Looking for info on a new project

[SpencerB]

Greetings,

I run a US Naval Sea Cadet Unit (Youth group for ages 10-18) at Camp Parks (Dublin California).  We started a training program for our cadets in vehicle restoration a year ago to provide them some "hands on" skills with tools. (The People's Republic of California has pretty much done away with auto shop, metal shop, etc. in the high schools).  Starting with an abandoned M151A1 and M37, we have taken them from "this is a screwdriver and this is a wrench" to where they are welding in new body parts and rebuilding engines.  So far we are up to two M151A1s, a M38 and a M37.

Working in conjunction with the local museum, these vehicles will be on display and utilized at parades and such.

As our reputation has become established, we are being requested to work on other vehicles, which bring us to today.  On Christmas Eve (great XMAS present!), we received a halftrack for restoration.  I have attached a copy of pictures.  It is fairly well intact, but I have a copy of questions which I was hoping the folks here could answer for me:

Any idea of how to pinpoint the model?? (Data plate is missing)

There is a cutout hole in the right rear armor.  It is not factory and not sure why it is there.  I have been told that it was retrofitted with a smoke generator.  Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Spencer

[R.E.Co.]

Thanks for what you do! We need more vocational style programs in the country.

First, check the serial number.  It is located on the front, driver side frame to the rear of the wheel towards the top.  IT should  be a numerical number there. Sometimes when they get converted they list the variation as well.

From looks, it appears you have an M3A1 (10 inch longer frame than an M2 and has a pulpit for the .50 cal machine gun).  Looks very complete.

Jon

[steve1973]

From the looks of the halftrack you have an M3A1 halftrack. If you look behind the driver's side front tire near the shock on the frame is a stamped number. This will tell you what you have and who made it. you can then compare it to the growing list on the G503 site. Here is the link: https://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=84473. Be sure to give the stamped number and any info you have on it to Kevin Lockwood and he will add it to the list.

Steve A.

I sent you an email.

[Tapper02]

Spencer,
  Welcome to the site!  And thank you for working with our youth.....huge kudos!

  Looks like you have a great project...and that hole definitely makes the track interesting.  I don't recall any pics of halftracks with smoke generators but will scrub my books again just in case.

  Would love to see some pics of the interior...that would help determine what ancillary purposes it had besides moving an infantry squad.

  There is a pretty large contingent of halftrack owners in the Bay Area that should be able to help you in person if your questions can't get answered here.  Steve A. also provided a link to another MV forum, the G503...started mainly as a WWII jeep site but it has expanded greatly.  You will find most halftrackinfo.com users on there as well, in addition to a plethora of other enthusiasts.

  Please post your progress as you and your cadets begin the restoration...we're all eager to follow it and will undoubtedly become very jealous at the manpower you're able to throw at it!   

-Tom

[spillmk1]

A really great project all around.
I applaud your work with young people.

You'll find this site is an amazing source of information and encouragement.
Your half track will be a great mechanical/historical teaching tool....
and will also carry a side benefit of teaching much patience.

Have fun!!!
Keith

[bharr]

Yes, a great job enlightening the youth of today with basic skills.  Be sure and help them increase their colorful vocabulary as they bust some knuckles and lose skin off of various body parts, lol.

[R.E.Co.]

Yes, a great job enlightening the youth of today with basic skills.  Be sure and help them increase their colorful vocabulary as they bust some knuckles and lose skin off of various body parts, lol.

We have a thread for that! Sad but true.

Jon

[Hammerhead]

Spencer,
 I too want to compliment you on your work with those young people!  What a blessing for them to have access to such interesting work.  You probably do already, but I just ask you to make it clear to those young people that these Military Vehicles represent those that fought, bled and died for all of us.  Men that rode this very vehicle could have paid the ultimate price.

As far as the Halftrack, what an incredible example!  It is remarkably complete to a degree one seldom sees.  Most of us on this site started with much rougher, incomplete Tracks!!  The more complete a vehicle is at the start the infinitely easier the project.  Once complete it will be breathtaking to all who see it.  Any questions you have I believe you will find tons of good advice on this site!  We are all here to help!  Great project and fantastic program.

Welcome to this site!