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pictures of your halftrack => post updates on the progress of your restoration => Topic started by: Darth_Kitten on November 19, 2014, 10:45:21 PM

Title: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 19, 2014, 10:45:21 PM
Finally started taking things apart. This will be quite the project!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 19, 2014, 10:49:23 PM
A few more photos of progress.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 19, 2014, 10:50:57 PM
Hood and grill removed. So much more to get done!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: col.halftrack on November 20, 2014, 08:46:18 AM
Keep the faith it will be a great track when finished.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve-0 on November 20, 2014, 01:34:44 PM
the fun begins  ;D
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on November 20, 2014, 03:39:07 PM
Mine started out about like that. I was just going take it down far enough to repair the frame. Well that went out the window pretty quick. Glad I took mine down all the way. Just remember there is only one way to eat an elephant! One bit at a time ;D

Don G.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 20, 2014, 04:23:12 PM
Thanks for the words of encouragement. What's so incredibly impressive about this project is the amount everything weighs.
It commands your respect when you're removing things!
Looking forward to the 4 day weekend to get lots of things taken off!
Mark
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 23, 2014, 10:58:43 PM
Cab is almost ready to be removed.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: scotty71 on November 23, 2014, 11:15:31 PM
Just remember to tag and bag every thing that you take off.

You will be glad you did when you start to put it all back on.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 23, 2014, 11:50:07 PM
I'm always pretty good about that.  I use ziploc freezer bags and rubbermaid tubs. Helps so much when everything has to go back together  :)
Hope to have the cab off this week, and get started on removing the bogies over the holiday.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 25, 2014, 12:04:45 AM
These are for Tom. Photos of the shielded leads emanating from the radio suppressor can.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 26, 2014, 01:01:31 AM
Tonight I reached a major milestone. Lots done!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: col.halftrack on November 26, 2014, 10:33:07 AM
Wow,
 You sure that there are no elves helping? You are making good progress.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 26, 2014, 11:48:57 AM
So far it's just me. When I get to the blasting/painting phase, I will enlist some help. Some elves would have been helpful last night though :-)
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 27, 2014, 09:09:00 PM
Lots done yesterday and today. I did get a little help from one of my Sons to carry lots of parts out of the garage to my storage location. Cleaned up after myself some too.
Tomorrow, I'll start to pull the tracks, and see if I can start getting some bogies off too.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 30, 2014, 08:27:52 PM
Well I was hoping to get both tracks off this long holiday weekend. I got one at least. Lots of travel coming up, so progress will most likely take a back burner for a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Outsider on December 01, 2014, 07:28:09 AM
Good work. Keep plugging away at it. You'll get there.

I see your work shop is all set up to work on HT's.... All your hammers are on a rack close at hand! :o

Steve
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: yd328 on December 02, 2014, 04:45:46 PM
Progress is good, keep at It and you'll get there.

Gary
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 02, 2014, 10:15:59 PM
Do you think I need new sprockets? ;D. Slow going tonight. Just trying to get most of the stuck bolts free. Got two sets of bogie nuts freed up. Removed the idler too. I think I'm going to need to get a torch setup!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: yd328 on December 03, 2014, 07:04:18 AM
The torch is definitely your friend.  ;).

Gary
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on December 03, 2014, 08:49:16 AM
Heat is needed ;D The torch will be invaluable! Looking good on your tear down. Make sure your foundation is good before you build up!

Don G
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: andy on December 03, 2014, 11:31:04 AM
Wow i have never seen a sprocket that bad. I normally would normally reverse installation to get the good side but wow that is horrible like a train wreck
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 03, 2014, 09:53:08 PM
Any idea who the best resource would be for a new set of sprockets? I'm guessing Gary or Rod?
Thanks,
Mark
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on December 03, 2014, 10:20:45 PM
BAIV  has new ones.

http://www.baiv.nl/ReproParts.html

Steve A.

Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 05, 2014, 11:40:14 PM
I've been bogged down on frozen bolts etc., so I decided to move on to something more productive until I have the time to go out and get a torch setup.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on December 06, 2014, 08:44:15 AM
Your progress is great! Keep up the good work. I should have your headlights ready in 2 weeks. Just in time for Christmas I think.

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 06, 2014, 10:10:47 AM
Thanks Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: emptyhead on December 07, 2014, 05:53:36 AM
Your a lot further along then I am keep at it. The first major tool purchase for me was an oxy/acet setup well worth the money.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 16, 2014, 09:52:24 PM
Lots of progress the past couple of days. I had some help tonight from a neighbor who actually works on trucks for a living. We really were able to get quite a bit done, and his expertise has already come in helpful.
Mark
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on December 17, 2014, 01:20:43 AM
Mark,
It's look'n real good. Keep up the good work.

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: prestone on December 17, 2014, 07:57:47 AM
what I see is the madness of each member of the forum.
I wonder if the world halftrack we are not all sick


good luck in the work
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on December 17, 2014, 09:23:17 AM
Trust me we are a little off! Darth You've almost reached the bottom. It will be time to climb the mountain here soon! Been there done that, enjoying the heck out of it!

Don G.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 19, 2014, 11:56:28 PM
I'm not super familiar with automotive engines. Does this seem like a casting flaw? Can it be repaired? It's pretty deep, so I don't think going oversize will clean it up. The rest of the cylinder looks OK, so it' not like a ring broke or anything that I can tell. The other cylinders look pretty clean too.
As best I can tell, I'm right at 4 inches on the bore, so that would be standard right?
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 19, 2014, 11:58:28 PM
Getting there!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on December 20, 2014, 01:09:25 AM
Looks like something rattled around in there. The manual should give the bore size. A good automotive machine shop should be able tell you if it can be honed or needs to be bored.

Don G. 
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on December 20, 2014, 04:20:24 AM
If it is to deep you can always get it sleaved to the size of the other cylinders. I was quoted $200 a cylinder from my machinest to sleave my cylinders.

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Outsider on December 20, 2014, 09:11:46 AM
Looks to me like you had a head gasket leaking water into the cylinder at one time. If something had rattled around in the cylinder you would have marks in more than one place.

Steve
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 20, 2014, 10:02:46 AM
What's strange is that it doe not run the length of the cylinder, and it does not look like corrosion either. It's a very rough texture. It seems to me that perhaps there was a flaw in the casting (or sleeve) that "broke" off at some point, or was there when it was manufactured and somehow got past QC. The rest of the cylinder looks clean, and the dome of the piston does as well.
Previous experience with motorcycle piston/cylinder failure presented a wear pattern the full length of the stroke on the cylinder wall, and damage to the dome of the piston.
Oh, just a curious not. No thermostat was present, nor oil filter... My oil pan is smashed in pretty good too. I can't wait to get that off to see if the oil pickup is intact...
Mark
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 20, 2014, 11:00:13 AM
Ok. Closer look in daylight. Seems as if it was a manufacturing flaw. Looks like chunk broke off and rattled around a short bit before exiting via the exhaust valve...
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: autocar925 on December 20, 2014, 09:44:58 PM
Looks to me like a casting inclusion-usually a chunk of slag floating in the molten metal. You can sleeve that one cylinder.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Dinadin on December 21, 2014, 10:43:54 AM
You are not messing around are you? 
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 24, 2014, 06:04:53 PM
More progress on the HT. Rich I should have the bogies ready to go by the first of the year.  :) 4 down....
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 28, 2014, 09:33:57 PM
Man, I'm having such a great time doing this. I'll be dropping the engine by the shop tomorrow to see what damage needs to be repaired, and hopefully I'll have the axles dropped.
Much success so far!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 01, 2015, 11:15:09 PM
Well I have the front completely stripped down now. I removed the bumper and battery platform after this was taken.
Just down to a few more things, and it will be ready for the blaster!
Mark
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 08, 2015, 10:12:24 PM
I always keep at least one bent motorcycle fork tube on hand for a little "leverage".
Just need to remove the rear idlers, and bogie castings! Whoot!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on January 09, 2015, 08:52:36 AM
Right on, looking really good! you almost to the bottom of the well :P. Happiness is putting parts back on!  ;D

Don G.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: autocar925 on January 09, 2015, 11:10:23 AM
Do you work on this thing 24 hours a day?
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on January 09, 2015, 11:14:27 AM
Do you work on this thing 24 hours a day?

WHAT HE SAID ;)

Don G.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 09, 2015, 02:13:41 PM
Ha Ha! I guess I'm just really good at taking things apart  :P.
Let's see how long it takes me to get things back together....
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 11, 2015, 11:05:31 PM
Just a few little details before I send this off to the shop to get blasted/painted.
I decided I would leave the bogey castings on the frame...
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 12, 2015, 06:00:14 PM
Today marks a milestone as I will be limiting my posting of rusty parts photos, and will be posting photos of non rusty parts. !!!!
Picked up my leaf springs and radiator today. I don't know why they insist on gobbing the gloss black paint on them, but that's Ok, they'll be green soon enough.
Or should I chrome everything?!?!?  ;D
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: beerman on January 12, 2015, 06:17:04 PM
If you don't mind, how much did the radiator job cost you. I might need to have mine done, just want a base line to compare to. Good work on tearing it down.

Thanks.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on January 12, 2015, 06:28:41 PM
A radiator re-core is around $1000.

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 12, 2015, 10:26:08 PM
Steve,
I wish it was only 1000. I took it to the place that did my slat grill a number of years ago, so it was someone I knew that did good work. I guess copper is  a dearly priced metal nowadays. This set me back 1600. OUCH!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: beerman on January 13, 2015, 01:15:49 AM
Thanks for the prices, that's a lot more than I thought.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 30, 2015, 05:14:28 PM
Look it's green!!!!!!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on January 30, 2015, 06:05:34 PM
Looking great. It's on wards and up wards from here. ;D

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on February 08, 2015, 10:29:23 PM
Here are a few photos of my most recent progress. Things slowed down a bit with family matters, but I was able to log a few hours recently.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: beerman on February 09, 2015, 12:13:24 PM
Looking good. May I ask what brand and shade of paint you are using.

 Thanks, Jeff
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on February 09, 2015, 01:25:42 PM
Hi Jeff,
I'm using the Gillespie paint. 33070 is the early war OD.
Mark
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on February 10, 2015, 07:08:48 AM
Keep this pace up and you will bee done by summer. ;D Looks fantastic.

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on February 25, 2015, 10:10:04 PM
I've been very neglectful in not posting updates.
Transmission is complete and ready to install.
Still waiting on machine shop for the motor.
Lots of blasting and priming is still taking place too!
Mark
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on February 25, 2015, 11:39:29 PM
Mark did you over haul the transmission? If you did be aware there is a pin in the shifting rods the can fall out during assembly. If it fell out it will affect your shifting and cause you to loose gears. Then you'll have pull the shift tower and realign the rod's. It will also cause your tranny to pop out of gear on a hill. We kinda figured it out the hard way if you know what I  mean.

Don G.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on February 25, 2015, 11:57:46 PM
Hi Don,
Yes! thanks for the note. My gearboxes were a mix of gear oil and water, so it was like cleaning up baby poop if you know what I mean!
I tore down the transfer and transmission, but waited quite a while to tear into the rods, and tried to clean up as much as I could before disassembly.
The manual was very helpful in understanding how the shifter mechanism worked, so I was aware of all of the balls, springs and the little pin.
It actually all went back together last night, but it took some time to get it back together correctly.
I'm pretty confident that everything should work as it should! No extra parts!!!  :)
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Monkeypirate on February 28, 2015, 03:06:34 AM
Did you replace the seals around the transfer lever rods?  I was going to look for a seal once i got mine tore down.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: autocar925 on February 28, 2015, 09:41:14 AM
What did you use for a gasket set on the transfer/trans case?
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on February 28, 2015, 02:22:27 PM
I am getting new transmission/transfer case gasket sets made along with new engine gasket sets if anyone is interested.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on February 28, 2015, 02:44:11 PM
I got all of my seals and bearings from Kevin Lockwood. He had an NOS gasket set too.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on March 10, 2015, 10:14:35 PM
Lots of small steps lately. I had some travel the past week and a half that kept me from making progress.
Working in small batches to get parts bead blasted, primed and painted.
Transmission is just placed on cross member to get it out of the way.
Coming along....
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on March 11, 2015, 09:17:04 AM
Bravo! Your rocking on. It's the detail stuff that takes time but adds so much. You'll be happy when it's done. But the Journey is half the fun!

Don G.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on April 08, 2015, 11:22:36 PM
Here is an update. I've been busy with work and other projects as of late, so it's slowed my pace somewhat.
Front end is coming along.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on April 08, 2015, 11:25:46 PM
In my spare time, I like to play with smaller vehicles. Here are a couple of those.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on April 08, 2015, 11:43:11 PM
Your halftrack is looking great! Keep up the good work! ;D

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: 67tank on June 21, 2015, 08:31:32 PM
Inspiring me to pick up the pace. 
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on June 21, 2015, 10:30:04 PM
It's been a while since I've posted, but I've been busy with two wheeled thingys.
All the brake hardware is done. Drums have been turned and painted. I just need to get bearings for hubs, and finish things up.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on June 22, 2015, 09:37:04 AM
It's looking great!! Kevin Lockwood has the best prices for bearings.

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve-0 on June 23, 2015, 01:29:23 AM
It's been a while since I've posted, but I've been busy with two wheeled thingys.

hey halftracks only have 2 wheels  ;D

its looking great
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 02, 2015, 10:05:58 PM
It's been a while since I've posted updates as it has been slow going, or it's just been small things.
I am starting to hit critical mass here though, and hope to have some major progress in the next couple months...
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Smadge on December 03, 2015, 04:00:12 PM
Did you use NOS brake pads or get yours relined? If relinded, what company did you use?
Great progress!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: yd328 on December 03, 2015, 05:28:10 PM
Nice work. All those little parts add up to the big picture.

Gary
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 03, 2015, 08:17:49 PM
I relined with a local company here that MVRS uses. They were not cheap though! (nothing is)

Did you use NOS brake pads or get yours relined? If relinded, what company did you use?
Great progress!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 11, 2015, 06:49:13 PM
This went together much easier than getting them apart.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 23, 2015, 09:28:55 PM
Starting to hit critical mass now. Just picked up a buncha parts.  I'm told my motor will be finished next month too, and I dropped off 16 bogies with Rich to get the urethane treatment. Hopefully it will be sitting on wheels/tracks soon!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: yd328 on December 24, 2015, 11:38:39 AM
Looking good, Keep the od flowing.

Gary
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on December 25, 2015, 10:12:04 AM
Love seeing them going back together!!

Don G.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: emptyhead on December 26, 2015, 07:03:32 AM
Nice progress
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 26, 2015, 10:59:38 PM
I had to go to urgent care the other night. Ear infection, bronchitis, and a case of the crabs (just kidding). If you fellas ever want to get something done, next cold ask for a shot of steroids in the ass along with a prescription of Prednisone. Not only did I did this stuff done, but I worked on my WLA engine, reroofed and painted the house. IN THE RAIN!! Just kidding. No I'm not.... Wait? maybe....
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Outsider on December 27, 2015, 08:50:54 AM
Man you were really going at it....I even see primer on the big socket in the first picture. Good work!

PS. Internal parts for the drag link should not be painted.

Steve
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 28, 2015, 12:04:52 AM
No photos tonight, but I have all of the rear suspension arms blasted and ready for primer and paint. 4 hubs are blasted and ready for primer/paint. 4 more hubs are prepped for blasting, and the upper rollers are prepped for blasting as well.  Busy day lots done!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 31, 2015, 08:10:38 PM
Replaced passenger side footboard gusset today, plus made lots of primered parts OD. Lots getting done!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on December 31, 2015, 08:20:33 PM
Oh, and Happy New Year to all the great folks on this forum who have helped me get this far! 1 year down and hopefully not too much farther to go!
All the best!
Mark
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: 67tank on January 01, 2016, 11:16:19 AM
Mark
Outstanding work to date.  Your amazing progress helps keep me motivated to get out into the garage and back to work. 
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 03, 2016, 07:37:55 PM
 A few more updates before going back to work tomorrow :-(

With the help of a friend I was finally able to get the rear differential set up and installed.
Also sprockets are installed as well.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on January 03, 2016, 09:16:52 PM
Rock on! Keep posting pictures!

Don G.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: prestone on January 04, 2016, 03:02:33 AM
Nice  :)

Good job


Prestone
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: yd328 on January 04, 2016, 06:37:39 AM
Looks great. How did you get the driveshaft flange off?

Gary
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: dwhite on January 04, 2016, 08:50:28 AM
Where did you find rear differential gasket?
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 04, 2016, 09:57:21 PM
Hi Gary, I'm pretty sure I pressed it out. Gasket was obtained from Gary.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: emptyhead on January 09, 2016, 07:35:21 AM
Your cooking along  nice progress
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on March 08, 2016, 10:00:28 PM
Been a while since I posted. Still patiently waiting on machine shop to finish block. Don't want to rush them... Dinadin has my bogies out getting redone, so I don't have a ton to do at the moment, otherwise I will outpace my ability to bolt things back on.
Dash has been blasted, and I'm working on filling it back up with parts. I'll have to go with the French speedo for now. I have a OEM one that will need to be rebuilt. Tach will need to be rebuilt too. Will need a faceplate for that. Of course I'm missing the volt meter too, but have the remnants of mine. I may be able to salvage part of it.
I'm also working on another little MV project on the side while I have some "down time".



Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on June 06, 2016, 10:42:54 AM
Left side bogies are all mounted up. Almost ready for tracks.
Thanks to Rich Schafer for setting up the Urethane retreads. They look fantastic and should last for years!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on June 20, 2016, 08:32:37 PM
bogies and tracks installed!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: yd328 on June 20, 2016, 08:45:47 PM
The bogeys look good. Having the tracks on clears up some room in the shop ;D

Gary
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on October 05, 2016, 09:13:41 PM
most recent progress. I haven't forgotten about you guys!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: 67tank on October 07, 2016, 09:57:30 PM
Very, Very Nice!  Keep the photos coming 
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: yd328 on October 08, 2016, 10:10:18 AM
Nice work, I like the 45 v-twin also 8)

Gary
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on October 09, 2016, 07:51:00 AM
Rock on Mark!

Don G.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 07, 2016, 04:52:30 PM
A little bit more progress. I like how it's turning out so far!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Monkeypirate on November 07, 2016, 08:05:34 PM
Looking real good! Are those split rims normal on some models? Ive never paid much atention to that!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 28, 2016, 09:17:51 PM
I believe they are normal for all early models.

Looking real good! Are those split rims normal on some models? Ive never paid much atention to that!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Monkeypirate on November 29, 2016, 02:41:12 AM
That is interesting. I just assumed they all had the bolt together rims.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 05, 2017, 08:45:10 PM
Once again I've been bad about updating. Lots of little things going on. Hope to have motor in the frame in a week or so!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on January 05, 2017, 10:31:27 PM
Looking good!! Keep up the good work. ;D

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Smadge on January 06, 2017, 07:08:37 AM
What did you have done to the block?  Your project is looking great!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 06, 2017, 09:11:30 AM
Hi Smadge, completely rebuilt.
What did you have done to the block?  Your project is looking great!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: 8683jb on January 06, 2017, 11:50:53 AM
Wow! Looks great! Where'd you get your tires?
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 06, 2017, 03:12:15 PM
My local firestone was able to get them from specialty tire or one of their distributors.



Wow! Looks great! Where'd you get your tires?
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: prestone on January 07, 2017, 04:02:34 AM
Hi

It's a pleasure to see the parts now  :)

very nice job
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 07, 2017, 08:13:53 PM
Look at that bad boy with a fresh coat of paint. I just need to do a few minor things, and it will be ready to return to the frame!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: R.E.Co. on January 07, 2017, 08:20:51 PM
Looks really nice!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 10, 2017, 10:01:20 PM
Pretty excited to making this post. Lookit that!!!! Getting so close!
Motor is resting in place. I'm just waiting for the paint to dry on the old parts on the mounts.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Outsider on January 11, 2017, 05:51:15 AM
Looking Good!

Steve
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: yd328 on January 11, 2017, 07:47:31 AM
Looking good. I put my motor in the same way, with the frame dropped to the floor.

Gary
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: emptyhead on January 15, 2017, 07:06:31 AM
Nice it's good to have the engine back in. It was a big step for me keep up the updates.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on January 15, 2017, 10:25:49 AM
Happiness is parts going back on!,

Don G
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 15, 2017, 09:12:02 PM
Man I'm going like gangbusters again. Had to drop the cross support to get the transmission in. It was a bear.
Doing all this stuff by yourself takes alot of lookin and head scratchin to make sure you do it right and not end up with something very heavy on a toe or something.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 15, 2017, 09:20:59 PM
installing accessories
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: R.E.Co. on January 16, 2017, 09:56:35 AM
What is that round tank in front of the transmission for?  The radiator overflow is inside the engine compartment so just curious what that is??

Jon
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 16, 2017, 10:11:58 AM
It's a noise filter I believe.


What is that round tank in front of the transmission for?  The radiator overflow is inside the engine compartment so just curious what that is??

Jon
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Outsider on January 16, 2017, 10:24:56 AM
They did away with the noise filter later in production.

Steve
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: R.E.Co. on January 16, 2017, 08:58:44 PM
Noise filter for radio?
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Outsider on January 17, 2017, 05:52:40 AM
Yes.

Steve
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 18, 2017, 11:19:08 PM
The grill is just set in place, but more parts are being added every day. Filled up the pan with oil, and NO DRIPS!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: big44maghunter on January 19, 2017, 09:15:38 AM
Yours is really looking good!  Your doing great considering it sounds like your a one man show.  I have been doing most of the work on mine by myself also, so it's good to see someone ahead of me making it on their own.  Can't wait for nicer weather to work on mine more!  keep it up!

Brad
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on January 26, 2017, 08:48:50 AM
On the downhill run
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on February 22, 2017, 10:11:53 AM
Your track is looking great! you should have it up and running in no time.  :)

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Hammerhead on March 16, 2017, 08:33:28 AM
Thanks so much for all the pictures on your progress from start to almost finished!  It has been a source of encouragement to me with my Track!  You've done a GREAT job!!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on March 16, 2017, 08:58:35 PM
Lookin good! Love the pictures!

Don G
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on March 16, 2017, 09:10:28 PM
Thanks guys for the kind words. It's going to be in the details now. Wiring and plumbing. I just got the floors back from being blasted, so I need to repair them and get them installed. It's coming together.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on March 16, 2017, 09:51:41 PM
WOW!! Looks great. Keep up the good work.

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: supertrack on April 01, 2017, 02:28:54 AM
I like your painting , very nice paint
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on July 31, 2017, 09:35:31 PM
I've been so bad about posting updates on here. I am however pretty good about regular posting on the Facebook.

Well this weekend I was able to finally get the engine fired up and started chasing down a few leaks here and there. Saturday the H/T actually drove out of the garage under it's own power.
Motor sounds great and everything so far is working as it should. I still have a long way to go and many details to work out with wiring and the firewall. The end is now in sight though, and I'll hopefully have it looking close to complete by the end of this year. Woot!

[attachment deleted by admin. sorry all images over 3000  kb where deleted automatically
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: emptyhead on August 06, 2017, 04:43:52 AM
Nice
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on August 06, 2017, 09:47:45 PM
Your halftrack is looking great!! keep up the good work.

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on August 21, 2017, 08:29:56 AM
I pulled what was left of the seat bases I acquired and had a friend bend up some patches for me. Everything worked out and I was able to get the patches tacked into place. I've got some additional repair work to do, and of course blast, primer and paint. I also have the seat tops too. Getting there!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on August 21, 2017, 08:54:25 PM
Awesome!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on September 20, 2017, 07:29:56 AM
I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Still working on many of the details. I was able to spray the whole track at once this past weekend to get more of a uniform color as things were getting a bit blotchy.

[attachment deleted by admin. sorry all images over 3000  kb where deleted automatically
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: 8683jb on September 20, 2017, 08:27:04 AM
Very nice! Looks great.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on September 20, 2017, 04:51:05 PM
It's looking nice. Keep up the good work.

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: R.E.Co. on September 20, 2017, 05:12:56 PM
Looks really nice.  What was your secret to tightening the armor bolts? Ive tried using a socket style large flat blade on the slot side while using a impact wrench on the other with no like, blade slips off.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on September 20, 2017, 07:26:53 PM
For me the impact is too much. I've used an air ratchet that helps in tighter areas, but for the most part I've just used a regular ratchet along with the slotted tool that one of the Steves makes on here (there are so many steves ;D)
That way I'm able to take my time and ensure that all the slots are vertical.
Mark
Looks really nice.  What was your secret to tightening the armor bolts? Ive tried using a socket style large flat blade on the slot side while using a impact wrench on the other with no like, blade slips off.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on September 20, 2017, 08:58:24 PM
Looks really nice.  What was your secret to tightening the armor bolts? Ive tried using a socket style large flat blade on the slot side while using a impact wrench on the other with no like, blade slips off.

First two people is a huge help in removing and replacing armor bolts. For the armor bolts I use Harbor Freight's large bit set. I usually keep two sets around. When I brake a bit I just exchange it for a new set. For the nuts I use a socket and long breaker bar to get it loose then move to air impact to finish the job. To put the nuts on I use air impact and a touch of blue thread locker.

Don't forget I sell new made armor bolts and Outsider sells the nuts. ;D

Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: yd328 on September 22, 2017, 06:17:56 AM
Nice work. The halftrack looks great.

Gary
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on October 16, 2017, 02:30:53 PM
All wiring completed on the front.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: 8683jb on October 16, 2017, 03:25:56 PM
Looks great Mark! What a nice feeling when you pull the switch for the first time and it doesn't result in a call to the fire dept.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: 67tank on October 17, 2017, 10:47:10 PM
Congrats!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on November 03, 2017, 09:31:32 AM
Just wanted to post this photo up for Steve's reference.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on November 08, 2017, 09:36:29 AM
Awesome!

Don G.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 30, 2018, 10:12:09 PM
I've been adding some plate, and the bed is coming together.  As many of you know it's very time consuming doing this for the first time with limited dimensions and blank materials. I'm making a pretty good stab at it though and having fun!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: emptyhead on February 04, 2018, 06:46:24 AM
Very nice. I was lazy and picked up armor from Paul. Just have to figure out where you want to bleed on you project. Look forward to when it’s finished.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on February 19, 2018, 10:05:28 PM
Vertical track armor is painted and bolted up!!!!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: 8683jb on February 19, 2018, 10:45:34 PM
That looks great Mark. Good job!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: steve1973 on February 20, 2018, 03:48:50 AM
It's looking real good. Keep up the great work.
Steve A.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spec4don on February 20, 2018, 09:54:53 PM
Bravo, you go boy!

Don G.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: prestone on February 21, 2018, 12:32:26 AM
Good look  ☺
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on February 21, 2018, 07:55:42 PM
It's so cold and cruddy here now. Progress is slow. Have the front horizontal armor bolted up now. I've noticed in some photos a large ish hole that would be under the fuel tank (I'm guessing for a drain or plumbing) Would anyone have any measurements for that hole location and size? Am I missing anything else?
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: emptyhead on February 25, 2018, 06:32:14 AM
I’ll measure it for you this morning and get back to you
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: emptyhead on February 25, 2018, 08:07:31 AM
Here are the measurements I got off my track armor.mine is an m16 but it’s all the same. From the bulkhead to center of the hole 22 and 5/8, from the seat side of the track armor edge to the center of the hole it’s 9 and 1/2 . Hole diameter 1 and 3/4. Hope that helps
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on February 26, 2018, 11:03:42 AM
Thanks!

Here are the measurements I got off my track armor.mine is an m16 but it’s all the same. From the bulkhead to center of the hole 22 and 5/8, from the seat side of the track armor edge to the center of the hole it’s 9 and 1/2 . Hole diameter 1 and 3/4. Hope that helps
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 12, 2019, 12:13:18 PM
Of course, I had to go play in the snow!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: col.halftrack on January 12, 2019, 12:52:56 PM
Wish I wasn't at work today. It snowed here last night.
 Good Times.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: beerman on January 13, 2019, 01:44:51 PM
Man, I spent last weekend in St Louis, wish it would have snowed while I was there. Took my kids to the city museum, and lunch at fitz .
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on January 14, 2019, 09:22:18 AM
Great places to visit for sure!


Man, I spent last weekend in St Louis, wish it would have snowed while I was there. Took my kids to the city museum, and lunch at fitz .
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Dinadin on January 15, 2019, 08:57:54 AM
Man, I spent last weekend in St Louis, wish it would have snowed while I was there. Took my kids to the city museum, and lunch at fitz .

Beerman, if you live close enough come back to St. Louis at the end of April.  We have a big WWII event where we have our halftracks and other vehicles at.  Darthkitten may even have his there (nudge nudge).
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: beerman on January 15, 2019, 11:38:42 PM
Thanks for the invite. St Louis is about a 8 hour drive for me, which is not that bad. Let me know what dates and I will see what I can do.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on July 19, 2019, 11:50:40 AM
wrapping up the rear armor. Getting closer!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: 8683jb on July 19, 2019, 12:07:01 PM
Looking good Mark! Nice job.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Hammerhead on July 20, 2019, 07:48:02 PM
WOW!  It does look fantastic!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spillmk1 on July 22, 2019, 05:20:43 AM
Looks great!!

Keith
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: Darth_Kitten on August 11, 2019, 02:39:33 PM
The exterior is close to finished. Now on to the troop compartment...

[attachment deleted by admin. sorry all images over 3000  kb where deleted automatically
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: 8683jb on August 11, 2019, 04:15:43 PM
Outstanding job Mark! Looks great.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: emptyhead on August 11, 2019, 04:58:04 PM
Very nice.
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: big44maghunter on August 11, 2019, 05:51:52 PM
Looking great!
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: yd328 on August 12, 2019, 05:29:51 AM
Nice work ,it looks great.

Gary
Title: Re: M3 in St. Louis MO
Post by: spillmk1 on August 12, 2019, 06:41:44 AM
Great job!!!

Keith