M2A1 "Hell Hound" project

[67tank]

My tripod brackets came complete with the rear armor from Gary.  I saw a post somewhere that there is a difference between brackets for the 1919 air cooled machine gun tripod and the earlier tripod for the 1917 water cooled - true? 

[mfrance]

YES BRACKETS ARE DIFFERENT

[67tank]

Summer has been a little busy.  Spent a week on a 4wd trip out in the Nevada desert and then went up to Bend Oregon for a week of relaxing and hiking.  In between all of that have been spending the remaining free time wrenching on the HT. 

Last Sunday I tore the drivers side rear suspension off and then took it all to the sandblaster.  That was my last trip up to drop parts off.  Feels good to wrap something up on this project.  Should be ready in a week, then paint and bolt back up.  Everything came apart so much easier on this side - now that I know the little quirks of getting it all broken down.  Got the pulpit put back together and will hopefully get a couple of friends over in the next week or so to help get that mounted. 

In April, I sent my .50 cal trolley/carriage to Paul Greenstein in LA to have him restore it.  He let it soak for a few months and just started to finish breaking it down.  I was able to break it down to a point but didn't want to go further - was afraid of breaking the original parts and so sent it to an expert.  Paul advised that its coming along nicely.  Hopefully I will have that back for this years Vet's Day parade - plan is to run the rig in the Petaluma parade.......

My replica tommy gun arrived (bought it from Denix for $200.00). 

Anyone have the strap lengths/dimensions for the Tommy gun mount (1 strap) and the 4 straps for the luggage racks? 

[steve1973]

Summer has been a little busy.  Spent a week on a 4wd trip out in the Nevada desert and then went up to Bend Oregon for a week of relaxing and hiking.  In between all of that have been spending the remaining free time wrenching on the HT.

You were in Oregon and didn't stop by? Just kidding.  Your track is looking great. Hope to see you at the convention next month.

Steve A.

[yd328]

Nice to hear your almost at the end of your build. The Tommy gun looks right at home.

Gary

[67tank]

Big paint day yesterday - weather was perfect so was able to make a lot of progress.  Couple of weeks ago, I broke down the driver's side suspension and had it sand blasted - now painted up and have started to remount the crab.  Only 8 oil seals/8 bearings left to go.  Should have the wheels and suspension done by the end of the week.  Drive Hubs are already on, and the new bearings are set. 

Last weekend we mounted the new carb and re-started the engine.  Fired right back up without any issues.  In the testing process we have been bypassing the mechanical pump.  Not sure if those 50+ year old seals are anygood so going to send that this week to Then And Now Auto for a rebuild. When it returns, it will be time to start hooking up the wires and the fuel lines for a final start with everything back in it's proper place. 

[yd328]

Looking good Pat. Good choice sending out the fuel pump to now and then. I had them rebuild my carb and used their kit for my fuel pump.

Gary

[67tank]

Took yesterday off from work to finish drivers side

[steve1973]

Looks great. See you at the convention today.

Steve A.

[67tank]

Big shout out to Tom's (RocnTJ) post on how to register a halftrack in California.  Followed his directions and now have my project registered with DMV - just waiting on the Historical Plates.  Nice to get that monkey off my back......

Tracks go on this weekend - I set the brakes on the track drive axle with a .008 feeler gauge, and set the idler wheels 1/4in 'toed' out. 

 

[steve1973]

That's great news Pat. It was great to see you at the convention. Can't wait to see her roll on its own power!!

Steve A.

[RocnTJ]

Congrats on the successful registration Pat.   I felt the same when my registration was finally complete.   One of those tasks which are not entirely under your control like bolting parts back on a hlftrack

[Tapper02]

Congrats Pat…that's a relief I'm sure.  One last thing to keep you up at night.

You're making great progress…keep up the charge.  I'm enjoying your thread.

-Tom

[67tank]

Thanks all -
Track and pulpit went on today. 

[steve1973]

Looks great Pat. Keep those photos coming.

Steve A.