My very rusty new project

[brit plumber]

My new project has arrived, I’ve never attempted a halftrack before but I don’t think it’s as daunting as first thought. I partially restored a 1982 Ex Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado 5 years ago and that was some size and weight by comparison.

Some friends did the unloading as I watched and took photos.

When I can, I’ll get some more photos to post. I noticed plenty of corrosion I hadn’t seen previously but was expected. The hood hinges are completely shot beyond use but the armour is sound. I can only assume the hinges are mild steel and corroded much faster. There’s a number on the hood but it doesn’t mean much to me and it’s not the registration number.

Two 4000kg Telehandlers were more than adequate for the task of lifting it out of the truck. It was quite a European effort with a Dutch trailer, British Tractor unit and Polish driver.

[coreyelliott]

More Pictures!!!!!! 

Looks great so far.

Corey

[RB-058]

Congratulations!! Make sure your first aid kit is topped!
And what Corey said, pictures!
Have fun!

Rob

[spillmk1]

Let the fun begin!!!

Keith

[mkoloc]

Welcome to the madness  !!

[spec4don]

Well....now you’re gone and done it!

Don G

[brit plumber]

So I managed to get 50 minutes with it yesterday. I knew it was going to need new tracks but I think I’m going to need 16 new bogie wheels as they are shot. I was quite surprised to find the track is the original BFG. 

I’ll attach some photos and see if anyone has any thoughts.

Frame number M3 73281
Reg no. 4055214
Not sure on this number 23585
Engine no. 160AX 8447 rebuilt 11/50 at P.O.D. Base shop Pueblo Colorado.

Number on hood 8218 which is in a similar font to USMC.
Also has a black cross on the driver side cab.

[Crawford]

Thats going to keep you occupied for a while, is there anything under the bonnet?

Crawford

[spillmk1]

You're going to have a lot of fun with this!!!

Don't forget to register her over at:
https://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=84473&sid=7be0af0a360dfd94a8d58879d159d03e

Keith

[brit plumber]

The only thing missing from under the bonnet/hood is the starter motor as far as I can tell. However the carb and exhaust are beyond use. It’s about £5000 for a ex- French army recon unit so that maybe the cheaper way to go rather than source the parts and rebuild. I don’t think the engine in it is original to this track as it was recon at Depot level in Nov 50.

[steve1973]

The only thing missing from under the bonnet/hood is the starter motor as far as I can tell. However the carb and exhaust are beyond use. It’s about £5000 for a ex- French army recon unit so that maybe the cheaper way to go rather than source the parts and rebuild. I don’t think the engine in it is original to this track as it was recon at Depot level in Nov 50.

I think you are right. Once you add up all the costs it will add up more than a French replacement.

Steve A.

[Crawford]

Carbs and starter motors are readily available in the UK, exhaust parts can be sourced from various dealers in Holland.

Crawford

[brit plumber]

Thanks Crawford, who in the UK are the main dealers?

[RB-058]

It looks pretty solid! Good luck with it!

Rob

[brit plumber]

Thanks, she’s a bit of an oddity. The front half is pretty solid except the cab floors rotted out. The front part of the chassis is excellent however the rear isn’t. The most rear part is ok but the section on the right rail by the large cross member (the one with the holes in the top) and the cross member itself are heavily corroded. I reckon the wind and rain has come in from one direction for the entire time it’s been in the scrapyard. I’ll decide what I’ll do after the frame has been shot blasted and seen how bad it is. I’m a one man show so I’m having to be innovative in the way I remove some parts. My biggest problem at the moment is finding tools big enough to tackle the task. I’ve just bought a 2 1/2” socket for £30 second hand, the only new ones were £100 for a brand I’d not heard of. I’m still looking forward to it though.