halftrackinfo
armor plate => straightening and repairing => Topic started by: FrankUSMC on May 02, 2014, 06:19:47 PM
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I did not want to high jack the post on the M2 rear steps, so I am starting this one.
My 1941 M2 came with rear steps, that is the good news, but they need to be straightened. It looks like the first owner would back up by "feel".
I do not have any way to straighten the steps here, even if I had the equipment, I do not know how.
Is there any one here who could do this for me? I will pay for all the shipping and your time.
Thanks.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET
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a few pics would be nice to see exactly how bent they are. A torch and a hammer usually can be used.
Andy
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Andy
Have plenty of hammers, as for a torch, close as I can get is the zippo I carried in the Marines.
I will see about some photos today.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET
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Frank if you are comfortible with torches most rentals will rent them.
Most body shops or welding shops will be able to do it, also machine shops can do with a press
Andy
Have plenty of hammers, as for a torch, close as I can get is the zippo I carried in the Marines.
I will see about some photos today.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET
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if you can wait a few months i should be able to do this for you.
straightening things cold is the best way if it can be done.
when you do it hot you have to be very carful because the hot spots move very easily but they wont push the out of alignment cold spots.
for example , you have a bowed up spot and you apply heat. you can then push it down but that bowed area was pulled from adjacent areas.
i think for this application it wont matter much.
if you try it with hammers, dont hammer directly on the halftrack part. use a solid steel table, anvil or something and a piece of 1/4" plate between the hammer and the part (vice grip them together or something).
this will reduce damage to the part. (this also may not matter if they are in very rough shape.)
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Steve
Yes, I can wait. It will also give me the chance to remove the extra brackets off the steps that do not need to go.
Thanks.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET