Gun Truck armor info... - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

Yohan · 12-20-2009, 16:46

What have you guys used, or what would anyone suggest be used, as the "armor" on an M35A2 gun truck I'm planning on building? One suggestion in an old MV magazine I have is Masonite reiforced with ripped 2x4's. This is more like "Hollywood Armor". The weight savings over steel would be nice, but it wouldn't look very authentic under close scrutiny. Has anyone used 1/8" steel plate? I'm leaning towards using steel plate, but don't plan on it being "bullet proof", so lighter is better. Then I have to consider mounting three M2HB's, one on each of three sides. Were bulk-head pintle mounts used or pedestal mounts? I'm guessing anything that could be made to work...

Also, has anyone built one in such a way that the armor can be removed or is it a "permenant" weld or tac-weld job?

Next Q: How would one hang the armor on the driver and passenger doors? On the real deals in Viet Nam, did the doors actually open after armor was attached or did the driver climb over the back of the cab and bed?

I guess I'm thinking out loud, but any info would really be appreciated!

John

Stalwart · 12-20-2009, 17:40

How about 1/4" aluminum, look robust but still light and easy to cut.

jwaller · 12-20-2009, 17:45

google images is your friend. many pics of them can be found.

Nonotagain · 12-20-2009, 17:56

If you use 22 gauge steel sheet it can be formed using a aluminum sheet metal brake. You can wrap 3/8" plywood to make it look as if the metal was a solid sheet.

Driver523 · 12-20-2009, 18:00

Yohan, The doors still opened, and I think a box could be built that with a lift could be taken out, and all radio stuff unpluged----The thinest I have seen in sheet steel is 1/4" and you must brace it big time against all the flex from road conditions, Most the outside door armor on the replicas can be removed for getting down the road and is aluminum as with the windshield armor with the vision blocks, just kinda made to look real but lays down for the road---------Driver

Yohan · 12-20-2009, 19:47

Thank you for all the ideas. I like the idea of aluminum and building a box that can be lifted out. The article I have suggests using U-bolts to hang the armor so it can be removed. I guess I have to plan on either plates or a box. Lots of research left to do... Thanks again all!

Driver523 · 12-20-2009, 20:15

There's alot of different ways to do it Yohan----Do what feels good for ya and it will be a hit---no sweat-----Driver

jatonka · 12-20-2009, 22:21

Aces & Eights is 1/4 inch steel on all of it. mounted 2 30 cal guns on bulkhead pintles and the 50 cal on a pedestal. now have 2 swing mounts for 2 more 30s. One of these swing mounts is said to have come off "Eve of Destruction", I don't know this is fact but it is what the seller told me. If true, I am extremely proud to have it, now I just need 2 M60s to finish it out for the gathering at Carlisle, PA summer of 2010. JT out

mdlbldrmatt135 · 12-20-2009, 22:27

Yohan,

I have several books on Guntrucks... the one from Squadron/Signal along with the two by James Lyles. If there's anything I may be able to do send me a PM

Yohan · 12-21-2009, 00:03

Thanks gents! I found this link in a search. Dave Coward is someone I consider a friend and was in on the truck planning and build... MTA Gun Truck Restoration

I looked for the Hard Ride (or Road) at B & IGnoble's, but got the name wrong and she couldn't find it. I have to gather some more intel for sure. I called on some steel plate tonight and will have a price in the am. baby steps...