more jerry can. I have still been contemplating a name for it. The wife said I have to name it a girl. I already knew where this was going, any other name than hers i will get "and whos that a mistress or old girlfriend?" I told her I already have a kelly and i dont want another one. I have been telling her i'll call it "dragon lady" but she thinks im referring to her (born in hong kong) LOL
Still working out bugs, last few days has been track adjustments. The track hasnt been running true on the rear sprockets. There is a turnbuckle that give toe in and out on them.

[Peter Laidler]

I've got an idea already Andy! Collene. That was on it, in derelict condition the day you bought it and that very picture will be the first in the book. And you won't upset anyone either. Ain't my sort of choice but when its original as it gets...............

And what have I done to deserve this twitter and facebook crap in the bottom of my avtar square?

[Vincent]

And what have I done to deserve this twitter and facebook crap in the bottom of my avtar square?

You should be able get rid of them by editing your profile. Click on "Settings" at the top right of the page. Then, under "My Settings" click on "Edit Profile." Delete the links you don't want.

[Badger]

And what have I done to deserve this twitter and facebook crap in the bottom of my avtar square?

Peter ...

What you've done is you've put into the "field" where the username information would go for these various services, a bunch of text information that causes the site to think (and display) that you are using said services.

I've removed the text for you....

Regards,
Doug

[alpaca andy]

Andy, have yo ugot the canvas on the way to make her rain-resistant?

Not yet. When I bought the tracks 3 years ago from a dealer, i didnt know he had NOS canvas tops for 500 bucks. Of course now that i want one, he had sold out years ago. repro are around 2g. So ill use a crappy tire green tarp when needed, and talk to my upholstery guy about the cost to make one

---------- Post added at 06:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 PM ----------

I've got an idea already Andy! Collene. That was on it, in derelict condition the day you bought it and that very picture will be the first in the book. And you won't upset anyone either. Ain't my sort of choice but when its original as it gets...............

And what have I done to deserve this twitter and facebook crap in the bottom of my avtar square?

Actually DEBBIE was under COLLENE

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Are you looking for the "early" jerry-cans with the separate bottom piece and screw-type cap, or the later ones that were a closer copy of the German, (hence "Jerry" can), two-piece stamped body and quick-release cap?

My brother scored one of the "vintage" ones many years ago and I have seen very few others except in the hands of hard-core collectors.

The allied use of the "Jerry-can" started in the North African desert, as far as I can work out. Fuel for British forces was supplied in bulk, or in 4 gallon drums, colloquially referred to as "flimsies", for reasons that now seem obvious. "Liberated" Jerry-cans were a hot item and enthusiastically sought by anyone wanting to not irrigate the desert with precious fuel (or water). LRDG and SAS vehicles were usually adorned with a generous supply of them.

[Claven2]

By the way Andy - do you have the roof canvases, front and back? I'm thinking the cab cover has to be a priority...?

[Peter Laidler]

Hey Andy......, then Debbie it is! THEN get yourself a cracking little blonde called Debbie to boot. Then, when you mistakenly call out the name Debbie in your dreams, Mrs Andy will think that you're having man-thing sweet dreams about the half track.

[Vincent]

Actually DEBBIE was under COLLENE

Pictures????