halftrackinfo

pictures of your halftrack => post updates on the progress of your restoration => Topic started by: Smadge on March 26, 2017, 06:53:00 AM

Title: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on March 26, 2017, 06:53:00 AM: Folks,

Pushed the beast into the new garage and I'm ready to start the process!

Paul
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: emptyhead on March 26, 2017, 06:54:45 AM: Nice good luck. Looks like you have a solid starting point.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: big44maghunter on March 26, 2017, 10:01:01 AM: Looks like a good project. Lots of work ahead but that's part of the fun!

Brad
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Monkeypirate on March 26, 2017, 10:51:29 AM: That's about what I started with. I did not have a bed though! good luck with the build!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: R.E.Co. on March 26, 2017, 05:16:58 PM: A beast of burden they are. Oy, but it's worth it! God luck sir!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Torque on March 26, 2017, 06:11:58 PM: Looks like a good machine, a lot better than what I started with, you will have years of fun fixing it up!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: spec4don on March 26, 2017, 09:36:07 PM: Awesome, I believe Steve A had that track years ago! Have a good time with it!

Don G
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on March 27, 2017, 08:40:24 AM: Don G.,

Yes, Steve A. owned this a few years ago.

Paul
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: 8683jb on March 28, 2017, 07:20:19 AM: Great project Paul. Stock up on bandages, merthiolate and WD40!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on March 31, 2017, 03:59:23 PM: Started to remove the added bed yesterday and today. Brought approx. 1500 lbs to the scrap dealer. Winch was sold last Fall and the add-on bumper was also scrapped. Trying to start with a clean slate. Paul
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: big44maghunter on March 31, 2017, 05:55:29 PM: Good progress, looks like it was pretty clean under the bed.
Brad
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: spec4don on March 31, 2017, 08:31:36 PM: Let the fun begin
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on April 16, 2017, 01:59:13 PM: Gents,

It's been a busy weekend. Removed the engine and it feels like i went two rounds with Tyson. I really wanted to get this major step out of the way and following the TM really helped. Biggest issue was the rusted bolts. Next step is to disassemble the engine and get the shop cleaned up.

Paul
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: steve1973 on April 16, 2017, 02:30:26 PM: Wow, Looks very different now from when I owned it. Keep up the good work. Let me know if I can help any.

Steve A.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: yd328 on April 17, 2017, 05:31:32 AM: Certainly different than pulling a motor out of your pick uo ;D, nice work.

Gary
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on April 17, 2017, 12:44:15 PM: Steve, I removed and scrapped over 1500lbs from the bed and front bumper! She is coming along and if you don't recognize her I guess I'm making progress!

Gary, I pulled the engine out myself and let me tell you what................that's a BIG engine!

Paul
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: steve-0 on April 17, 2017, 10:07:15 PM: cool ;D
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on September 22, 2018, 04:32:38 PM: Made a lot of progress this weekend. Took about three hours to get 8 of the boggies seperated and it wore me out! I plan on taking the other out tomorrow. Anyone have a suggestion on removing the bar out of the crab?

Paul
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: colkking on September 22, 2018, 06:25:26 PM: The winch has a good home...disassembled, and starting to put it back together again! :-)
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: colkking on September 22, 2018, 06:26:36 PM: Awesome job on the bogies!!!
Let me know if you need any help.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Outsider on September 23, 2018, 05:32:44 AM: The center piece in the crab that the pin goes through has a steel bushing on each end of it. You need to get both of those ends red hot and then use a press to get the shaft out.

Steve
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: yd328 on September 23, 2018, 07:42:03 AM: I drilled a hole in the center, between the spring perches, for a grease fitting and used that hole to put penetrating oil on the shaft. An air hammer was used on both ends to break up the rust and help the oil soak in deeper.

Gary
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on September 23, 2018, 12:00:36 PM: Steve and Gary,

I think i will do a combination of both great ideas!

Ken,

Glad the winch is working out for you.

All the boggies off now and i just need to figure out the one crab. My other one came right out!

Thanks again,

Paul
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Cleprechaun on September 28, 2018, 10:31:11 PM: Looks about like mine, but YOU GOT SEATS YOU LUCKY DOG !
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on November 08, 2018, 09:19:57 AM: Shipped the bogies off to get retreaded. Working on getting the rear painted and slowly start getting the pieces put back together. Slow and steady!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: yd328 on November 09, 2018, 06:37:34 AM: Nice work, It's great to see it going back together and making some room in the shop.

Gary
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: 67tank on November 10, 2018, 07:07:35 PM: Well done. It's looking great.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: emptyhead on November 11, 2018, 07:44:01 AM: Excellent work your really cooking along
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on November 26, 2018, 06:47:56 AM: Too cold to paint so I’m slowly getting parts for the rear put together and now I’ll start rebuilding the trans. Also, Bogies are out in MO getting retreaded. Progress!!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on November 26, 2018, 06:56:28 AM: A few photos.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: 8683jb on November 26, 2018, 08:20:00 AM: Good job Paul. It's looking great.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: col.halftrack on November 26, 2018, 10:07:21 AM: I have most every transmission part for sale. I am running a Christmas special on bearing, seal and brake kits plus some other items.
kplockwood@cox.net
Thanks
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on November 26, 2018, 08:30:27 PM: Kevin,

I'm sure i'll be giving you a call once i get her taken apart.

Thanks,

Paul
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: col.halftrack on November 27, 2018, 09:58:10 AM: Thanks Paul!
My winter sale runs through end of April. I am offering discounts of 10, 20, and 30% on purchases of $300, $700, and $1200 respectively.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on December 24, 2018, 09:39:52 AM: Making a bit of progress on this one man show. Once I’m done with the track armor I’ll begin on the transmission. Merry Christmas to everyone!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on December 24, 2018, 09:45:57 AM: Photo added!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: colkking on December 24, 2018, 11:39:14 PM: That looks AWESOME, Paul!

Merry Christmas to you! Looking forward to seeing her done--you are moving fast!

kk
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on February 17, 2019, 10:47:02 AM: Making progress. More track armor added. Trans is done and waiting for parts for the transfer case.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: emptyhead on February 17, 2019, 11:08:52 AM: Nice work
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Selliott on February 18, 2019, 07:12:26 PM: Looking Great
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: 8683jb on February 18, 2019, 07:20:04 PM: Great job Paul. It looks nice!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: steve1973 on February 18, 2019, 07:39:32 PM: Looks great! Keep up the wonderful work!

Steve A.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: coreyelliott on February 18, 2019, 11:38:41 PM: Looks great. Always nice seeing an empty core ready for a good rebuild.

Corey
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: spec4don on February 19, 2019, 02:51:51 PM: Awesome, keep on trucking!

Don G.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on March 15, 2019, 01:46:14 PM: Track armor is done so I started on the rear bumpers.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: colkking on March 15, 2019, 02:42:46 PM: Looks fantastic!!!
Still looking for your trans shaft you were asking about.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: 8683jb on March 15, 2019, 07:43:41 PM: Hey Paul, make two sets of those and I'll buy a set from you! Ha!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on March 22, 2019, 06:54:41 PM: Picked up my bogie wheels and they look great. Thanks Rich for providing that service to us all!
Also making progress on the rear bumpers and will restore as close as possible to the Autocar type. Not many photos of the Autocar bumpers but I think I’ll get them pretty close.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: emptyhead on March 24, 2019, 05:56:04 AM: Very nice metal work
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: yd328 on March 25, 2019, 04:40:38 AM: Looks great.

Gary
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: spec4don on March 26, 2019, 06:47:56 PM: Way to go! looks like a halftrack!

Don G.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: steve1973 on March 26, 2019, 07:26:15 PM: Wow!! Your doing a great job!! I see the old headlights sitting in the corner. They are not the correct ones, to big. I can help you with a set of reproductions if interested.

Steve A.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on March 27, 2019, 09:29:52 AM: Steve,

Yes, those are the old headlights. I already converted some repos and they came out great.

Paul
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on March 28, 2019, 01:31:54 AM: Angle iron attached.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: 8683jb on March 28, 2019, 08:24:47 AM: Nice job Paul. It looks great.
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: R.E.Co. on March 28, 2019, 03:37:15 PM: Very nice! Keep the progress coming!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on August 07, 2019, 08:50:31 AM: Bogies are finally back on!
Title: Re: M2A1 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: spillmk1 on August 07, 2019, 11:28:22 AM: A LOT of work in those bogie photos.
Have fun with the crabs?

Both of mine were a BIT stuck.

Great job!!

Keith
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on August 07, 2019, 06:08:38 PM: Keith,

One crab came apart no problem, the other I brought to a machine shop after I worked on it for a number of weeks. When I picked it up the shop workers said they had it in a press and left it for a while. Scared the hell out of them when it finally popped out!

I will say that getting bogies off the rims and working that crab was the hardest job so far......

Thanks,

Paul
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on October 13, 2019, 03:09:00 PM: Started the engine a few days ago. Ran it for about 15 min and had good oil pressure and no leaks! My neighbors came over last night to see and hear it when I fired it up. Next step is install and get things wired up.

[attachment deleted by admin. sorry all images over 3000 kb where deleted automatically
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: R.E.Co. on October 14, 2019, 09:40:54 AM: Keep it up! Sounds like you're rolling along.

Jon
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: coreyelliott on October 14, 2019, 12:33:24 PM: Nice! Love to see progress like this. ;D

Corey
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: yd328 on October 14, 2019, 06:49:49 PM: Nice job getting the heart of the beast running. Sounds good

Gary
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on October 16, 2019, 04:40:09 PM: Used 6 straps which was complete overkill but it took a bit of the edge off my nerves. Doing this yourself you need to be crazy, but I get by!!
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on October 16, 2019, 04:41:26 PM: BTW: All straps went UNDER the engine.
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: 8683jb on October 16, 2019, 06:06:46 PM: Gotta be a good feeling to get the engine home! Nice job Paul.
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: spec4don on October 23, 2019, 05:13:59 PM: Bravo! Looks like a half track!

Don G.
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: spillmk1 on October 23, 2019, 05:32:56 PM: Great job Paul!!
Yes...working by yourself takes a lot of planning and a bit of craziness.....or visa versa….;)

Keith
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on November 23, 2019, 04:45:15 PM: Getting there! I’m ordering the metal for the seats and floor on Monday then I’ll tackle the ammo boxes and order a perimeter rail.
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: R.E.Co. on November 23, 2019, 10:08:22 PM: Love it!!! We are close to the same spots. Keep it up!

Jon
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: prestone on November 27, 2019, 02:57:14 PM: Very nice
Good job
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: yd328 on November 28, 2019, 06:37:50 AM: Looking good.

Gary
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: R.E.Co. on November 28, 2019, 07:44:19 AM: Looks great!! Can't wait to see it painted ;D
Jon
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: 8683jb on November 28, 2019, 09:15:04 AM: Wow! That looks fantastic Paul!
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on September 11, 2020, 03:56:37 AM: Well it’s been a while since my last post but I have been very busy with the beast. Old Army buddy of mine helped me getting the right side track on a few weekends ago and I put the driver side on alone yesterday after work. I felt a real sense of accomplishment when I drove it a few yards out and back from the garage. Next is to get them properly adjusted.
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: steve1973 on September 11, 2020, 05:41:16 AM: looks fantastic!!

Steve A.
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: coreyelliott on September 11, 2020, 08:11:25 AM: Awesome! :o

Corey
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on November 29, 2020, 04:26:26 PM: Getting closer.
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: 8683jb on November 29, 2020, 07:13:41 PM: It looks awesome Paul!
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: brit plumber on November 30, 2020, 03:40:19 AM: I spy with my little eye, an RAF roundel. What’s the significance?
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: spillmk1 on November 30, 2020, 06:33:53 AM: She can see!!!!
Looking great!!

Keith
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: R.E.Co. on November 30, 2020, 08:02:06 AM: Looks like a halftrack! Great work!

Jon
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on November 30, 2020, 12:16:33 PM: Quote from: brit plumber on November 30, 2020, 03:40:19 AM
I spy with my little eye, an RAF roundel. What’s the significance?

Brit Plumber,

Because it's the second coolest flag I know of!!

Paul
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: yd328 on December 07, 2020, 08:49:40 AM: Looking good.

Gary
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: spec4don on December 07, 2020, 09:53:51 PM: The light at the end of the tunnel is pretty bright!

Don G.
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on January 08, 2022, 11:35:15 AM: Real happy with my canvas! Quotes were way too high for my beer budget so I bought a “Sailrite” sewing machine and figured I’d give it a shot. No zippers or gun ports, just a simple canvas cover.
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on January 08, 2022, 11:36:25 AM: Another view
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: 8683jb on January 08, 2022, 12:25:45 PM: Holy smokes, Paul! That looks outstanding!! Great job!
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: steve1973 on January 08, 2022, 06:21:02 PM: Looks absolutely fantastic!! Great job on the top!!
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Monkeypirate on January 09, 2022, 04:08:07 AM: Thats impressive! Do you have any pictures of the process for making the canvas cover?
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on January 09, 2022, 05:17:34 AM: PM sent
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: emptyhead on January 09, 2022, 05:52:10 AM: Very nice. I might give sewing a shot in the future,the price for tops are crazy
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: spillmk1 on January 09, 2022, 06:09:03 PM: VERY nice job!!!!!

Keith
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: coreyelliott on January 09, 2022, 07:02:50 PM: I think this is INCREDIBLE! Wear did you get the canvas?

Corey
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on January 10, 2022, 11:37:46 AM: Corey,

I believe it was Big Duck Canvas. Waxed Canvas Cotton Duck 10oz-Olive Drab

Paul
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: SpencerB on January 14, 2022, 11:50:47 AM: Great looking canvas job! I am also on a "beer budget" and would appreciate any details of your work so I can attempt to make my own.

Thanks in advance,

Spencer
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on January 17, 2022, 07:18:30 PM: Spencer,

PM sent.

Paul
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: jbaptiste63 on January 25, 2022, 04:45:52 AM: Great job on your restoration and fantastic idea for canvas ;)...

If you have more pics to share for your sewing work, i take!
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on January 25, 2022, 09:35:58 AM: Thanks all. I have a volunteer for the canvas so I'll get everything on order and post a step by step.

Also, anyone have a photo of a M16 canvas from the back side?

Thanks,

Paul
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Smadge on June 01, 2022, 04:39:39 AM: Finally got my girl in the Gettysburg Memorial Day parade! What a long strange trip it’s been!!
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Tapper02 on June 01, 2022, 09:37:25 AM: So cool! Great photo recreation!!
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: 8683jb on June 01, 2022, 07:04:37 PM: Looks fantastic, Paul!
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: WayOffTrack on June 03, 2022, 08:10:03 AM: Excellent workmanship it looks fantastic!!
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: Ma Deuce on June 03, 2022, 03:38:04 PM: Nice timeline using the kids, that’s what memories are made of.
Title: Re: M2 "Beast of Burden"
Post by: spec4don on June 07, 2022, 08:37:16 AM: I remember that halftrack, the time line is great idea, nice!

Don G.