Author Topic: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project  (Read 121475 times)

yd328

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #255 on: March 12, 2018, 05:37:58 AM »
You should have thanked her for rationing fuel for your halftrack ;D

Gary

67tank

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #256 on: May 15, 2018, 12:58:44 PM »
I knew I had a leaks from the seals on the outer wings of the exhaust manifold so I picked up new metal seals and tore down the carb. intake and exhaust manifolds.  After getting it all apart, noticed a small exhaust manifold hole in the "New French rebuilt engine."  So much for factory quality control.  Took it to a local welding shop and had it repaired.  Installed new seals and put the system back together.  Leaks are gone and was able to finally set the carb correctly.  Manual states that the idle should be around 400 RPM but I have it around 700 RPM - otherwise it stalls out....May be another small vacuum leak in the system. 
Pat
1941 M2A1 (under restoration)

steve1973

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #257 on: May 15, 2018, 07:59:06 PM »
Great job Pat!! I have my idle between 500 and 700 also.

Steve A.

67tank

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #258 on: June 03, 2018, 04:01:30 PM »
Gauges/Dash

Almost done with getting all the gauges and switches operational.  Today, I replaced my non functioning temp gauge with a beautiful NOS gauge from David Yamulla. Oil and Amps work.  Voltmeter is operational as well as the tach.  All interior, blackout lights, brake lights work as they should.  My only inop gauge remaining is the fuel gauge....Took a look at it today and may just try to find a new one.  Regardless, I'm about done with this restoration.  I'm going to set up a day over at a buddy's farm field to conduct a driver's training course for me and all my buddies who helped work on this over the past 3.5 years and see how many miles we can put on it in one day. (Then track maintenance and change the fluids)  Will post some photos of the day and then wrap up this Restoration Post. 

If anyone wants to try to restore the broken temp gauge (2nd photo - I'm thinking the probe needs some TLC) send me a PM with an offer (plus shipping) and I will send it your way. 
Pat
1941 M2A1 (under restoration)

8683jb

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #259 on: June 03, 2018, 06:31:40 PM »
That instrument cluster is a jewel! You guys kicked butt to produce that beautiful half track in just 3-1/2 years, considering what your early pictures show that you had to start out with. Fantastic job. Now you get to wear it out. Looking forward to seeing the driving episodes.
Jon
'42 Autocar M2A1

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yd328

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #260 on: June 03, 2018, 06:46:09 PM »
Gauges came out great. Looking forward to the training videos 8)

Gary

spec4don

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #261 on: June 05, 2018, 07:53:24 PM »
Great Job Pat!

Don G
1941 M2A1 not restored
1942 M3 Diamond T Mostly restored
1943 M3A1 Under restoration
1967 M51A2 Tractor
1945 WC 63 needs restoration
1967 M36 Long wheel base duece
1951 M135 GMC Fire truck conversion

emptyhead

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #262 on: June 10, 2018, 05:18:48 AM »
Your getting there . Nice work on the guage one of these days I’ll get to working on mine.

coreyelliott

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #263 on: June 18, 2018, 10:52:56 PM »
Looks great Pat,

I love your meticulous diagrams, labels, and photos.  I have to admit that I'm envious of your video!  Where did you get the data plate that goes on the regulator?

Corey
1941 Autocar M2A1 (M2-13)

67tank

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #264 on: July 06, 2018, 10:44:30 PM »
Made the local paper (online) for the 4th of July parade. 

We drove it to downtown for the parade - put 18 miles on the track.  Had a wrecker on standby just in case....
Fortunately we didn't need it.  Was a pretty good run.  Temp never got over 180 degrees even with a steep hill climb.  Have a few issues that we identified that need to address. 
1.  Speedometer showed that we were doing 25 MPH but our chase car advised we were doing 31 MPH.  6 MPH off.  Going to have to address that.
2.  Carb is a little rich, needs to be leaned out. Ran a little rough after idling for a bit.
3.  Broke one "track center guide'.  As soon as I heard that 'klink' I knew exactly what it was.  Have had a few of those break, as well as end connectors go flying, in my days on tanks......Ordered a replacement and some spares. 
4.  During our drive to the parade staging area, we had a 2 mile straightaway where the halftrack would not go into third gear.  Drove up a hill in 2nd and then third gear was back for the rest of the day.  Driver error or gremlins.....not sure yet. 
Pat
1941 M2A1 (under restoration)

Selliott

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #265 on: July 07, 2018, 07:27:16 AM »
That’s Awesome!    Looking forward to the day we get to take ours to a parade!  Thanks for the motivation....
1941 Autocar M2 #13
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WWII Living Historian

Smadge

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #266 on: July 07, 2018, 10:21:13 AM »
Congrats on your successful run! She looks great!
1941 M2-232 Autocar (restoring)
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col.halftrack

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #267 on: July 14, 2018, 08:11:05 AM »
Mission accomplished. Job well done!
1941 White M2
1942 White M4A1 was M4
1942 Autocar M2A1
1942 Autocar M3-75
1943 White M13 rebuilt as M16
1943 Diamond T M3A1

emptyhead

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #268 on: July 15, 2018, 05:29:53 AM »
Nice another warrior out and about

yd328

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Re: M2A1 "Hell Hound" project
« Reply #269 on: July 16, 2018, 05:24:20 AM »
Great job, the halftrack looks great. It's good to see the troop compartment loaded up. I'm sure it was a great experience for the riders.

Gary