My M3 Halftrack

[battlecr]

After 4 years got the rear armor on and now I'm down to the detail stuff. Here is a video my buddy made after we buttoned up the back! Took her out and stretched her legs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srli7kQbu1k&feature=youtu.be


Enjoy Don G.

 

[Another Ahab]

I expected "clanking", but no clanking. Smooth running. Looking good:

- The radiator louvers, I'm guessing manually operated from the cab, right?

 

[battlecr]

I expected "clanking", but no clanking. Smooth running. Looking good:

- The radiator louvers, I'm guessing manually operated from the cab, right?

Correct there is a lever in front of the Passenger seat.

Don G.

 

[zout]

Went back to the beginning Don - Pic #1 posted up - fantastic job and it looks great. Hope your proud of yourself because that is very nice work.

 

[m1010plowboy]

Wondered what it would take to get me to sit for 6 minutes and watch an entire video.

That was it. My first ride in a half-track, thanks Don.

 

[M215]

Hey Don,
I bet that felt good after all your hard work, congratulations.
Karl

 

[Artisan]

Ditto all the Good Jobs! You should be very proud of what you have accomplished.

 

[srodocker]

Defiantly need to bring that up to the rally in july. top notch work!

 

[battlecr]

Finished putting on the fenders put some bumper numbers on, it looks like a halftrackHeading down to Tower Park/ Camp Delta with it next week!

Don G.

 

[Another Ahab]

 

[battlecr]

Well took Zelda in her first parade, Rhody Days in Florence Oregon. What a blast!

Don G.

 

[m1010plowboy]

Look at all the accessories she wears man.

It was great watching this from the start to first parade and those earrings and high heels set Zelda apart from the rest.

What is it like shifting on the move with the ancient transmission? Thanks again for the pics, that's one attractive lady.

 

[battlecr]

Look at all the accessories she wears man.

It was great watching this from the start to first parade and those earrings and high heels set Zelda apart from the rest.

What is it like shifting on the move with the ancient transmission? Thanks again for the pics, that's one attractive lady.

Thanks, it has been an experience, now comes the fun part adding the bling! It has taken me a while to remember how to double clutch again.

Don G.

 

[vettes]

Hey don for us guys who haven't driven a halftrack yet, give us some pointers on the double clutching

 

[battlecr]

Well like ususal I've had a few setbacks and some minor glitches. Had some head bolts work loose and had to install another head gasket. But also got another major project out of the way. Got my perimeter rail fabbed up will install it tonight and get her loaded on the trailer for the 4th of July parade!

Don g.

 

[battlecr]

Had Zelda out on the trail this weekend at our annual club meet!

Don G.

 

[battlecr]

Halleluiah, just got my title for my halftrack, Thank you Oregon DMV! Now get my plates and I'm road legal! I'm happy man! Don G

 

[battlecr]

Well it was time to replace the rear wheel cylinders. Tore the left side down first. Got it back together yesterday, my buddy helped me put the track on, not too bad. Also put a new sprocket on, outside idler half and adjusted the turn buckle. Took it and ran it and it ran really smooth.

Now on to the right side and she'll be ready to head out on the road!

Don G.

 

[m1010plowboy]

So you left some of the mechanical to do after you painted it all up. Did the same thing with the M135 and although it seems like we're doing things backwards, it sure is nice twisting on something so clean.

Any and all of the detailed pictures of the work you've done is greatly appreciated. My niece wants a half-track so I know I'll get the chance one day.

Just curious, how many hours have you got into Zelda?

 

[battlecr]

Well I hadn't intended on leaving that but when the wheel cylinders failed,(which I honed out and rebuilt by the way) I wonder if the kit was old and the rubber was bad. Not sure why? Had to get it fixed. but it allowed me to up grade some track componets. Learning more as I drive the machine.

As far as hours yikes I can tell you how many years in October will be 5 years since the halftrack arrived at my place. It was hard to keep track of a 1/2 there 20 min's there. I know I got home alot of nights at 10 or 10:30 as my track was at a friends shop. There were some times I'd take a break and wouldn't be out there for 1 to 2 weeks. Seams like the boss thought I should spend some time with the family, go figure! It was like costs, I have a rough idea but I just resigned my self to the fact I just didn't want to know, sometimes ignorence is bliss! It was a passion from the start and I built it to drive and use this will NOT be a trailer queen, (untill the tracks give out)

Don G.