M998 to GMV-ish conversion

[Jonesy]

So in my ongoing conversion, I have recently added a gun turret to my soft top M998.

We used an MG3 rig, that we slimmed down. ( German engineering is nice, but ridden with superfluous features. )

We utilized the existing B Pillar and added bracing supports to the windshield, and C Pillar. The result is more solid than the original configuration, which was a nice surprise.

We spun the M6 pedestal around so that the rear gunner and the turret won't overlap each other, and are in the process of fabricating the GMV side rails, and some swing away arms for the VC and waist gunners.

Below are pictures of the ring install. I'll add more as the rails, swing arms, and paint go in/on. We're also fabricating a new top out of 1000d Cordura that will fit OVER the ring for travel, in Multicam Tropic.

 

[Action]

See those slots in the windshield frame about 4" - 5" long. That is where the original had a reinforcement plate pushed in for the turret mount to bolt to. Did you put anything inside your windshield frame to reinforce the bolts?

 

[BLK HMMWV]

I'm guessing no since I don't even see bolts . But I'm also guessing he won't be using it for anything like a M2 either.
Don't pop his BUBBA.

 

[Action]

If you had the hatch, that would be kinda cool with a 4-man softtop on with the turret in it....

 

[Jonesy]

We actually did re-enforce the windshield mounts, with steel plates behind and in front of the grade 8 bolts, and then rubber shock absorbers between the plates and the windshield frame, for vibration dampening. The bolts are on the underside.

We'll be mounting 240s up there- and occasionally shooting a barrett off it when we're feeling saucy.

The top we're fabricating will have a zip off "hatch," so we can retain the soft top appeal.

 

[Action]

rubber shock absorbers are useless on the windshield frame, because the bolts are against the two pieces of metal.
I'd have to be feeling saucy with that c-pillar holding up the back side.
I wouldn't want to be anywhere near that when firing big guns up there. Be safe.
At least there is some no-slip tape on the tunnel top.

 

[Jonesy]

The rubber is there for the potential rattle of the plates. And it fits the bill.

Fear not about the C pillar. It's not holding anything up. The stabilizer bar is just there to keep it from swinging freely while the soft top/door bars aren't on. And it's being replaced with a tubular frame next week when the bed rails go in. (Hopefully)

 

[Welshp30]

How did the final project turn out

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