M2A1 Restoration

[steve1973]

Tom,
How is your progress? Did you get the engine started yet?

Steve A.

[RocnTJ]

Today will hopefully be engine startup day.   Keep your fingers crossed.

Tom

[spec4don]

Did she start??? Hope she did Tom!

Don G.

[RocnTJ]

It started and ran briefly.   I have a fuel delivery problem that requires some more parts.   Hopefully tomorrow I will have better luck.

Tom

[RocnTJ]

Well its been a while since I posted on progress but considerable progress has been made.     My latest project was fabricating a set of spare headlight holders.   I am happy with the result.













I cut and bent enough pieces to make another set if anyone is interested.  The main pieces were relatively easy to fabricate, however, the little spring clips that hold the light on the square tube were time consuming.  I used an original light holder from an M3 as a template.   

[RocnTJ]

Here are some shots you may all enjoy.    They are from the Littlefield auction last summer.    Definitely one of the highlights of my year.   Not often that you get a chance to sit in a Panzer Tank and a big German Halftrack.









That German halftrack was massive.   Much larger than my little M2A1.   It even made the tanks look small.     

[spec4don]

Hi Tom . looking good, I would be interested in the light holders. Wish I could have made the auction

Don G.

[RocnTJ]

Made some more progress on detailing the halftrack.    Made some fuel line guards thanks to Steve A. for providing a template.





I made some extras if anyone is interested let me know.   They were easy to make so I made several extra sets.





I made the 3/4" angle pieces that hold the seat cushions in place.

   



And I made the rectangular steel piece that mounts to the front floor and serves no apparent purpose - thanks again to measurements provided by Steve A.





Last but not least ran the antenna cable into the radio chest.   



Nothing exciting but just working on getting details finished up.   Upcoming projects include installing a new carburetor, installing the coil box, putting new bumpers on the hood latches, and running the power cables from the battery to radio power distribution box under the rear bench seat.   Will have some pictures of these upgrades soon.

[autocar925]

What are you using for your hood latch bumpers?

[Tom @ Snake River]

I had that channel looking piece on mine by the gear shift.   I thought it was incorrect.  So I mounted it to the bottom of the plate.   

[RocnTJ]

What are you using for your hood latch bumpers?

I am trying 1" leather discs to see how they work.   I used a slotted screw to hold them on for now until I figure out how to get a rivet installed.   They don't look too bad.

[RocnTJ]

Took some photos in the yard to send to the insurance company.    Starting to look like a real halftrack now.

[Tapper02]

She's lookin' great Tom!  Bringing her to Tower Park this year?

-Tom

[autocar925]

My track was a BM rebuild.  The leather hood pads were held on by brass rivets like the hood welting uses. I won't be near my track for another week, but I could get photos if you wanted or you could check them out at tower park.  Hope you bring your track so mine isn't lonely.

[RocnTJ]

Hey Tom, That is the plan.  I need a few things to come together between now and then.   But if they do I will have her there.    No more clanking in the tracks like last year.  I took her out for a cruise today and everything seems to be working good.  I am looking forward to seeing you at Tower Park.

Tom