M3A1 never ending project

[cpetronis]

Hi there,

    I've been somewhat reluctant to post comments here or show pictures of my track as I regard myself as too casual in my HT restoration commitment. After owning a jeep for many years and doing the engine, transmission and other cosmetic stuff to it I came off gang busters ready to put the same attention into my track. Then the kids started becoming a little more labor intensive as did work and life in general. That being said I'm just not at the same level of nut and bolt detail as the other members of this forum. Here's a couple of pictures of my track exterior and interior. I must admit that the majority of the work was done by others by the time I bought it. I've only had to do minor mechanical and electrical work on it. I also did all of the painting myself but that's a drop in the bucket as compared to doing a frame off restoration.





The radio is a standard British WS19. I put in in this configuration based on the recollections from a vet who's unit we chose to portray. In fact, I used these particular vehicle markings because he was the commander of the 2nd squadron of the regiment from early 1945 until the end of the war. So he had some very detailed photos of his track.

Regards,

Chris

[halftracknut]

I wish mine looked that nice...Clarence looks like its been thru the war..

[steve-0]

well now that we know you have such a nice halftrack we will be expecting your comments 
thanks for posting pics of your halftack. where are you located?

[cpetronis]

Hello Steve-O and Halftracknut,

      Thanks for your kind words. I live in Upstate NY, just a little west of Albany. Don't be fooled by the pictures, a coat of paint hides a multitude of sins. As I mentioned all the hard work was done by the team of guys I purchased the vehicle from. I had to change out the radiator, do all of the electrical lighting, paint it and adjust the clutch. I generally find it better to keep my mouth shut on these boards and learn from others with more experience. My biggest problem is that I've kind of bit off more than I can chew.
       My jeep was nice in that I could move or do just about anything by myself. The HT is a whole different ball game. Rather heavy stuff for a single person. How does one remove an armoured hood to get at the radiator? I had to borrow my next door neighbor's hydraulic crane to manipulate it. Of course after purchasing the vehicle I needed a way to bring it to various events so I could actually use it. I therefore sold the jeep and bought a prime mover.



     Wann'a guess what I know even less about than halftracks? So if you see me going down the road don't make the mistake of thinking that I'm a professional and know what I'm doing. Stay far, far away. 

                                            Best Regards to all,

                                                      Chris

[yd328]

Chris,

Nice halftrack and I like the hauler too.

Gary

[andy]

So, how about a pic of the halftrack on the hauler!!!!

.

[blitzdough]

Very cool! I love to see the Brit & Commonwealth vehicles represented.

Chuck

[cpetronis]

    Well, you're going to think I'm a dufass but I looked around and actually don't have a picture of my M3A1 on my Peterbilt. Yeah, I know that's hard to believe. After all the trouble of getting it on there and chaining it down, I'm too exhausted to think about pictures.
     Here's one taken the morning of a WWII display down near Newburg, NY before unloading. I had just painted the truck and hadn't put any of the ID markings on yet. The M8 is owned by my friend Greg who was crazy enough to let me borrow it for the weekend. Funny how the Greyhound looks a little diminutive on the trailer. The half track on the other end of the spectrum just barely fits and fills it up nicely.

      I lucked out in that a coworker of mine was doing part time work for a construction company who was getting rid of the truck and trailer. In NY to have a commercial registered tractor costs close to $1,000 per year. I don't even want to talk about the insurance. So the construction company found it more cost effective to buy a dump truck with tag along for moving their light to mid weight stuff and sub contract moving the larger equipment.
      The truck and trailer cost was taken care of by selling my jeep. Luckily it was a '79 which meant I could register it as a historical vehicle in NY which only costs $25 / year. I also got cheap insurance for antique hauling from Gulfway down in FL. That was really the only way I could afford it.
      I looked into the possibility of buying an M35 with trailer but based on the experience of others thought it would be too slow and become a road hazard. At least with the Peterbilt I can move along at 60-65 comfortably.

                                  Regards,

                                        Chris

[w50cal]

Your half track and your hauler both look great.I want to grow up to be just like ya. Thanks John

[cpetronis]

Thanks for the thoughts John but trust me, I haven't grown up yet. Just ask my wife. Perhaps if I had, I would not have refinanced my house to buy this toy. The good news is that I did not plan on sending my kids to college anyway They can join the navy as I did.

Regards,

Chris

[TopKick]

Chris,

OUTSTANDING! Keep having fun...that's all the really matters in the end.   

Out Here,
TopKick