M3A1 Resto

[TimG102]

I would like to introduce myself and my new project. I have purchased an Autocar M15A1 that I am planning on restoring it into an M3A1. The frame number is 1441; engine 160AX-49644. It was converted to an  M16A1 in 5-53 with an engine rebuild in 5-55. The cab and track armor is mostly complete, and the drive train is complete.  I have learned that the hood number is supposed to be 40150158. I have always been impressed with these vehicles and now finally I get to enjoy the headaches that other track owners get to experience.

[Monkeypirate]

Welcome to the party! Looks like you have an excellent start with that track! Now is a good time to be building. Since Steve-O created this site there is a lot more info and reproduction parts available. Good luck and have fun!

[prestone]

Welcome Tim

"Rendez-vous" with fun, surprise and luck 

Prestone

[emptyhead]

Welcome to the club

[spec4don]

Hi Tim, looks like you have good start there. Some words of wisdom: Try to find a half truck buddy to help (although looks like you have one already) Get a good set of manuals either on CD or reproduction to keep in the shop. Look at the restoration threads on the forum as there are lots of good pictures that can help visualize how things come apart or go back together. Sometimes you need to just walk away! If it starts to look too overwhelming just remember: The only way to eat an elephant is ONE bite at a time. A big project is just a bunch of small projects!! Above all keep the Boss happy and on your side!!

That being said the halftrack is one of the coolest vehicles in the world and really stands out in a crowd!!

Don G,

[yd328]

That looks like a great project. Welcome to the club. There is a lot of good help on the forum here. Keep us posted.

Gary

[TimG102]

Here are a couple shots of the engine coming apart. At this point we got the block stripped and ready to take to the engine shop to be gone through. It was all ready bored .040 over when it was rebuilt in 55. I see pistons and bearings listed often, but what are the going prices for a new crank and cam? Do most people rebuild the hyd lifters or just give them a good cleaning?

[steve1973]

Welcome Tim!!
Looks like you have a great project their. I realy like your engine stand. Do you have plans? I'm in the process of rebuilding two engines myself. Keep the restoration photos coming.

Steve A.

[yd328]

Ditto on the engine stand. I cleaned my lifters as I didn't have much luck finding new ones, the engine builder felt they would be good.

Gary

[big44maghunter]

That stand does look great.  I like the ability to spin the engine over easily.  Please post as much info as you can on your engine rebuild.  I have a M3 resto project that I will be working on and need to do some level of tear down and rebuild of the engine. 
Thanks,

Brad

[steve-0]

i think as long as the hyd lifter face isn't worn you would be ok just cleaning them up and reinstalling them. thats what i do.
nos crankshafts are available but i think cams are a little harder to find.

i have nos crankshaft $250
reconditioned heads $100

[HenryVIII]

I got a NOS cam from Dave Yamula in April 2013. It was still wrapped in the cosmoline, 1950's production. worked great I think it was about $100 

www.militaryvehiclesupply.com

Henry

[TimG102]

The idea of the engine stand came from TM 9-1711. There were a couple views that I used to get the scale of it. The materials that I used were mostly stuff that I had around the shop.  The pivot point is 6” OD x 3” ID x 2” thick. Using the stand was a huge help in pulling the engine apart. I want to add some more ideas to it and figure it will be a good place to store the engine while I am working on the frame.

Bottom 4” C-channel x 4’
Uprights 2” x 3” box tubing x 3’
Engine mounts L - 3/8” x 3” x 3” x 4’

Tim

[TimG102]

I was able to get the cab pulled off this week. One step closer to having the frame sandblasted. I am hoping to get the tracks pulled in the next week or two.

[spec4don]

Looking Good Tim, Having been through all this before I appreciate the work. I'm sure your doing it but take lots of picture of assemblies as they come off and apart. bag and label everything. Sure helps when your putting it back together. (yeah, I missed that step on a couple of items ) If your going tear down your boogies, check the thread on my restoration. Steve has a picture of a tool he made for cleaning out the threads on the crab for collapsing the volute springs.

Don G.