New guy

[big44maghunter]

Hello,
I’m new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Brad and I’m from Michigan.  I am a collector of all things interesting with my main interests being militaria and guns. 

Never owned any military vehicles but would like to.  I’ve been looking through the site and decided to join because I have been seriously debating purchase of a project Halftrack. 

I called Gary about one of the tracks he has listed, but I guess I’m looking for some help understanding what the value of a project halftrack is?  I know the real cost is in the restoration, but what do you guys think a project track that needs total resto, engine not running, no rear steel, older worn tracks etc?  The price is $6500 + shipping.  He is relatively close to me so that’s good.  Any info or comments are appreciated.

Thanks,
Brad – Big44maghunter

[steve-0]

welcome to the group

some things to check for on a resto project are
cracks in the frame in front of the rear diff.
the east coast halftracks seem to have more rust damage sometimes
bent frames are common if something big was mounted on it.

i assume its the first one on the list at his site. its hard to tell how bad the rust is on this one from the pics.

[big44maghunter]

Yep, the first one is the one I'm looking at.  I need to get some more pictures and info on it.  Thanks for the info Steve-o

[spec4don]

Brad, I can tell what I've learned. It has been stated by others here and on the "G" Start with the best halftrack you can afford.  With halftracks you can either bleed slow or you can bleed fast either way your going to bleed As Steve said make sure you have a good frame. Look through both forums because someone as probably been there done that!

Read Hunnicutt's book on halftracks so you know what model your looking for and the differences. I know FrankUSMC on this list has one for sell (I think still).  There is pretty decent HT for sell on ebay right now that would be an easy restoration.

If your really serious start looking for tracks right now.  The supply here in the US has dried up. Also read through some of the threads of the restorations that people are doing it will give you an idea what is involved.

That being said they are wonderful machines and are worth saving and restoring, it is a labor of love, sweat, blood and tears!  I'm 3 years in to mine and it's been an adventure. I couldn't of done it with out the folks I've met on line here and the "G" who have been ever so helpful. Especially my buddy Steve who's shop we are working in on mine and his M2.

If you want some good reading check this out and you can see how alot of us got started in this:


http://g503.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=175104&hilit=addiction

So hope you find one and join the madness!

Don G.

[big44maghunter]

Thanks Don,  Lots of good info here and on the g.  I had read that thread already and most all the info I could find on google search for halftracks!  That m15 on ebay would be awesome, but I think it will go for more than I am able to invest right now. I am going to keep an eye on it though you never know.

Thanks,
Brad

[Outsider]

Brad, Where are you at in Michigan? There are 4 halftracks based on the west side of the state that I know of, and about 6 on the east side. Best thing to do is get in touch with a HT owner in your area and go look at their HT and pick there brain about the ins and outs of HT's.

Steve
On the west side of Michigan.

[big44maghunter]

Steve,  I'm on the East side.  Northern Monroe county.  Would love to talk to some local guys about their tracks.

Brad

[Dinadin]

Welcome, that M15A1 that is for sale on Ebay now use to be mine.  I sold it after getting my current, more complete one.  If you have any questions about it feel free to ask.  Outsider is a good person to talk to about halftracks, especially if you two are close.

[Outsider]

I'm 15 miles south of Grand Rapids. There is a M2 by you that is getting close to being done, and there is an m3 that is waiting to be restored(the owner just sold his restored HT). PM me your info and I will try and get you in touch with them, or you can drive over here some saturday and take a look at mine. It would probably be about 2 - 2 1/2 hr drive here from your place.

Steve
231-206-2937