+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 33

Thread: Daimler Ferret - ex Canadian Forces

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    Moderator
    (Milsurp Forums)


    Amatikulu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Last On
    12-30-2023 @ 05:23 PM
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    1,282
    Local Date
    10-31-2024
    Local Time
    06:03 PM

    Daimler Ferret - ex Canadian Forces

    In June of 2013 I thought I needed a project to fill up my spare time so I bought a Mark 1 Ferret that was ex Canadian Army from a guy here in the USAicon. My previous experience of vehicle restoration had been a 1956 Triumph Tiger T110 motorcycle, back in the 90's.

    I decided to start this restoration thread because it has been 15 months since it arrived at my home and I wanted to share some of the experiences with anyone else that is crazy enough to need a project to fill up their spare time

    Here's a picture of it taken at the previous owner's place.



    Well, to tell you all the truth, there's a lot more to vehicle restoration than I thought. I learnt that there are a lot more systems that can go wrong, so you cannot just change the oil and spark plugs, squirt a bit of easy start in the carb and then tear off round the street in a 4 ton vehicle.

    I learnt that you really have to tear it all down to ensure that the brakes are going to work, that the fuel tank is sound, that the tire rubber isn't perished etc. etc.

    I also learned that an armored vehicle has very heavy parts and I'm not as strong as I was before I turned 50! Try taking all four wheels off by yourself - that's a workout that the wife doesn't understand when you are complaining about just how sore some of your muscles are. She thinks your pulling a fast one to get off the home improvements list.

    Anyway, I would strongly recommend you get a partner to work with you if you are attempting a restoration - preferably one who's in great shape, strong as an ox, limber as a leopard and with small hands to get into those fiddly spots.

    Ok, for those of you who are laughing at my whining, the truth is that I have actually done quite a lot of work and have enjoyed nearly every minute of it.

    So what have I accomplished so far? Well, I have finally stripped the interior and removed the engine and gearbox.



    And what a good thing it was that I pulled the engine as here is a sample of the brake lines tucked under the rear bevel box where you could not see the damage



    To continue on a positive note I have met a lot of interesting folks that have helped me along the way on the various internet forums that have been very helpful with information.

    It can all be a bit overwhelming when you start by stripping one piece only to discover that you really need to go even further until eventually you discover that you are running out of space to store all the parts. I'm fortunate to live in sunny Florida so in my case the space problem was solved by moving the cars out of the double garage and parking them in the driveway - the Wife was understanding of this . She wasn't very understanding when I told her I needed to spend a large sum of money on a split unit air conditioner as my garage was unbearably hot in summer and my work output dropped :devil:



    SO some lessons learnt so far:

    Lesson 1 - there's no such thing as a simple restoration - it will end up being a complete restoration

    Lesson 2 - You need a partner as you are not as young as you used to be.

    Lesson 3 - Make sure you have a large enough working and storage place for your project - one that's usable all year round as time is precious.

    Here's some of the fun stuff - sifting through the dirt, slime and general filth that comes out from the hull. I took some pictures of the remnants found in the ferret - things that were jammed against all the working control rods adding to the friction !

    Nuts, bolts and washers -



    Ammunition and links



    Odd bits and pieces



    Coins



    And beer bottle tops!



    Here are some pictures of some sheet metal parts that I have had rebuilt. The first picture is of the indicators. My ferret came with the typical later militia modification using US lights "scabbed" on to original light towers. I have chosen to go back to the light tower indicators and rebuilt the originals.



    I took great pains to keep the section of plate that had the FV number on it :salute:



    The next picture is of rebuilt antenna bases. These had been cut up to fit a later US style antenna base, but as I'm restoring to a late 60's Larkspur era, I restored them to fit the correct type of Larkspur mounts ( You can source NOS Larkspur bases from Tim Vibert in Australiaicon).





    Thanks to Colin MacGregor Stevens booklet on "The Ferret Scout Car in Canadian Service" I have seen a picture of the pattern of camouflage used by the Ft Garry Horse while in West Germanyicon in the late 60's and as mine was one of the Ferrets sent by Canadaicon to West Germany, I am now seeking more information or colored photographs of what appears to be a four color pattern. Can anyone help with this?
    Information
    Warning: This is a relatively older thread
    This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.
    Last edited by Amatikulu; 10-20-2014 at 07:16 PM.


  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Contributing Member 25-5's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Last On
    Today @ 03:08 PM
    Location
    1945
    Posts
    233
    Real Name
    Geoff
    Local Date
    10-31-2024
    Local Time
    06:03 PM
    Really a nice project. I understand they are still in use. How's the driveway holding up? Grenade launchers are a nice touch. I could use it in Chicago.
    Oh, where's the bang bang thingy that goes on top?
    Enjoy it!
    "He which hath no stomach to this fight,/ Let him depart." Henry V

  4. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  5. #3
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Last On
    Today @ 06:59 PM
    Location
    Victoria BC
    Posts
    30,402
    Real Name
    Jim
    Local Date
    10-31-2024
    Local Time
    04:03 PM
    Still in use where?
    Regards, Jim

  6. #4
    Moderator
    (Milsurp Forums)


    Amatikulu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Last On
    12-30-2023 @ 05:23 PM
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    1,282
    Local Date
    10-31-2024
    Local Time
    06:03 PM
    Thread Starter
    Wiki answer as follows on current operators

    Ferret armoured car - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

    Have found a Inglis made bren which if Santa is kind I will be adding to the project.

  7. Thank You to Amatikulu For This Useful Post:


  8. #5
    Legacy Member Bruce_in_Oz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Last On
    10-27-2024 @ 12:07 AM
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    2,258
    Local Date
    11-01-2024
    Local Time
    09:03 AM
    Nice Ferret.

    Following the links a bit further leads to this:

    Canadian Tracked Jeep (Willys) | MilArt

    Anyone out there in forum-land have one in "the shed"?

  9. Thank You to Bruce_in_Oz For This Useful Post:


  10. #6
    Contributing Member muffett.2008's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Last On
    Today @ 04:33 AM
    Location
    Scone, NSW. Australia
    Posts
    2,186
    Real Name
    kevin muffett
    Local Date
    11-01-2024
    Local Time
    10:03 AM
    Nice project, my first 'A' vehicle licence was the ferret.

  11. #7
    Legacy Member CODFan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Last On
    09-10-2024 @ 12:28 PM
    Location
    Toronto
    Age
    55
    Posts
    282
    Real Name
    Michael
    Local Date
    10-31-2024
    Local Time
    07:03 PM
    The Labatt 50 cap made me chuckle.

  12. #8
    Advisory Panel
    Peter Laidler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Last On
    10-20-2024 @ 05:01 AM
    Location
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The home of MG Cars
    Posts
    16,569
    Real Name
    Peter Laidler
    Local Date
    11-01-2024
    Local Time
    12:03 AM
    There are loads of easy to fabricate fixtures and fittings on those little early turret-less Ferrets. Should be a relatively easy restoration job by doing partial restoration projects over a few years.

  13. Thank You to Peter Laidler For This Useful Post:


  14. #9
    Legacy Member harry mac's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Last On
    06-28-2024 @ 05:34 PM
    Location
    Norfolk, UK
    Posts
    471
    Local Date
    11-01-2024
    Local Time
    12:03 AM
    I can't believe you stripped out an A vehicle and didn't find the following 3 items:-
    1), from under the engine, a watch with a snapped leather strap.
    2), A "compo" can opener.
    3), A chinagraph pencil
    The best 6 months I spent in the army was crewed on Ferrets in Cyprus with the Scout Car Squadron of the UN peacekeeping force. As much beer and brandy as you could drink, and a medal for your trouble.

  15. The Following 3 Members Say Thank You to harry mac For This Useful Post:


  16. #10
    Advisory Panel
    Peter Laidler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Last On
    10-20-2024 @ 05:01 AM
    Location
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The home of MG Cars
    Posts
    16,569
    Real Name
    Peter Laidler
    Local Date
    11-01-2024
    Local Time
    12:03 AM
    Keep us up to date Amatikuluicon. Great little project. My friend has a Daimler Dingo that is 'problematical' at the best of times. Runs like a stuck pig - WHEN it runs! I almost found myself as the owner of it when frustration got the better of him........... But the GOOD thing is that they are of a very simple engineering generation

+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 ... LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Photo help---Ferret Scout car
    By Klunk in forum Vintage Military Vehicles and Aircraft
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 10-08-2013, 01:23 PM
  2. Just for you ferret lovers
    By fn111557 in forum Vintage Military Vehicles and Aircraft
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 12-06-2012, 10:24 AM
  3. Garand Picture of the Day - Jap Infantry In Us Forces
    By Mark in Rochester in forum M1 Garand/M14/M1A Picture of the Day Forum
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 05-12-2012, 09:42 PM
  4. CNo4Mk1* and the 2009 Canadian Forces Small Arms Concentration
    By Riflechair in forum Milsurps General Discussion Forum
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 01-23-2010, 05:46 AM
  5. Universal Carbines in ca. 256 ferret
    By cappi in forum The Watering Hole OT (Off Topic) Forum
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 05-07-2009, 06:07 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts