Hello SS,
This week marks a turning point in the 2.5 year old halftrack project, actually starting to put it back together!
The newly sand blasted and primed frame re-entered the barn to be positioned on blocking over the rebuilt front axle, jack-shaft and bogie support bracket.
At this point things should come together quickly, all the big stuff is finished, motor, trans / transfer rebuilt, rear suspension parts, new bogies and new tracks ready to go. The goal is to have a rolling running chassis by summer.
WooHoo!
Karl
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1943 White M2A1 Halftrack w / winch
1953 GMC XM215 w / winch
1953 GMC M221 w / o winch
1970 Kaiser Jeep XM813 w / winch
2-M151 (projects)
2- M105 trailers
M146 trailer
Looks good but now we need to see more so get to work!!!
But don't rush anything I wan't it to look good. LOL
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ANDREW.
42 GMC ANTI AIRCRAFT SERCHLIGHT TRUCK
53 GMC M215 CDN DUMP. (SOLD)
54 GMC M207 CDN SHOP VAN BODY/ parts truck (SOLD)
and some how back in my motor pool??
71 M35A2 WHISTLER TURBO WO/W
Thank you to combst32 for the cargo bows you sent me!
Looking really good! Can I ask why you cut all those rivets to remove the bogie and rear axle?
The bogie support bracket and rear drive (jack-shaft) are originally bolted to the frame. I did have to replace 3 of the 5 frame cross members that were riveted in. They were reinstalled with bolts.
I ended up acquiring a replacement frame and bogie support bracket, the drive train parts are from the original halftrack.
On the original frame, the rear idle return sprocket axle / spindles were very worn as well as the hubs. Replacement axle / spindles are one of halftrack parts that are very hard to find or even replace. While trying to find replacements an entire frame became available with excellent spindles. The new frame is from a very early halftrack, originally assembled without springs on the rear idlers. At some point it was converted to the single spring type, I have converted it to the late style double spring type. The serial number is unreadable.
The bogie support bracket has 16 wear points, the originals were worn out. The replacement (very heavy) had all excellent wear points.
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1943 White M2A1 Halftrack w / winch
1953 GMC XM215 w / winch
1953 GMC M221 w / o winch
1970 Kaiser Jeep XM813 w / winch
2-M151 (projects)
2- M105 trailers
M146 trailer
Super. I wish I had the skills, abilities, and equipment to do this kind of work. Can't wait to see it come summer.
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If you got VIN info, I'm asking for any donations made to be sent to the GENE VANCE FOUNDATION FOR CATASTROPHICALLY WOUNDED VETERANS and mention in the donation form it is part of the SteelSoldiers project. Here's the link:
Halftrack project UPDATE
Would someone pass the popcorn for those of us sitting on the sidelines admiring and artist at work?
