M2A1 "Hell Hound" project

[67tank]

With the Halftrack getting closer to her first test drive, I needed to increase my garage door opening from 7 feet to 8 feet.  Haggerty will not provide insurance until it is in a locked garage.  I guess that don't want teenagers taking an eight ton vehicle for a joy ride at 2am. So had the header raised and new garage door comes in Tuesday. Should be able to get her into the garage next week or so. 
 
Did have plans to get some small stuff done on the track today but it is raining and don't feel like being outside in the tent.  Instead I'm working on running canvas straps thru my camo net in the greek pattern.  Not fun but has to get done. 

[steve-0]

you are getting close to being done...

almost time to start thinking about your second halftrack restoration project 

[Tapper02]

I don't envy you on that job....I think I read somewhere that it takes ~60 man hours to properly garnish the net for the halftrack, which is why I haven't started that job yet.  Take it to Petaluma and get a group of guys together for a garnish party...you supply the beer and brats!  I'm sure it will be worth it!

-Tom

[67tank]

Adjusting the track.  Manual says put 160 lbs on the track and when the track sags 3/4 in, you're good.  Well I put 152 lbs of dumbells on and am getting close to the 3/4 mark.  But I am wondering if the manual is for the production springs, not the early field mod springs.  Anyone know if there is a difference in the sag for the two types of springs? 

[Outsider]

Hi, The manual has a guy standing on the track. With the weight like you have there the weight is distributed over too large an area so the tension will be wrong.

I don't know though if the tension is the same on both style springs.

Steve

[steve1973]

To set proper tension you are supposed to drive the track back and forth several times, no brake if can be helped, to neutral out the tension,slack, in the track then have someone stand on the track to take measurement.

Steve A.

[67tank]

Spent the last week or so taking care of little things - setting the front brakes, bleeding the lines, putting the last fuel line in etc to get it ready for a test run and then move it into the garage.  This past Sunday we spent all days working out the kinks and started her up.  Put it into first and released the clutch.  Nothing.  Couldn't get it into 2nd or reverse.  Seems that the pressure plate/flywheel are stuck together.  After speaking to a few folks it seems that this is a common issue with French rebuilt motors.  I had rebuilt the carb and the fuel pump, but hadn't thought about this possibility....two options.  Hard.  Pull the trans and clean everything up with some steel wool.  Easy. start it up in gear and see if I can drive around until it pops (or something breaks)
Meantime, a friend came over with a heavy tow rig and helped me get it out of the tent and into the garage. At least that went right.   

[67tank]

Put the machine guns on.  Put a smile on my face. 

[Tapper02]

Meantime, a friend came over with a heavy tow rig and helped me get it out of the tent and into the garage. At least that went right.

That's a heck of a tow rig...and a hell of a friend!  Can't imagine having to pay for to that.

Good luck with the clutch issue...keep us updated on the solution.

-Tom

[Outsider]

When your buddy was there did you try putting it in gear with the clutch pedal pushed down and then have him try and pull your HT? That will sometimes get clutches to let loose. Gentle is the key so you don't break anything.

Steve

[steve1973]

Nice job Pat. Your halftrack looks fantastic!! If you decide to pull the transmission it should be a 2 to three day project taking your time. A few years back I had to do a clutch change and did it in a day. It was a long hard day though. Keep us up to date on your progress.

Steve A.

[8683jb]

Beautiful half track Pat! Boy...I have a LONG way to go!

[Smadge]

Pat,

Amazing job! I'll be using your progress posts for my project.

Paul

[yd328]

The halftrack looks great Pat. 
If you have to pull the trans you can use some long bolts with the heads cut off, bolted to the engine, to help guide it back together. I also have a clutch alignment tool thats plastic that you can use.  Its a time saver.

Gary

[67tank]

One step forward, two back. 
Interesting day.  Took the day off and had a buddy come over - plan was to bleed the brakes, start halftrack and see if we could get it to move (or use a truck to help 'pop' the clutch).  All my wiring was completed so we hooked up the battery and were about to test fire and we noticed burning/hot electrical smell.  As my buddy went to disconnect the battery I noticed both the generator and the Voltage regulator SMOKING.  Generator remained hot to the touch for at least an hour.  Big clue - Something  must be wrong.  Removed both and headed to Napa Auto parts.  Old High school buddy owns the local store and he was laughing when we brought it in.  He was actually able to test the generator and it's bad.  Off to a local shop to see if it can be rebuilt.  We checked the Volt Regulator - nothing's burnt but we disassembled and cleaned everything up. 

At least we bled the brakes and have that set. 

Big shout out to Woodwalker pointing me over to Crane Technology - tracked down an original short pintle 30/50 cradle.  Fresh coat of paint.  Then with Rick at BMG providing the ammo can bracket/mount as well as new pins - I have a correct mount for one of my 1919's.  Eventually I'll replace the M48 mount on the other side.....