louver removal

[cpetronis]

Hi there,

   Hopefully this is the correct place for this question. Long story short I've got a technical problem. Two out of four of my louvers are stuck. Needless to say I think something's busted and bent in the parts that connect the louvers to the arm that manipulates them open and closed. It's very difficult for me to see anything in there however to get a good idea of how it works. I've looked in my basic TM 970, or whatever number it is, and can't find anything about how to remove the front to get at the louver assembly.
    To me it looks as if there's two rows of armor bolts running up the side of the front louver frame. Then it seems you've got a top frame assembly which runs parallel to the ground which eventually attaches into the hood. So here's my question. Before I begin attempting to move bolts that aren't going to want to move after 60 years, I'd rather only move the ones I actually have to. Does anybody know the easiest way to get at the louver assembly so I can trouble shoot what has gone wrong with my doors?
I wonder if it would just be easier to remove the hood the pull out the radiator instead of fighting with bolts that I can't see?

                                                     Thanks for your thoughts,

                                                            Chris

[steve-0]

well this is how i would do it.
remove the hood, remove the fenders (there is a bolt behind the fender bracket), and then remove the front armor section as seen in the pic. you can then do the repairs on your work bench.
your way may work better
you may have better options if it doesn't need much work.

[cpetronis]

Roger your last Steve, thanks. I should think taking off the fenders would be a hell of a lot easier than pulling the radiator. This has been my problem with the M3A1, 90% of the work was already done when I bought it. With my jeep I knew very little nut and bolt on that thing. I've got a whole new game to learn here, mostly through adversity. I'll probably have it 50% figured out right about the time I croak.


Regards,

Chris

[spec4don]

Hey Chris, Steve is right, remove the fenders will make life much easier. Fenders come off pretty quick. The toughest part will be removing the control arm from the mechanizum. Pull the side triangle plates too. You might be able to get away with blocking up the center hood plate. If you do that be sure and TIE THE HOOD DOORS TOGETHER. Or you could loose appendages. It's a ton easier to work on them on the bench.

Don G.