armor mod question

[HenryVIII]

Hey guys,   I have some plate that I am going to be getting ready to clean up and put on. But I have a question.  It looks like someone welded on some extra pieces. These would be to protect the front tires during a short turn. My question is.. does anyone know if this is something that was original, or put on by someone after. One piece does not have the mod but all others do. Most of the vehicles came from the same surplus dealer in Minneapolis MN. These were modified and had cranes or drag links put on them before they were sold.  The ones with the mod are torch cut and have very poor welds but they are welded with stainless rod as per the repair manual. The plates are H-8 and H-9.   
Henry   

[Outsider]

I don't remember the mod # or the date, but that was a army change from WW2.

Steve

[andy]

My late '43 M4A1 has the tube welded on, and i believe the armor is original to my track if that helps

[HenryVIII]

Thanks for the info. I am going to clean up the pieces and leave the tubes on then.
Henry

[spec4don]

Mine also has the tubes on both sides.

Don G.

[Mtn-Track]

From all the original ones I've had, it appears that it started as a field-mod on the first batch of M2's in service that involved a simple, but often jagged, torch-cut. The field mod later evolved to a torch-cut with a piece of split pipe welded over the edge. It then followed with a 'factory' mod that was a smooth, wider, factory-cut in the fender well plate. Then later, a piece of cast steel was welded over the factory-cut edge. It looked kind'a like a huge Twinkie(?). I'm not positive, but the cast block may have been added after WWII during the 'rebuilds'.....