Halftrack buyer's guide

[Darryl L]

Hi all,

I am looking toward another project after I complete my White Scout Car restoration.  The halftracks really appeal and there is only one  here in New Zealand so that is an added incentive to me.  I’ve spent a fair bit of time frequenting this website and the amazing support network in place I think is important with taking something on.   I am a little nervous about the availability of new tracks and there is obviously a dwindling supply of these, but I figure if I get a set of tracks with reasonable life left in it they will probably outlive me.   

I was wondering if there is a ‘preferred’ model or models of halftrack that I should be looking for in terms of availability of parts, plans etc.  I am aware of the different models and manufacturers  and no one model or configuration interests me anymore than any others.  If I do bite the bullet and take on a project, the model won’t be the deciding factor. It will probably come down to the package, price,  its location and the state of the tracks!

I was wondering though from the perspective of the resident experts here, is there any one manufacturer or model/configuration I should aim for, or alternatively avoid?  From what I’ve read  the Internationals are a little harder to deal with because of the differences between these and other manufacturers’s halftracks.

From a spares perspective, is there likely to be better availability for any one or more particular models?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[steve-0]

i wouldn't worry about tracks  (assuming your new project restoration will take some years).... if you look at all the equipment out there with rubber tracks i would say its going to happen when we get the right people perusing this.

as for the model here are some thoughts that have no relation to availability.

m2/m2a1  i like the side doors. if you are not a purest this can be used as a fuel tank access or as a friend of mine did,, a beer tap area.

m3 has that rear door

m4  thats like an m2 with a rear door and some other stuff.. very cool

m15  its a halftrack with a garbage can on the back    its one of my favorite halftracks

m16  its the hotrod of the halftracks but that quad takes up the hole back so passengers are limited.


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most of the people on this site have m2/m2a1 halftracks so info on the rear section of someones project m2 will be easily found here

reproduction parts for m2 and m3 rear sections are available

[spec4don]

Darryl you might consider the international also. The M5 and M9. They were called the allies halftrack as most of those went overseas on lend-lease. Parts availability might be better. If your on Facebook you might check out the white halftrack page. There are a number guys from your area, well Australia,  that might be helpful as far as parts and info. Having a halftrack buddy makes all the difference.

I chose the M3 because of the back door. So it makes it easier to haul older folks and veterans.

Don G.

[Darryl L]

Hi chaps,

Thanks for the replies.

Steve - I'd have to say I do like the one with the garbage can as well!

Don - the rear door aspect does make sense. All the halftracks  I have seen in Australia seem to be Whites.  I'm not aware of anyone in this part of the pacific who has parts so I'd still need to source parts from the US or The Netherlands/Belgium.

I have been talking to a person who has an International Halftrack without rear armour for sale.  Is there anyone actually doing repro International armour though? 

[spec4don]

Darryl, I haven't heard of anyone but I'm not that in touch. The M3 I started with was best halftrack I could afford at the time and it was in my area. I was told at one time to buy the most complete halftrack track you can afford. I was pretty naïve when  I started. My piece of wisdom on halftracks is you can bleed fast or you bleed slow either way your going to bleed

Don G.

[Darryl L]

Hi Don,

You are supposed to motivate me, not put me off!   LOL. That is good advice though and it makes sense. I'll keep looking.

[andy]

Dons right, took me 3 years to bleed lol

Darryl, I haven't heard of anyone but I'm not that in touch. The M3 I started with was best halftrack I could afford at the time and it was in my area. I was told at one time to buy the most complete halftrack track you can afford. I was pretty naïve when  I started. My piece of wisdom on halftracks is you can bleed fast or you bleed slow either way your going to bleed

Don G.

[scotty71]

If you keen on a International halftrack, you could try to get info from this company who are currently in the process of restoring an M5 international, they may be able to point you in the right direction for parts or advice.

http://www.baiv.nl/

If you want to go for a white model halftrack I know of a few that are for sale both in the US and Europe. I don't know what your budget is, but the more complete vehicle that you can get the better.

As most people have learnt, a halftrack can be one of the more expensive vehicles to restore. ( I know!!!  )

Scott.

[Darryl L]

Hi Andy and Scott,

Thanks for the replies. 

Scott - I'd be interested in any leads you've got on the White projects please.

I was actually at the BAIV workshop in June during a visit to Europe so I will give them a try.  From what I've seen the parts situation for White etc is better than the Internationals.  I visited a number of resellers in the Netherlands and in Belgium and picked up some White scout car bits while I was there.  I was staggered to see just how much in the way of NOS halftrack and other parts is still available with a number having large warehouses full of NOS parts. 

[scotty71]

Here are a few vehicles for sale at the moment, would check with the sellers if they are still available. Like I said I don't know how much you are willing to spend.

US - http://www.armyjeeps.net/pettibonehalftrack/halftrack.htm
     - http://www.armyjeeps.net/M2halftrack1120/M2halftrack.htm
     - http://www.armyjeeps.net/M3halftrack0828X/M3-A1.htm
     - http://www.midwestmilitary.net/RHhalftracksale.html
     
UK - http://www.milweb.net/webvert/74403
     
France - http://www.milweb.net/classifieds/large_image.php?ad=74535&cat=1
          - http://www.milweb.net/webvert/74041
         

I would also put out a halftrack project wanted request on either this forum or G503 as I am sure someone might have a vehicle that they are wanting to sell.

[Darryl L]

Hi Scott,

Wow, you are keeping your ear to the ground on projects.  I was aware of some of these but not all so many thanks for the leads.  I will check these out in more detail over the next couple of days.

[steve-0]

here is part of a halftrack near you.
http://militarianz.freeforums.org/old-wrecks-t2406.html

[Darryl L]

Hi Steve,

Yes,  I have seen that as well. From what I understand there isn't much more to it than what is in the picture. I think I will need to start with a little more!

I am aware of a few projects in Europe which need total restoration but which have chassis,  engine (not runners) and some armour. Looking now at what I've got to spend I think that sort of project  is what I'll be aiming for.

 I'm not bothered if it takes 5 to 10 years to complete. I've been working on the scout car for 4 years and still have probably a year to go so the time aspect isn't a concern for me. The satisfaction of completing little parts of the jigsaw puzzle and then see it coming together is what I enjoy.

In terms of iconic vehicles the half track is hard to beat; thus,  the appeal there.

[scotty71]

Darryl,

There is an international M9A1 for sale on ebay at the moment that may be of interest.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/M9A1-1942-International-Halftrack-/181558324609?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a45b82d81&item=181558324609&pt=Military_Vehicles

[Darryl L]

Hi Scott,

Ah, yes. Thanks for that. I saw that one the last time it was on Ebay. I am not sure about International Halftrack armour reproduction though.   Does anyone know of anyone who does it?  I have emailed BAIV in The Netherlands but have yet to get a reply from them. 

I spoke to a person in England who is selling an International with no back armour as well.  I asked him about repro armour over there for the Internationals and have also yet to hear back.

Maybe the Whites etc maybe a safer bet if the halftrack is missing armour?