Considering a model conversion.

[kw573]

Hi,

I am the happy owner of a 1/2 restored M2A1 White 1/2 track. However, I'm not happy enough.

About 5 years ago I was able to buy a 1/2 track, but I didn't do enough homework before buying. The buying process was, for me, stressful and very expensive, included international shipping, but I now have a very nice vehicle which starts, runs, and drives. Since then, I have realized that my 1/2 track is not a best fit for me. I want an M3/M3A1, mainly for the rear door access. Also, as a user, not just restorer, I want a Cummins powered vehicle.
But I hesitate at gutting the beautiful and complete engine bay.

Then, I was offered a restored bare M3 winch chassis. Hmmm. So, not being knowledgeable about 1/2 tracks, I have questions, doing more homework this time before I commit!!

Q.1. Can I swap all the mechanicals (except the engine, but including the front winch) from an M2A1 winch chassis to and M3/M3A1 winch chassis? The only problem I can see is that the rear idler brace is quite different. What am I missing?

Q.2. Can I swap all the bodywork including and forward of the drivers compartment? How much of this bodywork is the same as the scout cars?

Q.3. Other than being a bit longer, is the rear floor the same between these models? If they differ, how? This is important as if they are very similar, I can use the M2A1 rear floor as a pattern to build an M3A1 floor.

Q.4. As I am in Australia, I need to consider the sale of the "left overs" from this conversion, mainly a good chassis, excellent engine, most of the rear bodywork and a bare winch. Knowing that this is a niche market, I'd still like some feedback on the market to absorb the excess parts.

I may have more specific questions later, but this is a start.

Thanks in advance.
Sam.

[mfrance]

regarding questions , can add a rear door to make m4 version..
if your going to do swap for m3   everything in the running gear is same  assuming you already have the rear idler wheel on your m3 frame.
 if bare frame m3 then yes you will need to find rear turn buckles
 for cab forward everything same from door pillar forward including cab floor
rear are only fuel tanks with covers ,lights and trailer socket are re useable. 
floor/seat pans and main cross member are different
obviously the armor wall lay out for rear is different
wiring harness for rear is different
some of the basic to think about

[WayOffTrack]

Hi,

I am the happy owner of a 1/2 restored M2A1 White 1/2 track. However, I'm not happy enough.

About 5 years ago I was able to buy a 1/2 track, but I didn't do enough homework before buying. The buying process was, for me, stressful and very expensive, included international shipping, but I now have a very nice vehicle which starts, runs, and drives. Since then, I have realized that my 1/2 track is not a best fit for me. I want an M3/M3A1, mainly for the rear door access. Also, as a user, not just restorer, I want a Cummins powered vehicle.
But I hesitate at gutting the beautiful and complete engine bay.

Then, I was offered a restored bare M3 winch chassis. Hmmm. So, not being knowledgeable about 1/2 tracks, I have questions, doing more homework this time before I commit!!

Q.1. Can I swap all the mechanicals (except the engine, but including the front winch) from an M2A1 winch chassis to and M3/M3A1 winch chassis? The only problem I can see is that the rear idler brace is quite different. What am I missing?

Q.2. Can I swap all the bodywork including and forward of the drivers compartment? How much of this bodywork is the same as the scout cars?

Q.3. Other than being a bit longer, is the rear floor the same between these models? If they differ, how? This is important as if they are very similar, I can use the M2A1 rear floor as a pattern to build an M3A1 floor.

Q.4. As I am in Australia, I need to consider the sale of the "left overs" from this conversion, mainly a good chassis, excellent engine, most of the rear bodywork and a bare winch. Knowing that this is a niche market, I'd still like some feedback on the market to absorb the excess parts.

I may have more specific questions later, but this is a start.

Thanks in advance.
Sam.

Q.1. Yes the mechanicals are identical, so is the wheelbase the M2 frame is just slightly shorter in the rear than the M3.

Q.2. Yes the cabs are identical except for small upgrades to dash such as starter switch position change. Almost nothing is the same as scout car except gauges, hinges, glass windshield frames, shifter knobs, fire extinguisher bracket, glove box door and lock. No scoutcar sheetmetal is the the same the front seats are different but will interchange since they are very similar.

Q.3. Rear floors are quite a bit different but share some features like the floor storage bins with the aisle down the middle and storage under the rear seat lids.

Q.4 Can't comment on the spares market down there have no knowledge but my impression is half-track parts are scarce in AU. Good luck with your project I wish one of mine had a diesel in it along with power steering.